Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What Grech’s sudden retirement means for Bridgeport’s already thin police brass

Coming up: Christmas Eve Worship on the Bridgeport Patch calendar

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Hi there, Bridgeport! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What Grech’s sudden retirement means for Bridgeport’s already thin police brass
  • Why Bridgeport’s housing chief turned down Chicago—and what she wants now
  • How a Pembroke Street blaze forced ten Bridgeport neighbors from home

Also on today's calendar: Christmas Eve Worship and 8 more events.

Find out what's happening in Bridgeportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Bridgeportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and windy, with a high of 44 and low of 23 degrees.
  • Monday: Breezy in the morning; sunny, temps: high: 38, low: 29.
  • Tuesday: A bit of snow and rain, with a high of 41 and low of 33 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. One of Bridgeport's new assistant police chiefs retires, leaving few high-ranked cops on duty (ctpost.com) — Bridgeport’s police leadership just got even thinner as Assistant Chief Paul Grech retires less than a year after his promotion, leaving only one assistant chief in place. City officials praised his work on ShotSpotter, the fusion center, and school security, but say it’s still too early to know how or when his position will be filled.
   

2. Bridgeport housing director to stay on job despite being named finalist for Chicago role (ctpost.com) — Bridgeport’s housing authority director Jillian Baldwin has decided to stay, after being a finalist to lead Chicago’s housing authority, and is leveraging that decision to seek stronger city partnership and funding for local redevelopment. City officials say they’re working on strategies to boost financial support for new and improved affordable housing. Her continued leadership could shape how quickly aging public housing is replaced and modernized.
   

3. 10 people displaced in Bridgeport apartment complex fire, city official says (nhregister.com) — Ten Bridgeport residents and a dog were forced from their homes Saturday after a fire damaged apartments above the Junco Mini Market on Pembroke Street, though no injuries were reported. Firefighters quickly knocked down the blaze, and the American Red Cross is helping those displaced while the fire marshal investigates the cause.
   

4. Three men arrested ‘Operation Silent Night' (wtnh.com) — A Bridgeport man is among three people arrested after a North Haven–based sting targeting online sexual exploitation of minors, according to police. Investigators say the multi-agency “Operation Silent Night” led to serious felony charges and high bonds for all three suspects, underscoring ongoing regional efforts to protect children from online predators.
   

5. Expert's Corner: Why CT property owners should prepare now for 2026 tax assessment appeals (hartfordbusiness.com subscription) — If you own property in Bridgeport, your 2025 revaluation could significantly affect your taxes for the next five years, and experts say you should prepare now for possible 2026 appeals. The piece explains how to review your new assessment, gather evidence, and meet key February deadlines. It also outlines when to escalate from informal meetings to formal appeals or court.
   

📸 Around Bridgeport

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Why You Might Be Referred To A Pulmonologist —St. Vincent's Medical Center Read on Patch
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
    Kitty was LOST on December 13, 2025 in Fairfield, CT 06825 near Jackman Ave. and Edgewood Road Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information… (Nextdoor Downtown Bridgeport)
  • A friend brought me a food box from the food bank yesterday and this cabbage is in it.
    Tell me what on God's green earth did they use to grow this thing. Grateful as I am I don't think I want to eat this thing. The leaves feel… (Nextdoor Bridgeport Northend)
  • Bridgeport, Shelter Available, This is a message from the City of Bridgeport. Due to the unforeseen power outage across the area, any residents that... (X: CTALERT)
  • BRIDGEPORT CT Dec 20 Climate: High: 38 Low: 29 Precip: Trace Snow: Trace Snow Depth: 0"... (X: gilsimmons)
  • Target posted a job opening for Seasonal: General Merchandise, Inbound (Stocking) (T1828) in Bridgeport. Apply here.
  • AmeriCares Foundation posted a job opening for Referral Coordinator, Bridgeport Free Clinic in Bridgeport. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bridgeport here.

Ok Bridgeport! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
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