In Milford, Connecticut, on March 2, 2019, the life of Mark Belinkie, a 43-year-old Caucasian male, came to a tragic end. A sergeant with the Bridgeport Police Department, Belinkie was a 19-year veteran of the force. His death was investigated by the Milford Police Department and was subsequently ruled a suicide. There were no suspects or arrests in connection with his death.
The community and his colleagues were left mourning the loss of a man described as a dedicated officer.
The Bridgeport Police Chief at the time expressed deep sadness over the death of a member of his department. In a show of solidarity and respect, fellow officers gathered to pay tribute to their fallen colleague in the days following his death. His passing brought attention to the pressures faced by law enforcement officers.
At the time of his death, Belinkie was one of several officers who were the subject of an internal affairs investigation by the Bridgeport Police Department. The investigation was looking into an incident that had occurred in 2017. While the police chief acknowledged that Belinkie was concerned about the investigation, the full personal impact it may have had on him remains a private matter. He was remembered by loved ones for his smile and laughter.