Tributes pour in for Bridgeport police officer and girlfriend killed in Danbury motorcycle crash
Officer Cooper Whiteside, 38, of Danbury and his girlfriend Brittany Islami, 34, of New Milford, died Monday morning when their motorcycle and an SUV collided on Sugar Hollow Road in Danbury.
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Tributes continue to pour in for a Bridgeport police officer who died in an off-duty motorcycle crash, along with his girlfriend, Monday morning.
It happened on Sugar Hollow Road in Danbury, where flowers, candles and crosses now line that stretch as a memorial to Officer Cooper Whiteside, 38, of Danbury, and Brittany Islami, 34, of New Milford. The couple lost their lives there when their motorcycle and an SUV collided around 2:45 a.m. Whiteside dedicated his life to public service, most recently with the Bridgeport Police Department.
"Officer Whiteside served with honor and dignity, beginning in July 2024," Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter said in a statement. "He will be greatly missed. We send our condolences to his family, friends, and fellow officers."
The job was Whiteside's "true calling,” according to the Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company, where Whiteside used to be a member.
“Cooper proudly served as a member of our company for many years while working for the Town of Brookfield Highway Department. During his time with us, he was always willing to lend a hand and was a valued part of our fire service family. Cooper later found his true calling when he joined the Bridgeport Police Department, where he dedicated himself to serving and protecting his community with the same commitment and professionalism that he displayed as a member of our company,” said a post from the Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company. “Rest easy, Cooper. Your service, friendship, and dedication will not be forgotten."
Whiteside was also a firefighter, EMT, lieutenant, training captain and vice president with the West Redding Volunteer Fire Department, according to the department’s social media.
The online tributes extended beyond local police and fire. The Danbury Hat Tricks posted they were heartbroken about the loss of Whiteside and Islami.
"Cooper and Brittany were more than loyal fans--they were familiar faces at the Danbury Arena, cheering on the Hat Tricks and bringing warmth and passion to our game nights," the organization wrote. “Their support, kindness, and presence will be deeply missed by our players, staff, fellow fans, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.”
Islami left behind two daughters and a son, ages 12, 10 and 7, according to a fundraising effort for her three kids. The GoFundMe campaign said Islami’s children were the center of her world. “They are now facing the unimaginable loss of their mother while their family works to navigate this difficult new reality,” the effort said.
The crash remains under investigation by Danbury police. They said the motorcycle and Jeep Compass were heading in different directions when they collided head-on. The driver of the SUV went to the hospital with serious injuries. Whiteside and Islami died at the scene.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to contact them.
