But as the chief calls for two officers to be fired for allegedly drinking on the job, the gift-giving gesture may have some unintended irony, especially among those familiar with the coin's alcohol-drenched military heritage.

Challenge coins surfaced during the World War I era. The practice of carrying a coin designed specifically for a military unit was popular with Army special forces.

Carrying the coin at all times, and presenting it when challenged to prove affiliation with a particular unit, traditionally has had consequences, the most popular of which required the coinless soldier to buy a round of drinks.

"That practice continues to be popular today," according to a pamphlet distributed with the police-issued coins.

The drinking tradition associated with the coins comes to light as Norwood seeks to fire Officers Hugo Stern and Brian Parker. The two officers are named in a civilian complaint filed by Fairfield County Weekly Editor Tom Gogola, who claims he saw them drinking on duty at a Bridgeport bar in February.

The Police Department purchased more than 600 of the coins at a cost $1,900. The 3-inch medallions, bearing the Bridgeport Police Department's insignia on one side and a copy of the police badge on the other, come in a clear plastic pouch and include a small pamphlet explaining the coin's military heritage. Every member of the department, including Stern and Parker, was given a coin, although there is no evidence they used them the night they were allegedly seen drinking on duty.

A number of city police officers, who didn't want their names used for fear of retribution, said they consider the coins to be a waste of the department's money. And they questioned the appearance of a double standard. One said that after he got his coin, he tossed it on his bedroom dresser and hasn't picked it up since.

"This is absolutely ridiculous," Norwood said when asked about the coins. "These are mementos of the Bridgeport Police Department and it is that simple."

Norwood said he was not familiar with the drinking tradition when he decided to distribute the coins.

"I started giving them out at Christmas time as my way of showing my officers my appreciation for what they do," he explained. "It's just that simple, it's a piece of military tradition that is used by many law enforcement agencies and police departments."

Police union President Sean Ronan also defended the coins.

"I think it's a good thing, it builds camaraderie," he said. "I haven't had a drink in 15 years and I have a challenge coin. I think you can read into it anything you like, but I don't have a problem with it."

State Police Lt. Paul Vance said the State Police had medallions to celebrate the department's 100th anniversary, but most were given as gifts to visiting dignitaries.

"We don't have anything like that that troopers carry," he said.

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