Keila Torres, Staff Writer
Published: 10:36 p.m., Friday, December 31, 2010
BRIDGEPORT -- When Sgt. Charles Paris became president of the police union last fall, he discovered 10-year-old plans to construct a police memorial in front of police headquarters on Congress Street.
With dreams of installing decorative lighting, commemorative bricks, a memorial statue and an "End of Watch" wall to honor their fallen brothers, the Bridgeport Police Union Local 1159 and city officials sought bids on the proposed work.
Their plans were nearly sidetracked once more, however, when estimates came in at $500,000, well above the $150,000 estimate the department had hoped for.
But, determined not to allow another 10 years to pass before their eight fallen brothers were honored, Paris and Officer Brian Pisanelli began organizing fundraisers.
Months later, the union has raised $25,000 toward their goal and is hoping to see the start of construction work by the spring. "The only problem is that it is such an expensive proposition that we're having difficulty doing it as its been proposed," Paris said.
Instead, the union has decided to complete the work in phases. Ideally, the first phase would be completed by National Police Week in May.
Eight city police officers have died in the line of duty. The first recorded death was in March 1910.
The last was Officer Gerald DiJoseph, 33, who was shot during a traffic stop on James Street in November 1980.
The memorial will be constructed on the median between police headquarters and City Hall. The location symbolizes the police's position between law, represented by City Hall, and order, the police station.
An "End of Watch" wall containing the names and background information about the deceased police officers will be erected in front of eight uplights, symbols of the eternal light of each officer's presence.
A depiction of the city's police officer badge will be cut into the granite at the center of the median.
Paris noted that because of the financial constraints the wall and light fixtures would likely have to be part of a later phase, as well as plans to erect a statue of a uniformed officer kneeling in mourning while a small child holds his police hat would have to be part of a later phase.
Chief of Staff Adam Wood said Mayor Bill Finch is committed to ensuring work on the monument commences this calendar year.
He said the mayor and City Council have agreed to fund half of the memorial costs.
That amount has not yet been determined and a company has not yet been chosen to do the work.
In the meantime, the police department continues selling merchandise in an effort to push the project along as quickly as possible. Commemorative T-shirts, offered in blue or white, are being sold for $20 each.
Tank tops, only available in blue, and baseball caps are being sold for $15.
Those interested can also purchase a commemorative brick. A small brick, approximately 4x8, can be purchased for $50, while the 8x8 engraved bricks are being sold for $100.
For more information, to purchase an item or to make a donation call 203-581-5131. Checks should be made payable to B.R.B.F. and sent to Bridgeport Police Union 1159 at P.O. Box 882, Bridgeport, CT, 06604.
Reach Keila Torres at ktorres@ctpost.com or 203-330-6321.
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