Hail to the chief: Norwood feted

By AARON LEO, ConnPost Staff writer
Article Launched: 10/22/2008 12:49:37 AM EDT

Hail to the chief: Norwood feted - Topix

BRIDGEPORT -- Former Police Chief Bryan T. Norwood was hailed Tuesday as an instrument of change who inspired and helped adults and children, improved the community and upgraded the department's technology into the 21st century.

About 20 people gathered in Miss Thelma's on Fairfield Avenue to salute Norwood, who resigned last week to become police chief of Richmond, Va., after 2 1/2 years in Bridgeport.

In that time, the department gained two classes of rookies, an Emergency Services Unit, a mobile command center, a fleet of new cruisers, all-terrain vehicles and a Neighborhood Enforcement Team, which specializes in quality-of-life issues.

But the city's budget crunch, a union contract that expired July 1, an order to cut overtime and the laying off of 15 police officers preceded Norwood's decision to leave earlier this month.

Speaking to the Connecticut Post for the first time since his departure was revealed, Norwood said at the dinner that the job in Virginia "is a great opportunity."

"This is a city that is roughly twice the size of Bridgeport," he said, adding that he wants to "expand my horizons in terms of my administrative abilities and be closer to my family."

"I think the city of Bridgeport is a great place with great potential," said Norwood, "I salute the men and women who work in the police department. They have my admiration and respect."

Norwood spoke after 15 people, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Felice Duffy, a state probation officer and several local and state legislators, praised him at the restaurant and presented gifts and plaques. The event was sponsored by the Greater Bridgeport branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

"I'm truly humbled about what took place here tonight," he told his supporters. "In the last few weeks, I feel like I haven't been appreciated. Tonight I feel truly appreciated."

He said he accomplished many of his goals in his tenure, and will miss Bridgeport. "I'll never forget it. This is my home."

Norwood was born in Bridgeport, and his father was a school administrator and his mother worked at General Electric. He later went to Masuk High School in Monroe when his family moved there.

He started in New Haven's police department and in 17 years advanced to assistant chief before being tapped for Bridgeport and becoming the city's youngest police chief at age 39.

Norwood's fans said Tuesday that the city didn't give him enough support.

"He's made such a great impact on our prosecutions," Duffy said. "He gets directly involved in everything."

Norwood asked his supporters to look after the Young Adult Board of Police Commissioners, which Norwood created to help city youth. "They want you to be part of their lives," he said.