A pair of Bridgeport Police Officers did their duty earlier this month and because of that, Chief John Walker said, two women and perhaps a child are alive because of it.

 

During Monday’s Bridgeport City Council meeting, Officers Derek Stallman and Bladen Smart were recognized with the city’s Life Saving Award for a situation that took place late the evening of April 11. The two responded at 11:34 p.m. to a 911 call on Wedge Street.

 

“They arrived on the scene with two unresponsive women and a young child in the back seat,” said Walker. “They managed to get there quickly and both women were unresponsive and were able to determine both had overdosed.”

 

 Walker said Stallman and Smart both were carrying the drug Narcan that helps reverse the impact of overdose victims. The use of it worked.

 

“They administered it to the women, both of whom were in the front seat,” said Walker. “Both women came to and one ended up having some long-term issues medically after the event, but their reaction and proper use of their training to utilize Narcan saved lives.”

 

Walker said it is also possible they saved the child’s life. Although the female driver had her foot on the brake, the car was still in gear at the time the officers arrived.

 

“I’m very proud of them because they reacted quickly and correctly under the circumstances of a stressful situation and saved lives in the process,” the chief said.

 

The oath of office was also given to a trio of new officers – Robert Gregor, William Townsend, and Austin Zorick – to make them official members of the department. More on their ceremony and what it means for staffing later on Connect-Bridgeport.

 

The police were not the only group to take up multiple items on the agenda Monday. The Bridge Sports Complex was also a big part of the meeting. Council approved two payments to general contractor The Albert M. Higley Company out of Cleveland for continued work at The Bridge. One is for the February payment in the amount of $1,136,792.80 and the other is the March payment in the amount of $1,148,135.80.

 

Council also approved a contract with H2I Group out of West Columbia, S.C. for delivery and installation of tip and roll and team bleachers. The contract is for the amount of $42,500. A second contract, for $116,151.69, with Capitol Business Interiors of Charleston for the delivery and installation of furnishings for the Bridge was also given the green light.

 

Finally, Council approved an agreement relating to construction financing, utilities, communications, and management along with ratifying, confirming, and approving a settlement agreement with Genesis Partners.

 

The governing body approved a recommendation by the Bridgeport Development Authority for a façade improvement grant for Roger and Mary Ann Murray for the Murray, Queen and Company building at 118 East Main Street. The grant, if all items work out as plan, will be for $3,360.

 

In other business, Council:

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Officer Derek Stallman, left, and Bladen Smart with their certificates and medals for their life saving efforts, while the cover photo shows Deputy Chief Mark Rogers presenting them with the honor as Chief John Walker looks on. Bottom photo shows Mayor Andy Lang presentning a proclamation designating April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Bridgeport.