Ganim Announces Public Safety Restructuring

News release from Mayor’s Office:

Continuing in his efforts to enhance the operations of city government, today Mayor Ganim is announcing some restructuring to certain city departments. Among the changes are a long-term plan at the Emergency Operations Center to expand and enhance the City’s 911 capabilities, a shifting of roles and responsibilities between Civil Service and the Office of Labor Relations, and the filling of key positions within the Police and Fire Departments.

See below for more information regarding the new Police and Fire appointments:

John Cueto – Assistant Chief of Police

John Cueto graduated manga cum laude in 1987 from Sacred Heart University with a B.S. degree in Finance, and earned the highest academic award among his peers in the Bridgeport Police Department training academy. He later graduated summa cum laude from Sacred Heart University with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Throughout his 27-year tenure with Bridgeport, Cueto rose to the rank of Lieutenant and held several posts including Aide to the Chief of Police, Director of Fiscal Services, and Commander of the department’s Emergency Services Unit (ESU). Throughout his time with the Bridgeport Police Department, he attended the FBI National Academy and the Police Executive Research Forum, as well as participated in many professional police organizations.

In August 2015, Cueto was selected among 140 applicants in a competitive process to become the Chief of Police of Duck, North Carolina. While in this post, he led several efforts to modernize the department, implement body cameras, establish a nationally recognized organizational structure, and implement efforts to improve community relations and community policing. In his capacity as Chief of Police, he also served on the Board of the Dare County Crime Line and a Regional Director for the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police.

Upon his retirement as Chief in August 2020, Chief Cueto was recognized by FBI Director Christopher Wray with a written letter of achievement. He has continued to attend national conferences and training seminars hosted by the FBI National Academy, International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Police Executive Research Forum, and the Fraternal Order of Police. Cueto has stayed current on issues affecting law enforcement and has been asked to speak on a number of panels regarding a variety of law enforcement issues. He has also been involved with the advancement of the National Public Safety Broadband Network, FirstNet.

Mark Cody – Deputy Fire Chief

Deputy Chief Mark Cody, a native of Bridgeport, began his career with the Bridgeport Fire Department 24 years ago. In March of 2008, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to the busiest engine company in the city. During his time as a Lieutenant, Cody was also assigned to the Eastside Assistant Chief as the Chief’s Aide. There he conducted the daily staffing, operational accountability, and incident command duties. He later served in the same role for the Westside Assistant Chief.

In 2020, Cody was promoted to the rank of Captain, and was assigned as the Captain of Administration. In that post he supervised payroll and managed the purchasing of equipment, vehicles, and software. He has an A.S. in Fire and Occupational Safety and is currently working towards his B.S. in Fire Administration. During his time of service, he has also obtained the following certifications: Fire Instructor-1, Fire Officer 1 & 2, Incident Safety Officer, Health and Safety Officer, and Public Information Officer.

Robert Marrero – Fire Marshal

Acting Fire Marshal Robert Marrero began his career in Bridgeport in 1996 as a Firefighter. In 2005, he was promoted to the rank of Pump Engineer, where he held that position for 10 years. In 2015, Marrero was promoted to the rank of Fire Inspector where he was certified by the State of Connecticut to conduct inspections on various types of buildings such as, schools, hospitals, and manufacturing plants. During his years in the Fire Marshal’s Office, he has conducted many fire safety presentations, investigated large scale incidents, and has enforced the Connecticut State Fire Code with many businesses here in the City of Bridgeport.

Marrero is a Certified Master Electrician in the State of Connecticut and Florida. Over the years, he has attended Housatonic Community College as well as the University of Southern New Hampshire. Marrero also holds several other certifications including Fire Instructor-1, Fire Officer-1, Advanced Fire Investigator, Public Life Safety Educator, and Emergency Medical Technician.