Decorated Bridgeport Police Officer Dies Unexpectedly

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A decorated veteran of the Bridgeport Police Department has died unexpectedly. Jarah Matthews-Dixon, who joined the department in 2008, passed away suddenly Saturday night.

News 12 reported that he died as a result of a heart attack at his home in Stamford.

Matthews-Dixon had received the Distinguished Service Medal and the Medal of Merit. His latest assignment was with the Fusion Center Team, according to a statement from the department.

His family has deep roots in Bridgeport.

"Thoughts and prayers for the family of Officer Matthews-Dixon. #BridgeportPDstrong," Bridgeport police posted on Twitter.

Mayor Joseph Ganim said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Officer Matthews-Dixon at this time, along with all of his brothers and sisters of the Bridgeport Police Department."

The Connecticut Post reported that Matthews-Dixon received honors from the department in 2018 in connection with the pursuit of a vehicle that had committed an infraction. Officers witnessed those in the vehicle throwing a large amount of items out of it during the pursuit.

Police later found that the suspects in the vehicle had planned to commit arson to a business and kill the owner. Matthews-Dixon and K-9 Officer Marie Cetti were recognized by the department for their role in the arrest, The Post reported.

Chief Armando Perez stated, “that Officer Matthews-Dixon was a great officer, a kind person and he will surely be missed, our department is very saddened at this time.”

Funeral arrangements are forthcoming.

Thoughts and prayers for the family of Officer Matthews-Dixon. #BridgeportPDstrong pic.twitter.com/Stb004Yh9f
— Bridgeport Police (@bptpolice) January" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/bptpolice/... 5, 2020