From city Communications Director Av Harris:
Mayor Joe Ganim and the Bridgeport Police Department yesterday honored fallen Officer Gerald T. DiJoseph who died while on duty 36 years ago on November 28, 1980. The ceremony began at the Police Memorial followed by a march led by his family to the corner of Washington Avenue and James Street. A portion of James Street has been renamed “Officer Gerald T. DiJoseph Way.”
“We value each and every one of our brave officers and we know the sacrifice they make every day,” said Mayor Ganim. “Officer Gerald T. DiJoseph Way will honor the memory and legacy of Officer DiJoseph. It serves as a reminder of his heroism and of the respect we have as a city for all officers who have given their lives to protect the citizens of the city.”
Bridgeport Police Chief AJ Perez said, “It is an unfortunate reality that as Police Officers we put on our uniform every morning not knowing if we will return home. We chose to put our lives on the line to protect our city. It is important that we never forget Officer DiJoseph or any officer who made the ultimate sacrifice for us.”
Officer DiJoseph was killed in the line of duty on Friday, November 28, 1980. While making a routine motor vehicle stop between Harral and Washington Avenues, two blocks away from Police Headquarters, the motorist shot and killed Officer DiJoseph. Officer DiJoseph was 33 years old. He left behind a wife and three children.
Officer DiJoseph was the last Bridgeport Police Officer killed in the line of duty.
The honor to fallen Police Officer Gerald T. DiJoseph who died while on duty 36 years ago on November 28, 1980 was long overdue. How does a City repay Officer DiJoseph’s family after he left behind a wife and three children? I know, let’s reduce his widow’s pension.
There’s no more a police officer or a firefighter can do than to give their life in the act of performing their duty for the residents of Bridgeport.
Thank you to the DiJoseph family for sharing Gerald T. DiJoseph with all of us.
Gerry, you and I worked together in the post office. I remember how happy you were when you found out you were going on the police force. We discussed your going on the PD and my going on the FD.
Gerry I just want you to know I think about you a lot even after all these years. This honor is long overdue. Rest in Peace, my friend.
I have not heard anything about the killer of Officer DiJoseph. Was the killer ever caught?
No.
Andy, I’m sure most of us who were around and active during that terrible time, didn’t realize you had that great personal friendship with Gerry. I remember it so well, every time I drive by that area I seem to relive the news of this brave man. Andy and Ron, you’re right, what took so long? We name streets, just had a debate about a plaque, and they’re just getting around to honor a real hero.
The killer was also wanted for shooting a transit officer and arrested and charged for that killing. He was never charged with the DiJoseph killing and died in jail as I’ve been told. It’s about time he got at least a street named after him. He died feet away from the intersection/street named after him.