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Bridgeport Police Chief Gaudett Reappointed To Second Five-Year Term

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Police Chief Joseph Gaudett Jr. is being reappointed to his post as the top law enforcement official in the state’s largest city, Bill Finch announced Friday in what may one of his last actions as mayor.

Bridgeport Police Chief Joseph Gaudett Jr.

Bridgeport Police Chief Joseph Gaudett Jr.

Photo Credit: File

Gaudett was initially appointed to a five-year term – and his contract was approved by the City Council – in December 2010. With the expiration of his contract approaching, Finch exercised his authority to reappoint Gaudett to a second five-year term.

“Police Chief Gaudett has proven himself to be a trustworthy leader as Bridgeport’s top law enforcement official,” said Finch. “He’s made tough decisions that have resulted in a stronger department. 

"He’s earned the trust of our community by serving as a strong voice for fair and honest law enforcement practices. He’s led the charge in cracking down on crime in the state’s largest city, which has resulted in some of the lowest crime rates the city has experienced in nearly a half-century," he said. 

Finch noted that his reappointment of Gaudett is due in part to his trusted leadership, proven ability to keep the city's streets safe, and devotion to working with the re-entry community.

"And, through his work with Project Longevity, he’s successfully brought officers, community partners, and the state to the table in order to ensure that those re-entering our community after serving time are set up for future success," Finch said. "For these reasons and many others, I’m honored to reappoint Police Chief Gaudett to a second five-year term.”

Authority is granted to the mayor to reappoint the police chief by the Bridgeport City Charter – which was recently pointed out by Only in Bridgeport – with the following language:

“The person so appointed shall hold office for a term of five years from the effective date of his appointment but may be removed for just cause. A person holding the position of chief of police may, only within 150 days of the end of each term, be reappointed by the mayor for one additional term of five years, effective upon the expiration of the chief’s current term, without the need for further examination or testing.”

With the five-year reappointment, Gaudett is contracted to serve as Bridgeport’s top law enforcement official until December 2020.

Finch is coming to the end of his term in office, however. Joe Ganim, who previously served as mayor, will be sworn in as mayor on Tuesday, Dec. 1. 

Ganim served seven years in federal prison after a corruption conviction tied to his work in City Hall. 

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