Patrol car memorial to fallen Bridgeport officer continues to grow
Officer Cooper Whiteside's police cruiser is now covered with flowers, patches, memorial coins and other mementos in tribute to the 38-year-old Danbury native who was killed in an of-duty motorcycle crash.
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A memorial to a Bridgeport officer killed in an off-duty crash continues to grow outside the police department.
Officer Cooper Whiteside's police cruiser is now covered with flowers, patches, memorial coins and other mementos in tribute to the 38-year-old Danbury native who always wanted to work in law enforcement.
“This was a dream, and he was so proud to be a member of the Bridgeport Police Department,” said Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter.
Whiteside joined two years ago, but in that short time, made a lasting impact—on his colleagues and beyond.
“Not only was he well respected within the department to handle his job in a professional manner, but he also reached out and engaged in a lot of community activities,” Porter told News 12.
Whiteside and his girlfriend, 34-year-old Britany Islami, were killed in a motorcycle crash in Danbury Monday. It happened on Sugar Hollow Road around 2:45 a.m. when their Harley Davidson and a Jeep Compass collided head-on. The driver of the SUV went to the hospital with serious injuries while Whiteside and Islami died at the scene.
Islami, of New Milford, left behind three young kids, who were the center of her world, according to a fundraising effort for the kids.
Since Wednesday, people have stopped by the tribute in Bridgeport, leaving heartfelt items, pictures and notes. A second message board had to be added after the first quickly filled up from those whose lives Whiteside touched.
And there are many.
He previously served with the West Redding Volunteer Fire Department and the Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company.
“Officer Whiteside led with dignity and honor and professionalism, and he's going to be missed,” Porter said.
All the items dropped off at the memorial, along with the message boards, will be collected Sunday and given to Whiteside’s family. His car will go back in service eventually.
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