Finch Statement On Newtown Tragedy–Vigil In City Council Chambers Sunday

Mayor Bill Finch announced that the City of Bridgeport will conduct a vigil Sunday at 5 p.m., in City Council Chambers, 45 Lyon Terrace to remember the victims and families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. All are invited to attend.

Statement from Mayor Bill Finch, Police Chief Joe Gaudett and Superintendent of Schools Paul G. Vallas:

“It’s difficult to comprehend the magnitude of the tragedy in Newtown and we in Bridgeport, like everyone else in the state, are ready to assist our neighbors in any way we can,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “On behalf of all the residents of Bridgeport, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to those who lost loved ones and to the entire town of Newtown.”

On Friday, police officers were stationed outside every school in Bridgeport and that presence will continue on Saturday for school events and through next week.

Administrators from every school also have been instructed to review security plans to make sure they are properly implemented and that all security equipment like door buzzers, metal detectors and cameras are working.

In the classroom, the district will provide teachers with support to help them reassure students that they are safe and also to answer questions about what happened in Newtown.

Grief counselors will be available to both students and staff.

“You don’t have to be in the same school system to be traumatized by this,” said Superintendant Paul G. Vallas.

Chief Joseph Gaudett and Vallas both renewed calls for community volunteers to help patrol areas around city schools as part of the Safe Corridors program, an initiative designed to make kids feel safe going to and return home from school.