Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I will never forget driving backup car requested by partners who trailed a suspicious vehicle and discovered it was stolen with 2 males as dawn was breaking in the West Village’s 6th precinct. The pursuit began a block out of the precinct into the 10 pct. The perps drove west on sidewalk as pedestrians scattered to avoid getting hit. When I tried to box the perps in little did I know I was less than a yard from a suspect in 2 murders one being PO DiJoseph who was armed a loaded gun. The chase ended at west side highway. The driver was fished out of the river. The other tossed his weapon into road and was tackled and cuffed by a very fit athletic partner. I transported the suspect into station house muster room and said sit where you want and he sat in front of a wanted poster which turned out to be him. As I whispered that looks a little like my partner screamed that’s him that’s him. Minutes later we were in the detective squad room. Before I could finish my call to Daily News city desk about the arrest the seargant screamed Fandal get off the phone. The incident made the next day’s papers.
Years later I wondered what happened to the case which drew a reply from DiJoseph’s niece on Facebook and I was disheartened to learn that his accused killer was acquitted.
For myself I was spared in the chase.
As NYC and cops nationwide grieve for murdered and beloved Jonathan Diller by career criminal in a car check I offer prayers for all good people affected by the pervasive evil.
I’ve got to see many children left behind at December Christmas parties up close. My role as a clown was to bring laughters and smiles to scarred. My first time was the day John Lennon was killed earlier in the day. I bottled my tears but be assured millions weep for our murdered heroes and families and only way for murders to subside is to demonstrate more of earnest desire to curb crime. Thanks to former Governor Cuomo 37 cop killers were paroled. That’s going in reverse. Bless you all

Retired PO Michael Fandal
Back up cop in chase to capture DiJoseph’s killer

March 31, 2024

Patrolman DiJoseph, it has been 43 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

November 28, 2023

For the past four years, every time on my way to school, I pass by "Patrolman Gerald T. DiJoseph Way"; a street named in honor of Officer DiJoseph. This sign to me, is a daily reminder of the sacrifices Law Enforcement Officers make on a daily basis, and how they are a key part of the Bridgeport community. Although you passed before I was born, your impact on this city is still huge, and I'd like to thank you. God bless you and your family, you are not forgotten.

Anonymous Bridgeport Teenanger

September 19, 2023

Ray, I remember this so well because I was the St. Vincent's trauma tech who performed CPR on Officer DiJoseph that night. We refused to give up on him that night and although I was tired and drenched in sweat, I refused relief, performing CPR for what seemed like hours. Being from NYC I would NOT give up and when it was finally called, the tears wear running down my cheeks. Some years later I attended a mass for a retired Policeman in Bridgeport and was recognized by a fellow officer as that Trauma Tech. Having members of Bridgeport's Finest shake my hand filled me with pride, and memories of that fateful night. RIP Officer DiJoseph, from one who will never forget...

Jeff Mills

Jeff Mills
Retired

January 24, 2023

On that fateful day I was doing a report in the traffic division. I heard the “Officer down” call coming over the radio. I and all the officers present , immediately ran out of the building. I jumped on my PD Motorcycle and raced to the scene on James St. Just a short distance from headquarters. Chief Joe Walsh and just about every available officer was there. Some of us started a search of the area looking for the perpetrator. But, to no avail. Just about the whole Police Dept. , along with the Mayor and many dignitaries attended his funeral mass at the Cathedral, just a short distance from where the fateful event occurred. A huge motor vehicle procession accompanied Jerry’s body to St.Michael’s Cemetery. To this day the vision of those events still haunts me. Rest In Peace Brother.

Patrolman Raymond Lutka
A fellow officer and friend at Bridgeport Police department. 1971/1981

October 16, 2022

On that fateful day I was doing a report in the traffic division. I heard the “Officer down” call coming over the radio. I and all the officers present , immediately ran out of the building. I jumped on my PD Motorcycle and raced to the scene on James St. Just a short distance from headquarters. Chief Joe Walsh and just about every available officer was there. Some of us started a search of the area looking for the perpetrator. But, to no avail. Just about the whole Police Dept. , along with the Mayor and many dignitaries attended his funeral mass at the Cathedral, just a short distance from where the fateful event occurred. A huge motor vehicle procession accompanied Jerry’s body to St.Michael’s Cemetery. To this day the vision of those events still haunts me. Rest In Peace Brother.

Ray LUTKA Ptlm. BPD retired
A fellow officer and friend at Bridgeport Police department. 1971/1981

October 14, 2022

I never knew you, but every year I read your memorial in the paper.

I just wanted to take the time to say....... " THANK YOU" to you and all the Police. For the work you do, and what you deal with on a daily basis. May the Lord surround you with a thousand angels when you are out on patrol. And that hedge of protection protect you at all times.

My uncle was a Bridgeport Policeman. His name was Joseph Paul. He was on the force in the
60's, 70's.

