Nearly 50 police and fire cadets took to the streets Friday for a special training exercise.
“They’re going to work the next 25-30 years together," Bridgeport Fire Chief Lance Edwards says. "We want to have a deeper relationship as opposed to just superficial."
The 'Hero's Unity Run' began at fire headquarters before a group workout at police headquarters.
Cadets stopped on James Street for a moment of silence to honor fallen officer Gerald Dijoseph.
The group observed another moment of silence on Elmwood Avenue where firefighters Lt. Steve Velasquez and Michel Baik lost their lives in 2010.
"It just shows we’re still thinking about the fatalities that took place those particular days," Chief Edwards says. “We just want them to understand exactly the importance of serving here in the city of Bridgeport."
Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter says he's hoping to have more events like this to help foster better communication between departments.
“Public safety is a collaborative effort whether it be police, fire, or our emergency operations center," Chief Porter says. "We all join together when it comes to providing safety for the community."