On Saturday, a crowd of Bridgeport residents, clergy, elected officials and retired officers assembled outside the city’s Government Center to publicly back Police Chief Roderick Porter. The rally was organized in response to ongoing calls from the Bridgeport police union for the chief’s removal.
Community praise for the chief’s accessibility
Long‑time resident and activist John Marshall Lee highlighted Porter’s habit of meeting directly with citizens. “People are happy because they look for that from governments that care,” Lee said, noting the chief’s willingness to answer questions and connect residents with officers.
Carmen Serrano, a Bridgeport resident since 1985, added that Porter has “changed our community” by bringing people together in ways she has not seen from other leaders.
Retired officers echo support
Retired Sergeant Dawud Moss stressed that the perception that the Bridgeport Guardians—a group of minority officers—oppose Porter is inaccurate. “Nothing can be further from the truth,” Moss said, emphasizing the Guardians’ decades‑long push for reform and describing Porter as a continuation of that work.
Former Guardians leader Ted Meekins linked Porter’s career, which began as a city officer in 1993, to the group’s historic efforts to diversify the force. His wife, retired Sergeant JoAnne Meekins, called Porter “a good person” who cares deeply about both officers and residents.
Union concerns and city response
The police union has accused Porter of unfair labor practices and raised broader concerns about department working conditions. Union representatives have called for an investigation and questioned whether Porter should remain in charge.
Mayor Joe Ganim responded by agreeing to engage an outside investigator, while declining to remove the chief. He emphasized the importance of a thorough review without disrupting the department’s leadership.
Union perspective on rally turnout
Michael Salemme, president of AFSCME Local 1159, noted that roughly 50 to 60 people attended the rally, a modest number compared with Bridgeport’s population of more than 150,000. He also cited over 20 complaints filed with the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and several federal lawsuits as evidence of “major problems caused by Chief Porter.”
Salemme argued that residents should demand good working conditions for officers, as those conditions affect service quality and taxpayer costs.
Political voices join the conversation
State Senator Herron Gaston (D‑Bridgeport) reminded rally attendees that strong leaders often face resistance when attempting cultural change. He praised Porter’s responsiveness to residents and linked the dispute to the city’s ongoing struggle with racial inequality.
City Councilmember Mary McBride‑Lee, who helped organize the rally, recounted an incident where Porter personally intervened after she was attacked, underscoring his hands‑on approach. She also highlighted the department’s increased diversity under his leadership.
Chief Porter’s reaction
Porter expressed “obviously very appreciative” gratitude for the community’s support, saying the rally reflected relationships he has built throughout his career.
The gathering demonstrated a clear divide between union criticism and broad community endorsement, with many attendees emphasizing the chief’s commitment to both officers and the citizens of Bridgeport.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
