Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

I was a sixteen year old high school student the morning that Officer DiJoseph was killed. It profoundly affected my life, as did the memory of the small children he left behind. It strengthened my resolve to enter into police work, and although I have been retired for sixteen years, I continue to respect and pray for all those who protect and serve. Recently, Officer DiJoseph's daughter, Danielle, came into my life - enjoying our friendship, I had not realized that this lovely young woman was the toddler that I had prayed for and thought about throughout the past 28 years. Just last month we made the connection. She is an absolutely delightful woman and mother, friend and daughter. Her Dad would be proud. I know I am. Godspeed~

Mary Ann Wasil Nilan
Retired Stratford Police Officer

June 11, 2008

Let it be known that The Bridgeport Police Department is currently signing a petition to have a street honored on behalf of Patrolman Gerald DiJoseph.

June 10, 2008

My name is Danielle, (now 32 years old)and I am the daughter of Ptlm Gerlad T DiJoseph. I just want to thank all of you for your kind words about my father. My brothers and I always love to hear the kind words and great stories about our father. Please keep thinking of him and just know that all of your prayers and positive thoughts really have helped us thru the years. A quick update for those who do not have contact with us. Jerrod is married and has been for 10+ years, no kids. Matthew has also been married for 10+ years and has a son (3 1/2 yrs old) and a daughter (8 mos). I am also married for 5+ years and I have a daughter (3 years). Again, thank you for all of your kinds words.
A very proud daughter,
Danielle

Danielle DiJoseph-Goncalves
Daughter of Ptlm DiJoseph

June 3, 2008

I recently started to remember times of being with Jerry and his sons at different carnivals and other events. He was like an uncle to me and my sister. It is amazing to me that 27 years ago I was just a child who could not understand everything that had happened that November day. Now I only wish that things could have been different and Jerry was here to see his sons be men, husbands and fathers just like him.

Jenn
Friend

April 27, 2008

As a former BPT resident not at the time you served, I still would like to thank you posthumously for your service of keeping us safe and upholding the law. Godspeed and may god bless and comfort all that love and mourn your loss.

January 17, 2008

Jerry,
How fondly you're remembered by your fellow officers; friends & family.
God Bless you....
Gerri

Retired Detective Gerri Peddle
Bpt PD

January 8, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, NH

November 28, 2007

I am saddened that more people have not wrote on your behalf. Today marks 27 years since you were killed while honorably serving the public. I want you to know that people still talk about you and you are remembered throughout our department for paying the ultimate sacrifice. You died in honor upholding your sworn duty and it is a reminder to us that it could be any one of us and at any given time. Please keep watching over us as you have the last 27 years. I pray for your family. May you never be forgotten, may you never know pain again. God bless you and keep you close.

Patrolman Chris Robinson
Bridgeport Police Department

November 28, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 25, 2007

To those of you who never met or knew Jerry I'll try to fill in a few blanks. I first met Jerry when I was assigned to the 3rd Platoon where he worked and was assigned to him for training in the post car he worked in up in the north end of the city.
That was a turbulent time in our country, 1971, and for the most part we were the targets of violence based merely on the fact that the general public viewed us as tools of a corrupt government. The Vietnam war was raging, social injustice was being addressed in various ways. We were considered the "enemy" by hate groups of all kinds, yet we still maintained a police officers mindset that we were there to protect and serve the public. As time progressed we entered the latter part of the 1970's and the country was starting to stabilize somewhat and the public image of us was less adversarial.
About Jerry ... He was a VERY funny guy and I'll always remember his laugh. He let me borrow his bike to take the motorcycle test on because it was a lot smaller and more agile than mine. He was also a practical joker too so he fit in well in the platoon. I guess besides Terry his closest friend on the Department was PO Michael Marella who later became a city councilman after retirement.
His brother in law Terry Flood was also in our platoon during the early years and had been injured permanently by smoke inhalation while attempting the rescue of two children in a house fire on the lower east side. As it turned out he had been misinformed about the children being in the house and was brain damaged before firefighters rescued him.
This became more of a ramble but it was the best way I cam communicate my recollections of Jerry. I fervently hope others who worked with him will jump in and fill in more blanks before we all join Jerry and no one is left to tell the tales.
Anyway... Jerry ... we miss you more than you'll ever know and you'll ALWAYS live in our hearts and memories.

PO Russell Bennett
Bridgeport PD (retired)

January 28, 2007

I still have the letter dated August 31,1981 written by Patrolman DiJoseph wife Jane. Within, she expressed her gratitude for apprehending the alleged killer.

October 15, 1981 in Bridgeport Ct, PO Ed Bowman and I were graciously honored by the Fairfield County chapter of the American Law Enforcement Officers Association, and Bridgeport Police Department. This was a heart warming event I'll never forget. Thank you!

My best to Jane and the children, hopefully the years since have been good to you.

Police Officer John Howell
Ret. N.Y.C.P.D.

January 9, 2007

AT THE TIME OF YOUR DEATH I WAS NOT YET A POLICEMAN. STORIES OF YOUR FRIENDSHIP AND KINDNESS WERE RELAYED TO ME BY MEMBERS THAT HAVE KNOWN YOU. I DRIVE BY THE GARAGE WHERE YOU WERE SHOT QUITE FREQUENTLY ON PATROL AND I AM SADDENED FOR WHAT TRANSPIRED THERE. I HOPE THAT GOD'S JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL TO THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR DEATH. PLEASE WATCH OVER YOUR FELLOW OFFICER'S FROM ABOVE AND HELP US TO FINISH WHATEVER IT IS YOU HAD NOT GOT THE CHANCE TO.REST IN PEACE BROTHER

PATROLMAN C. ROBINSON
BRIDGEPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT

August 9, 2006

Thank you Officer Dijoseph for your service to the Bridgeport Police.
You are a true hero.
GOD BLESS YOU, REST IN PEACE

TMP

October 20, 2004