DoingItLocal

State Senator Ed Gomes (D-Bridgeport, Stratford) was honored by the Connecticut State Conference of the NAACP at a ceremony in Hartford earlier this month, and named one of the “100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut.”

“It is truly an honor to have been recognized by the NAACP, an association of leaders, as an influential member of Connecticut’s African American community. I admire so many people on this year’s list, and it is flattering to be counted among them. I will continue working in the year ahead to make a difference in the lives of African Americans, in the area of housing and on many other issues,” said Senator Gomes.

The ceremony was held in Hartford during the 46th NAACP State Convention on December 10th, which featured committee meetings, workshops for youth and adults and a health fair. Dick Gregory, an author, comedian and key figure in the civil rights movement, offered keynote remarks before presentation of the awards.

Senator Gomes served in the US Army from 1958-1963, before taking work as a laborer and member of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA). He was the first African American to serve as International Representative and the Civil Rights Coordinator for District 1 of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA), comprised of all the New England states. He was eventually elected as a vice president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO Executive Board.

Senator Gomes served on the Bridgeport City Council for a total of 13 years before winning the 23rd State Senate seat in a special election in November of 2005. He represents the communities of Bridgeport and Stratford, and serves as Senate Chair of the Housing Committee.

Other notable honorees from the Bridgeport area included:

• State Rep. Charles “Don” Clemons (D-Bridgeport)
• State Rep. Charlie L. Stallworth (D-Bridgeport)
• Kristin duBay Horton, Director of Health & Social Services for the City of Bridgeport
• Deborah Caviness Sr., Program Administrator for the City of Bridgeport
• Peter F. Hurst, Jr., President & CEO of The Community’s Bank
• Charles Tisdale, Executive Director of ABCD
• Actor Michael Jai White

Over the past two weeks the Fairfield Police Department received approximately 15 complaints
regarding the theft of packages from mailboxes and porches in the Southport section of town.
Most of the thefts occurred between 12/7/2011 and 12/10/2011.

Because the thefts involved holiday packages, and were ongoing in nature, they were given
a high priority, and were assigned to Detective Ed Nook of the Investigation Division, who
pursued the cases exclusively.

After conducting numerous witness interviews and surveillance operations Detective Nook
developed a suspect. On 12/16/2011, the Investigation Division executed a search warrant in the
Southport section of town and recovered some of the stolen merchandise.

An arrest in the case will be forthcoming, and the police department is confident that there will
be no further package thefts in the neighborhood.

10:49am–Bridgeport–Police and EMTs responded to 2260 Fairfield Avenue for a knife fight between a one year old and a four year old.  It was reported that the one year old was cut on the ear.  When I arrived after my ten minute drive there the police car was just pulling away.  The ambulance remained on scene for a few minutes longer and did not appear to have any patients on board.

Norwalk–Senator Bob Duff opened his home to constituents in celebration to the holidays. Guests were encouraged to bring toys and food that would be distributed to four charity groups. Norwalk’s Police Department’s Canine Department put on an impressive display and Santa made an appearance on Engine Four.

Shortly after 8:30pm firefighters were called to 116 Warner Hill Road for a report of smoke in the kitchen. When they arrived flames as high as 30 were shooting out of the first floor. They quickly advance hoses into the house and pushed the fire out to the garage where the most significant damage took place. There was heat and smoke damage on the second floor. All four adult occupants were evacuated and treated by AMR for smoke inhalation. There were no injuries to firefighters. Firefighters remained on scene past midnight checking for hotspots and overhauling. It is uncertain at this time what caused the fire.

The lights at Roseville Terrace are nothing short of spectacular.  A lot of hard work goes in to it and we got a special behind the scenes look at what it takes to make the magic happen.   There were many challenges faced through the year starting with all the snow we received back in January,  the decorations were buried as well as the thousands of lights.  To make matters worse Hurricane Irene damaged two storage sheds.  They were further delayed putting up the decorations due to the freak snowstorm the week before Halloween.  They were able to overcome all these obstacles and were able to “officially” light up on Thanksgiving Day.

If you live in Fairfield County as visit is a must.  If you drive by you are missing most of the experience, there is so much to see on the porch and backyard.  Admission is free.  The display is up through to New Years Day.  Roseville Terrace is located right off of Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield, CT.

Bridgeport–Two males entered the Cumberland farms gas station (2525 East Main street ) at approx 2025 hours on 12-9-11 and committed a robbery displaying a firearm the suspects fled the  store on foot towards East Main street.   Suspect with firearm is described as a black male approx. 5’4 black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. Second suspect is a light skin Hispanic or black male approx. 5’4 wearing sunglasses and white gloves with a green hooded sweatshirt blue jeans with purple gloves hanging out of pocket and white sneakers.

Bridgeport Police Detective Bureau is requesting the help of the Public in regards to the identity of these two individuals.   All information will be kept confidential.  Anyone with information to this incident can contact Det. James Borrico at 203-581-5294 or 203-581-5201.

With the Holiday forthcoming upon us, were requesting the general public to also be aware of their surroundings, and if they seeanything that appears to be suspicious or out of place to contact their local police department.

Shortly after 2am Saturday morning firefighters were called to 198 Pratt Street (Off Oldfield Rd.) for a fire, all occupants of the building had been evacuated and waiting across the street.  When the arrived they found heavy fire on the first floor and quickly went to work within minutes.  We arrived at the scene within ten minutes from the call and the fire was out and they were checking for extensions.  Assistant Fire Chief Scott Bisson told me that the mother and son were checked out by paramedics and did not require medical treatment.  They will spend the night with relatives.  Bisson said the investigation to the fires cause  has just begun and that  it is too early to speculate a cause.

1:10am–Initially called in as a brush fire at 628 Lindley Street, Ladder 12 rolled on to the scene, peering through the high fencing it appeared to be a structure fire and called in a full alarm.  After gaining entry to the property it was realized to be a  dumpster fire with no exposure to any buildings.  At 1:40am fire officials remain on scene with stubborn smoldering rubbish.

AOL’s local business, Patch, will lose at least $100 million this year and generate paltry revenues, according to documents we’ve obtained from a source.  Read full story…..