Hail To The Chief

From Mayor Finch:

The swearing in of Joseph L. Gaudett Jr., who was recently named to the post of Bridgeport Police Chief by Mayor Bill Finch, will be held on Wednesday, January 12 at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 45 Lyon Terrace.

Gaudett, who had been serving as Acting Chief since October 2008, was one of three finalists after a nationwide search. Mayor Finch interviewed the three finalists and made the final decision on who would become the next chief.

“Chief Gaudett is a great leader; he believes in the community policing concept and has worked diligently over the past two years to broaden police presence in our neighborhoods, keeping an eye on crime patterns, and bringing the department’s overtime budget in line with the City’s overall budget. I have the utmost confidence in his ability to lead the department as we move forward,” said Mayor Bill Finch.

Gaudett, 50, was promoted to Deputy Chief in February of 2007. He has been on the force since 1983.

“I am honored to be chosen by the Mayor to be the department’s permanent leader. I plan to do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition by working with my fellow officers and union members to continue to keep the Park City a safe city for all its residents,” Chief Gaudett said.

“We’re confident that Acting Chief Gaudett will be able to make a successful transition from his acting role to that of permanent chief,” said Police Chief search committee chair Rev. Simon Castillo. “We were pleased with all the candidates we presented to the Mayor and believe we made the best choice possible.”

Gaudett was born in Bridgeport and attended St. Augustine’s School through the 8th grade. He graduated from Fairfield College Preparatory School, then attended Fairfield University and the University of Bridgeport. He joined the Bridgeport police force as a patrolman in 1983.

Gaudett comes from a family of police officers. His father, Joseph L. Gaudett Sr. was a Bridgeport police officer who retired in 1980, and his grandfather served for nearly 40 years as a railroad police officer. His older sister is retired from the Bridgeport force and another sister is married to a retired sergeant. Gaudett lives with his wife and two children in Newtown.

The event is free and open to the public.