Candidates Filling Out Applications at Traning Academy, at 405 Newfield Ave, in Bridgeport. Photo by Jocelyne Hudson-Brown

BRIDGEPORT – The Bridgeport Police Department (BPD) pulled out the welcome wagon and invited everyone who is interested to become a police officer. The SWAT team showed up, along with surveillance vans and mounted police. Yes, they served coffee and donuts.

Hundreds of potential candidates accepted the invite to the Police Training Academy, the hip-hop crew, Gen X’ers, biker types and the conservatives. Young and some a bit older, men and women alike, all claiming they have the strength, the intellect and the determination to stand up to and pass the required tests. All seeming to have only one real agenda, “to help people”.

Training Academy OIC Lonnie Blackwell says, “We are looking for a diverse group of candidates”. Female Asst. Chief Lynn Kerwinn feels strongly that “Our police department should look like the community we serve”.

Many of the applicants are already doing the “civilian” side of police work. Richard Melendez, 21 is in the security business and Marilyn Deleon, 40+ is a Central High School security officer. Some like Janet Arzuaga, 40 are unemployed and looking for work.

Sgt. Brian Dickerson says being a police officer is a “Great community service and you become a member of an extended family”. Det. Keith Bryant agrees adding, “It is a chance to use your life experience, meet with like minded people to work as a team and to express the ideals of the City to the general public”.

A newly appointed police officer can expect a salary in the range of ,000 per year, including competitive benefits and a pension plan. Special points are given to Armed Forces Veterans and those who are Bridgeport residents. All applications must be submitted by May 28, 2010. Applications can be picked up at Bridgeport City Hall 45 Lyon Terrace or apply online at www.bridgeportct.gov.

At the end of the day 12-year BPD veteran Officer Adrian Elem says the goal of the police department is to, “Treat people with dignity and to respect those we serve. Our police department should reflect our community.”

Reporters Note: This is one in a series of stories. The Inquiring News will follow the 2010 class of trainees from the application process to graduation. Jocelyne Hudson-Brown CEO of JHB Media & Public Relations is an award winning journalist and a longtime columnist for the Inquirer/Inquiring News. She can be reached at jhbmpr@yahoo.com.