The Robert A. Mangano — named after the assistant police chief who died last November after 37 years of service — was christened by his widow, Bonnie.

An audience that included Mayor John M. Fabrizi, U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays and dozens of police officers from around the area, applauded as Bonnie Mangano struck a bottle of champagne across the vessel's gleaming bow.

"I knew how special my husband was to me but it is wonderful to see how special he was to all of you," Bonnie Mangano said as she stood before the new boat with her family. "We are all so pleased you have done this honor for my husband."

Derecktor Shipyard specially built the aluminum boat for the city through a $600,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Fabrizi gave Shays credit for securing the funding.

"This is a wonderful way to pay tribute to Assistant Chief Mangano," the mayor said. "His dedication and service to the city were an inspiration to those who served with him. "For the first time ever, Bridgeport's port will be protected by a new, state-of-the-art harbor patrol boat."

Shays, R-4, joked he may have a conflict of interest because his house borders Long Island Sound, where the boat will be patrolling. "Anyone who has any intentions to fool around with our coastline will be taking their chances with this boat around," he said.

The boat is powered by twin 275-horsepower motors and reaches 50 mph, said Gavin Higgins, operations director for Derecktor.

The shipbuilder is nationally known for constructing large ferryboats. Higgins said the Robert A. Mangano is the smallest boat Derecktor has ever made. But as a result, he added, it has opened a whole new line for the ship builder. They are now negotiating with New York and other states to make patrol boats.

Daniel Tepfer, who covers state courts and law enforcement issues, can be reached at 330-6308.