The ceremony in the parking lot of Police Headquarters, 300 Congress St., marked the first time in history the city bought a whole auto fleet at once.

All of the black and white cruisers are equipped with laptop computers.

The cars are the second step in improving the department, said Police Chief Bryan T. Norwood.

"One of my first thoughts was to get state-of-the-art equipment," said Norwood, who became chief in April 2006.

He said the sporty cars would also be conversation pieces and help officers to interact more with the community.

"I expect you to be an ambassador to the community," he said.

Mayor John M. Fabrizi spoke after the department's Catholic chaplain, Deacon John Moranski, and the new chaplain, the Rev. David O. Miller, pastor of the New Hope Mission Baptist Church on Park Avenue, sprinkled holy water on the fleet.

"Today is truly a great day for the city of Bridgeport, its residents and its police officers," Fabrizi said. "Public safety has always been a priority of mine."

He added that he hopes to add GPS for navigation and a Geographical Information System (GIS) to the department's technological arsenal.

During the benediction, Miller called the acquisition of the cars "a glorious occasion" and also prayed for the officers' safety.

"We ask that you cover these vehicles with your grace and mercy," he said.

The department has taken large steps in two years in modernizing its equipment.

Since last year, the city has bought Tasers and is nearing completion of a renovation and technological upgrade of headquarters.

Each car cost about $40,000 with police upgrades, Norwood noted.

He credited Bridgeport-based Fleet Auto Supply, formerly Fair Auto Supply, with the installation of the police equipment in the cars.

William Chizmadia, the company's owner, said his crew worked long hours to outfit vehicles for the Fire Department and Police Department.

The company worked for 56 days to get the new police fleet prepared, Chizmadia said.

He said he bid about $500,000 for the police car job. He was chosen after a six-month interview process, he added.

The cars have a three-year warranty, Chizmadia said.

The Detective Bureau's Chargers are still being equipped, according to Norwood.

Norwood also credited department supervisors for their roles in securing the improvements. The old Ford Crown Victorias will be used as spares, he noted.

After the ceremony Wednesday, officers had little time to relish the purr of the 5.7-liter engines.

"The calls are backing up. Ladies and gentleman, start your engines. Let's get to work," Norwood said.

Aaron Leo, who covers regional issues, can be reached at 330-6222.