BETHEL — Funeral services for Bridgeport police Officer Cooper “Coop” Whiteside were held Friday, July 24, at Walnut Hill Community Church.
Whiteside, 38, was killed in an off-duty motorcycle crash on July 13 in Danbury, along with his passenger, Brittany Islami, 34, of New Milford. Both were pronounced dead at the scene following the collision with a Jeep Compass shortly after 2:45 a.m.
According to Danbury Police, the driver of the Jeep sustained serious injuries and was transported to Danbury Hospital. The investigation into the accident is ongoing.
At the funeral, Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter and Mayor Joe Ganim presented a unit citation to Whiteside’s family, acknowledging his contributions to significant crime reduction in Bridgeport in 2025.
Pastor Clay Norman noted Whiteside’s commitment to community service and compassion toward others. “He has reminded us that strength and kindness can go together in the same person,” Norman said.
Whiteside joined the Bridgeport Police Department in July 2024, after serving as a firefighter in various local fire departments. His patrol vehicle has been memorialized outside the department, attracting tributes from the community.
A GoFundMe has been initiated to support the children of Islami, who was described as a passionate and caring individual.