Bridgeport City Council Walk of Honor Program
Walk of Honor Nomination Process
BRIDGEPORT CITY COUNCIL LAUNCHES NEW WALK OF HONOR PROGRAM TO CELEBRATE RESIDENTS.pdf
The Walk of Honor was established by the City Council in April 2025. The Walk of Honor, located at the South Entrance of City Hall, recognizes individuals from Bridgeport who have achieved local, national, or international acclaim. This program will recognize deserving individuals with lasting achievement and give honor to current or former citizens of Bridgeport.
To obtain an application for an honoree, please download, read the policies, and fill out the nomination form. Upon completion of the nomination form, you must send it to your Councilmember so they can submit it to the Office of Legislative Services.
If you have questions regarding the Walk of Honor nomination process, please contact the Office of Legislative Services at 203-330-4250 or legislative.services@bridgeportct.gov
Please review the criteria for nomination in the Walk of Honor Nomination Form & Policies before submitting a nomination. This form is also available in the Office of Legislative Services at the Margaret Morton Government Center, 999 Broad Street, Bridgeport CT 06604 (2nd Floor) or https://www.bridgeportct.gov/government/departments/city-council.
Submit completed Nomination Form and include supporting documents/picture (if available) to your Councilmember (can be found on the City Council page) for submission to the Office of Legislative Services.
Honorees Bio
Sergeant Joel Cruz Cotto
Sergeant Joel Cruz Cotto was born in December 1987 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and was educated in Bridgeport public schools, graduating from St. Joseph’s High School.
From a young age, Sgt. Cotto aspired to serve in the military and earned an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Housatonic Community College. Prior to enlisting, he worked as a security guard at the Metro-North Station in Bridgeport, where in October 2006 he heroically risked his life to save a woman who had fallen onto the train tracks. For this act of bravery, Sgt. Cotto was awarded the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chief of Police Civilian Commendation.
Sgt. Cotto served eight years in the United States Army, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2009, achieved the rank of Sergeant, and was formally recognized with a certificate signed by President Barack Obama for his dedication to service.
Mr. Michael J. Marella Jr.
Mr. Michael J. Marella Jr. is a lifelong Bridgeport, Connecticut resident who has dedicated his career to public service, law enforcement, and youth development.
Mr. Marella served for 20 years as a Bridgeport police officer before becoming Executive Director of the Bridgeport Police Activities League, a role he has held since 1989, helping expand programs that support and mentor young people.
Mr. Marella also played a major role in city leadership, serving multiple terms as City Councilman for Bridgeport’s 138th District and helping bring major community assets such as Harbor Yard and the Bridgeport Bluefish to the city. Nationally and statewide, Mr. Marella led the Police Activities League as president and executive director and worked with organizations such as the U.S. Olympic Committee and football officiating associations.