From Bill Kaempffer, city police and fire spokesman:
Fire Department Capt. Frank Bridge has his own definition of hero: The parent who works 80 hours a week to send her child to college. A family member who takes care of a sick relative.
“We kind of throw around that word. I think there’s hero in all of us,” Bridge said.
The veteran firefighter was bestowed that title himself Friday for his role in rescuing an unconscious man during a February 2012 fire in a 29-unit apartment building.
In all, 24 people were honored by the American Red Cross Friday at the Community Heroes of Connecticut event at the Trumbull Marriott.
Six work for the Bridgeport police and fire departments.
Bridge was in command of Engine 10 when his team responded to a fire in an apartment building on Main Street last year. When they arrived, residents alerted firefighters that a first-floor resident was unaccounted for and might be trapped. Bridge went in and he and his Engine 10 team forced open the door. Bridge located the victim unconscious in the apartment kitchen and dragged him out.
Five police officers also were honored for their collaboration in capturing five suspects within minutes of a fatal shooting.
On Oct. 30, 2012, Officers John Carrano and Dave Rivera were on patrol when they heard multiple gunshots. They encountered a chaotic scene and located a gravely wounded man in the street. Officer Carrano radioed for medical assistance and question witnesses. Officer Rivera tended the victim.
Based on key information Carrano and Rivera gathered, Officer Eliud Henry estimated the vehicle’s location and spotted it. Officers Michael Cantrell and Fabio Pereira arrived moments later and they all pulled over the vehicle and detained five people. Two handguns were recovered in the car.
Captain Robert Gearing said the quick arrests “undoubtedly saved lives” by preventing any retaliation for the slaying.
“Our police and firefighters go out every day and work to keep our residents safe,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “These men and women deserve our gratitude and respect for the difficult jobs they undertake.”
