Tributes pour in for Bridgeport police officer and girlfriend killed in Danbury motorcycle crash

Well, tributes continue to pour in for a Bridgeport police officer who died in off duty motorcycle crash along with his girlfriend. That happened early yesterday morning in Danbury News 12 Connecticut's Marissa Alter reports flowers, candles and crosses now line this section of Sugar Hollow Road in Danbury, a memorial to 38 year old Cooper Whiteside and his girlfriend, 34 year old Brittany Islami. The couple lost their lives here when their motorcycle and an SUV collided around 2 45 Monday morning. Whiteside was from Danbury but dedicated his life to public service throughout Fairfield County, most recently with the Bridgeport Police Department. He joined there two years ago. The job was Whiteside's true calling, according to the Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company, where Whiteside previously served during his time with us. He was always willing to lend a hand and was a valued part of our fire service family. The company posted rest easy Cooper, your service, friendship and dedication will not be forgotten. Whiteside was also a firefighter, E. M. T. Lieutenant training captain and vice president with the West Reading Volunteer Fire Department. According to their social media, the online tributes extended beyond local police and fire. The Danbury hat tricks posted they were heartbroken about the loss of Whiteside and Islami. Cooper and Brittany were more than loyal fans. They were familiar faces at the Danbury Arena, cheering on the hat tricks and bringing warmth and passion to our game nights. Islami was from New Milford. A fundraising effort says she left behind three kids who were the center of her world. Why the crash occurred remains under investigation by Danbury police. They said the motorcycle and SUV were heading in different directions when they collided head on. The driver of the SUV went to the hospital with serious injuries. Whiteside and Islami died at the scene. Marissa Alter News 12 Connecticut