Lisa Winkel

November 28, 2021

Patrolman DiJoseph,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Bridgeport. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 28, 2020

I’m glad I just read these incredible reflections. My name is Ben Hoffman, I’ve been a police officer in Connecticut and Florida for the past 20 years. I first want to send my prayers and love to Danielle DiJoseph-Goncalves and all of Officer DiJoseph children, family, and Brother’s and Sister’s from Bridgeport PD. Danielle thank you for your reflection. Officer DiJoseph thank you for your great service and making the ultimate sacrifice, God bless you Brother.

Sgt Benjamin M. Hoffman
Madison, CT PD

November 28, 2019

REST-IN-PEACE My Brother in Arms, I didn't know you personally, however it was your brothers and sisters in blue who helped my mother raise me to be the great man and warrior I am to this day, OJS/OIF/OEF Wounded Combat Veteran Spc. Snare Godley-Cooper.

Anrae Godley-Cooper
U.S. Army Military Police

June 2, 2018

I have read the many reflections in honor of Jerry.He was a great cop,person and friend.He and I were members of BPD Platoon 1,
nicknamed DOLANS BOYS after our captain,I was working the same shift , 3:30 to 11:30PM with Jerry the day he was murderd, It was a rainy damp chilly day.The day before, which was Thanksgiving Day,he along with Off.Straub and myself stopped after work for a beer.Usually the majority of the Platoon would stop, but this day most of the guys went home to their families.In a conversation with Jerry,he stated I'm tired and feel like I could sleep forever.He had plans to do things with his children the next day Friday November 28,1980.I told him just go and have fun with the kids,On the morning of the 28th we,along with others in the platoon were called in for overtime before our regular shift. As i said it was a damp,rainy,chilly day and it was quite busy.Around 3Pm a call was called in by a citizen of an auto racing around Washington Ave and James St,and for the units in the area to be on the lookout for it.Jerry was a late car and I early.When the early shift hit lineup,we were told to hit the streets the calls were backing up. I was a given a call right away. We had back then what was called a "roundup",which was a location call for all cars coming into HQ after their shift,this was done 10Minutes before the end of the shift.It was difficult to get thru on the radio when this was going on,Evidently Jerry saw the vehicle in question and followed it to an apartment building on James St,between Washington and Harral Aves,Knowing Jerry he probably the tell the operator to cool it and go on his way.At approx 3:52PM the radio operator told all cars to stay off the air we have an officer down,It was called in by a taxi cab driver and the location given .All units responded,and officers working inside the department HQ sprinted to the location .When I got there they were putting Jerry on a stretcher and into the ambulance.The ambulance driver just looked at me and shook his head,knowing that his wound was fatal. Every man and woman in the platoon cried,but went back to work.We searched the entire area looking for Jerrys gun,knowing that it was taken from him,at that time we had no description of the perp..I never knew until reading a reflection byNYPD Off.Fandal that his weapon was recovered.We went to the trial every day and were upset when the perp was found not qiulty.Many thanks to the NYPD to the officers who made the arrest.It was 37 years ago,but still seems like it just happened,especially on this day November 28.RIP BROTHER and god bless Jane and the children.

Ret,Det,Frank Pisanelli
Bridgeport Police Department Plt.1

November 28, 2017

Thank you for what you did

Son of a Bridgeport police officer JT Br
None

March 16, 2017

On this day I would like to reflect on knowing Jerry as a friend and brother officer.
As a friend we had occasions of socializing which I remember with great joy.
As a brother officer I cannot forget with great sadness the day Jerry was shot and killed.
On this day as always my prayers are with you and your family.

God Bless You

Dectective Ron DeBiase
Bridgeport Police Dept.

November 28, 2016

My name is Michael Fandal and my partner in the 6th precinct in the West Village was Frank Signorelli working a late tour and responded to request to back up officers Bowman and Howell who reported following a stolen vehicle with two males inside. I was the driver and we responded about 7am which turned into a chase into another precinct the 10th north of the 6th. the stolen vehicle occupants made a left turn on w15th st and after one block drove on the sidewalk as pedestrians scattered ultimately coming to stop at west side highway. the perps separated. one ran across the highway and jumped into the river who was fished out by emergency service. the passenger tossed what turned out to be slain officer DiJoseph's gun in the roadway which i recovered after the perp was caught by howell and cuffed. i sat with him in rear of our rmp as we brought him back to precinct. i brought him into muster room asaying i'll be a nice guy sit down wherever you want and he sat under a wanted poster. upon a closer look i told my partner it he looks like the guy in the poster. my partner screamed it's him it's him. within minutes they were in the squad room. i recognized it as a story immediately and called the ny daily news. when the sergeant saw what i was doing he told me to get off the phone. just in time they had the story instead of waiting hours for the story to trickle to public information. the lead officers were treated to a grateful Bridgeport PD banquet. my name was left off the unusual. i showed the article to my students during my years as a sub teacher while still on the job and after i retired. this is the first time that i have seen Officer DiJoseph's face and i am shocked appalled and infuriated that the man found with his gun tossed from a stolen car was exonerated for his murder. does nayone know if he served any time in new york state? what prompted me to investigate this is i met a candidate for the U.S. senate for Connecticutt last week who is former olympian in the shot put August Wolf. my other connection to Connecticutt law enforcement is my late Uncle Sam a retired NYPD inspector served as the police commissioner for New London for about 4 years before he succumbed to Hodgkins disease. May all my brothers and sisters in law enforcement be safe on and off duty.

