Frank Recchia

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Jan 14, 2025, 9:42 PM

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Updated

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Bridgeport Fire Chief Lance Edwards pulled no punches Tuesday while defending his department and one unnamed firefighter in particular - the one police say Democratic Town Committee member Tony Barr punched in the face Saturday.

"It's unfortunate that Mr. Barr has chosen to seek counsel and sue this department after assaulting one of my members," Edwards told News 12. "We condemn this type of behavior, and it will not be tolerated."

Barr is accused of assaulting the firefighter that police say was trying to help him after he, Barr, crashed his SUV into a fence on Chopsey Hill Road around 4 a.m. Saturday.

Barr - who was not seriously injured in the single-vehicle accident - claims the firefighter conducted an illegal search of Barr's vehicle and "overstepped his authority by a mile."

"He had no reason to be going through my glove compartment and asking me to get out of the car when I told him twice I was fine and didn't need any help," Barr told News 12's Frank Recchia.

A police report obtained by News 12 says Barr was "passed out and slumped over" when first responders arrived on scene.

The report says Barr "was spoken to for over 30 minutes and refused to step out," becoming "combative."

Barr's attorney, Dennis Bradley, said Barr was "searched forcefully and without his consent."

"We're going to be seeking civil remedies in a lawsuit against the Bridgeport Fire Department for violating my client's constitutional rights," Bradley said.

Edwards wasted no time pushing back.

"It's unfortunate that Mr. Barr has chosen to seek counsel and sue the department after assaulting one of my members, who required medical attention at a local hospital and still had to work. We condemn this type of behavior, and it will not be tolerated."

Barr is free on a $10,000 bond.