City Police Department Sees Leadership Shakeup and Milestone Reached as Council to Address Both Items
By Jeff Toquinto on January 10, 2025
The Bridgeport Police Department will be front and center at Monday’s Bridgeport City Council meeting.
The first meeting of 2024 will start at 7 p.m. at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex. There will be a 6 p.m. work session for advanced construction planning, but it will be in executive session.
As for the police, two promotions will take place in front of the city’s governing body in a ceremonial capacity. Sgt. Scott Carpenter has 
been promoted to the position of lieutenant, while Patrol Officer Scott Toothman has been promoted to sergeant.
been promoted to the position of lieutenant, while Patrol Officer Scott Toothman has been promoted to sergeant.
Carpenter will fill the spot formally held by Lieutenant Detective Gary Weaver, who recently retired. Carpenter will oversee the patrol unit as commander of the C-Shift. Toothman will then step into the post formerly held by Carpenter.
The swearing in ceremony is just that – ceremonial. Rogers said the pair have already begun their duties in their new roles.
“They’re great. Both have been around and have seen a lot of stuff through their different roles in the department,” said Rogers. “I see nothing but good things going forward with both.”
That is not the only item involving the Bridgeport Police. During the awards and presentation portion of the meeting Rebecca Morrison will be given the Employee Service Award for 15 years with the city.
“I was her initial field training officer 15 years ago,” said Rogers. “Not discounting what our male officers bring, but with our female officers not as prevalent, she is invaluable in our field being so very well educated and competent. Having a woman’s perspective, a mother’s perspective in the policing field is important. It’s been great seeing her grow and handle herself professionally in every situation. She’s invaluable.”
Another item, which will be talked about in more detail in the Monday, Jan. 13 preview of the Council meeting on Connect-Bridgeport is an ordinance creating a transient occupancy fee. The transients in this case would be individuals staying in Bridgeport hotels and motels.
Bridgeport City Manager Patrick Ford said Bridgeport has a population of roughly 9,300 residents. The transient population, daily, is 1,300,
or an addition to the daily population of 13.7 percent.
or an addition to the daily population of 13.7 percent.
“Those transient occupants are unaccounted for in our budget. The fee makes sure we don’t compromise service to existing residents and businesses, and we are permitted by the State of West Virginia to put a fee on the hotels. The fee gives the city a better assurance that the resources are there so we can provide the same level of service to our transient guests as we do our residents and businesses.”
Ford said the fee is known by Bridgeport's hotels and motels, and has been discussed with their leadership. Whether they support the fee is another matter.
The fee is $6 per night for the use and occupancy of a hotel room.
As has been the standard for years, the start of the new calendar year will see the beginning of department head reports to City Council. Sharon Hinkle, the Bridgeport Director of Finance, will make her presentation to the city’s governing body outlining recent accomplishments and future goals.
Hinkle will also likely address Council on a pair of budget revisions listed on the agenda. The first of those is General Fund Budget Revision #5 for the current fiscal year.
According to Hinkle, it will involve the allocation of a $650,000 Cops Grant to the police department budget. The funding will be used to 
purchase cameras and provide training. It also included $17,425 being added to the Bridgeport Fire Department for selling a boat, trailer, and air pack. There is also $139,570 being added to the fire department and public works department budgets for FEMA reimbursements from the August 2023 storms and subsequent flooding.
purchase cameras and provide training. It also included $17,425 being added to the Bridgeport Fire Department for selling a boat, trailer, and air pack. There is also $139,570 being added to the fire department and public works department budgets for FEMA reimbursements from the August 2023 storms and subsequent flooding.
As for the The Bridge revision, it will move funds from contracted services ($65,809) no longer needed to supplement the budget for an old vehicle sale in the amount of $6,000 that will allow the purchase of a new vehicle for the facility. It will also allow for the purchase of new flooring for the new workout area.
Council will be looking to reappoint a trio of individuals to the Bridgeport Emergency Services Council. Pegi Bailey, Scott Burnside, and Dennis Klingensmith would serve three-year terms to go from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2027, if given approval by Council.
Council will also recognize the Bridgeport Municipal Government Art Contest winners. The winners have their artwork displayed on the city’s annual calendar.
The final item of the evening involves the review of strategic goals of city departments. With the chance advance construction planning and personnel could be discussed, it is possible the item would be moved into executive session.
The meeting will begin with an invocation from Father Walt Jagela of All Saints Catholic Church. It will also include a forum for anyone wishing to address the city’s governing body near the start of the meeting.
Ford will have his city manager’s report. Mayor Andy Lang will also have his regular report.
The meeting is open to the public.
Editor's Note: Top photo is of Bridgeport Police Chief Mark Rogers. City Manager Patrick Ford is shown in the second image. In the third photo, Finance Director Sharon Hinkle, left, addresses Council during a recent work session as Council member John Wilson takes notes.