retired officer NYPD 1/73-3/93
Michael Fandal/ assisted in pursuit

April 11, 2016

Today is Thanksgiving and I can say that I for one am very thankful for all in law enforcement who serve and protect, Especially the men and women who gave everything in the line of duty. I will keep Officer DiJoseph and his family in my thoughts and prayers today.
Thank You Patrolman DiJoseph

Jim O'Brien
Nephew of Officer Joe O'Brien EOW 12/24/1968

November 28, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

November 24, 2012

Wish to thank you for your honorable service to the Bridgport PD. I remember as a child hearing this dreadful news of Patrolman DiJoseph's death. My father had also served Bridgeport PD as an officer. I can remember being afraid and fearful of his safety. Unfortunately, Bridgeport PD has lost it's integrity. The officers who served back then and the previous years were men of great standard. Wish men like you and my father still existed on that force!

LCALTMAN

June 22, 2012

"Rest in peace, you are not forgotten. Gos bless your family NYPD SGT. Edward Bowman and Officer John Howell".

We captured Officer Di Josephs Killer.

Retired Sgt Edward Bowman
NYPD Retired 1986

March 13, 2012

Rest in peace pal. You are not forgotten.God bless your family. Retired Sgt. Ed Bowman NYPD. My partner Officer John Howell and I made the arrest of Eugene Powell on June 29, 1981. A day I will never forget.

Retired Sgt Edward Bowman
NYPD Retired 1986

March 6, 2012

Rest in Peace, Patrolman DiJoseph. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 28, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirty-first anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 28, 2011

Gerry was a great guy with a warm heart. We used to call him Wimpy because he ate alot of hamburgers like popeye's friend. He is always missed and was an inspiration to me.

Retired Trooper Sandra Brown Maisano
Connecticut State Police

November 28, 2010

I would like to let everyone know that the Bridgeport Police Dept is in the process of raising money to build a Police Memorial on the green across from Bridgeport Police HQ.
Thanks,
Danielle DiJoseph
Daughter of Ptlm Gerald T. DiJoseph EOW 11/28/80

Danielle DiJoseph-Goncalves
Dauther of Ptlm Gerald T. DiJoseph

June 24, 2010

I was in high school when PO DiJoseph ended his watch over the city of Bridgeport. I know that he profoundly left his mark on citizens and members of the department. With my brothers and my husband on the job in Bridgeport, I have great compassion for your family and great respect for the sacrifice you made for our city. May God bless and keep your memory alive forever and may HE protect our family members on the job.

A Bridgeport Citizen
Bridgeport Police Family Member

January 3, 2010

My name is Jonathan Paul Armshaw. I am 38 years old. I never had the opportunity to know Patrolman DiJoseph.

Although I never had the privilege of knowing the man, I am lucky to have known part of him. I do believe that I have seen the best representation of this man that one could hope see.

You see, about twenty years ago I met a man though work. A kid really, the same age as me. We had common interests and I liked him right off the bat. In what I thought was good humor, I commented on his relatively new pickup truck. In this case my humor could not have been a worse way of making a new friend. The fact that I had unknowingly hit home somehow was written all over his face.

This man to be was Patrolman DiJoseph's son Matthew. Had the situation been reversed, I think I may have hit me, or at the very least, just walked away. Without going into details, Matt had it in him to give me an explanation.

He spoke proudly of his dad. He explained to me that his father was on the job in Bridgeport. His father had been shot a killed in the line of duty. Basically, he had lost his dad and got a new truck instead. "I'll give that truck and everything else If I could have my father back."

I am sure that I said I was sorry. I have never forgotten or forgiven my self for that comment. Matthew did. We have be friends since then.

Matt Dijoseph is one the most stand up men I know. A hard working, loving family man. I know his dad is proud of him.

I just wanted to thank you Mr DiJoseph. I am sorry your gone and I can't shake your hand. I am not sure which should come first. Thank you for serving us to an extent that no man should have to. Thank you for giving me Matt. Thank you for those things you have done that I am not aware of.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Armshaw

Jonathan Paul Armshaw
proud friend Of Matthew Dijoseph

February 21, 2009