Chief bids adieu to city with final salute

Longtime Bristol Police Chief Brian Gould waves goodbye as he departs his last shift. | Laura Bailey

Posted By: David Fortier April 6, 2024

Police officers, firefighters, dignitaries from the city and state, city workers and citizens lined North Main Street to bid farewell to retiring Police Chief Brian Gould with a final salute for his years with the city, on Friday afternoon.

At 2:45 p.m., upon hearing the peal of a siren from Center Street, the throng of about 100 people in front of the Bristol Police Station sprang to attention.

Clockwise, from the top left, procession with Police Chief Brian Gould, Acting Police Chief Mark Morello salutes, Gould acknowledges gathering. | Laura Bailey

They along with six police cruisers and six firetrucks and their crews formed a gauntlet for a procession including the Gould’s Ford SUV, escorted by two motorcycles and two Bristol Police cruisers. As the chief’s vehicle rolled to a stop before the police station, Acting Police Chief Mark Morello called the officers to attention, turned to the chief and they saluted.

Clockwise from right, the gathering in front of the Bristol Police Department included officer, city workers, and residents; across from the police station, firefighters await procession; city and state officials, including director of economic and community development Justin Malley, State Rep. Joe Hoxha, Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. | Laura Bailey

The chief returned the salute, and said, “Love you much.” He returned to his vehicle and slowly drove away, pausing briefly before firefighters standing alongside two of the fire engines on the north side of the street across from the police station, to say, “I appreciate you for your service.”

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