“I’m proud of the work that our Police Department does every day keeping our kids and families safe in Bridgeport. On this particular day, our officers were there for one of their own, to be by Erin’s side on this special day and to honor the memory of Captain Craw.” – Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch
Bridgeport, Conn. (June 6, 2015) – When Erin Craw received her college diploma from the University of Connecticut on graduation day, she had four members of the Bridgeport Police Department by her side. Erin is the daughter of the late Bridgeport Police Captain Robert Craw.
“I’m proud of the work that our Police Department does every day keeping our kids and families safe in Bridgeport,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “On this particular day, our officers were there for one of their own, to be by Erin’s side on this special day and to honor the memory of Captain Craw.”
Captain Craw’s wish was to see his daughter graduate from UConn. Due to a diagnosis of a rare form of cancer, Captain Craw sadly passed away last August before Erin began her senior year.
Officers of the Bridgeport Police Department knew how much Erin’s graduation meant to Captain Craw, and to honor his wish, Assistant Chief James Nardozzi, Capt. Brian McCarthy, Lt. Bill Mayer, and Sgt. Charles Johnson attended the commencement.
“Bobby would have given anything to see Erin graduate,” said Police Chief Joseph Gaudett. “He dedicated his life to the City of Bridgeport but he was even more dedicated to his family. He couldn’t be there for graduation and we thought it only right that we stand in for him to show Erin how much her father means to us. Bobby’s wife Sheila and Meghan and Erin will always be part of the Bridgeport Police family.”
After earning a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at the University of New Haven, Craw joined the Bridgeport Police Department in 1978. He quickly rose through the ranks to eventually earn the title of Captain, and has proudly devoted over 36 years of service to his hometown, Bridgeport.
“Bobby was a good man, a good cop and a great father. He had 36 years on the job,” said Chief Gaudett. “He never seemed to miss a day of work. And he always seemed to go right home after his shift to be with his girls. He was always there for them. We wanted to be there for them too.”