BRIDGEPORT — More than 200 police officers — nearly half of the of the city's men and women in blue — turned out this afternoon to give a fellow officer, stricken with cancer, a chance to ride in one of the department's new Dodge Charger cruisers.

Officer Hector Melecio, who has an inoperable brain tumor, had a wish granted when he was given a ride in one of the new high-powered cruisers, escorted by about 20 other cruisers and an assortment of motorcycles and other law-enforcement vehicles. The motorcade through the city's downtown lasted about 20 minutes.

"It was very nice," Melecio said after it was over, choked up with tears when he saw the sea of blue in the parking lot of Police Department headquarters on Congress Street. Most of the officers were off-duty at the time.

"This was one of his wishes — he wanted to feel like a cop again," said Sgt. Melody Pribish, who drove the cruiser in which Melecio rode. "Hector wants to return to work and again serve the people of Bridgeport."

But Melecio faces significant hurdles before he can return to work.

After two brain surgeries, his cancer has returned and he now needs chemotherapy with a drug that his insurance won't pay for. To help out, Chief Bryan Norwood announced that Melecio's fellow cops will be able to help pay for his treatment — estimated to cost as much as $200,000 — by "donating a day" of their pay. "Without the chief's support and having him go to bat for us, this would never have happened," said Sgt. Steven Lougal. "He made all of this possible today."

Officer Jessie Pizarro graduated with Melecio in the Bridgeport Police Academy's 27th class in 1999. "He was a great officer — never late, always on time, and always fair and kind to the people of the city of Bridgeport," he said. "This makes it all the more difficult — he needs a lot of love and a lot of support."

"Here's a fellow who's had his second bout with brain cancer," said Mayor John M. Fabrizi after it was over. "There wasn't a dry eye in the parking lot. It just shows you the concern and love that these brothers and sisters in blue have for one of their own."

Department spokesman Lt. James Viadero said that donations to help pay for Melecio's chemotherapy can be made by sending a check, payable to the Bridgeport Police Credit Union, c/o Hector Melecio Fund, 3590 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06606.