Updates from State Rep. Farley Santos for July 17, 2026

July 17, 2026

On Wednesday, I joined Mayor Roberto Alves and our community to welcome home Danbury resident, Bridgeport Police Officer, local volunteer firefighter, and former Danbury Police Cadet Cooper Whiteside. Before the procession, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Cooper's mother. As someone who knows the unimaginable pain of losing a child, my heart broke for her and for everyone who loved Cooper. No parent should ever have to endure that kind of loss.

Watching Cooper return home was a powerful reminder of the impact he had on so many. The Danbury Police Department was joined by the Bridgeport Police Department and law enforcement agencies from across Connecticut and the region in escorting him home. The Danbury Fire Department, along with volunteer and career fire departments from throughout the area, stood shoulder to shoulder to honor a fellow firefighter and public servant whose life was defined by service, courage, and compassion.

We also continue to mourn the loss of Brittany Islami, whose Danbury roots touched so many in our community. Please keep both the Whiteside and Islami families, as well as all of Cooper's and Brittany's friends, colleagues, and loved ones, in your thoughts and prayers.

I've included the GoFundMe link here to support Brittany Islami's children. If you're able, I hope you'll consider making a donation to help her family through this heartbreaking time.

Police Academy Visit

I was honored to spend time at the Nerleea Cadet Police Academy and see firsthand the incredible work being done to develop tomorrow's leaders. My thanks to Sgt. David Antedomenico for the invitation and to Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour and Berlin Police Chief Matt McNalley for their commitment to mentoring the next generation.

What stood out wasn't just the training, it was the confidence these cadets carried themselves with. Through leadership opportunities, teamwork, problem-solving, and realistic public safety exercises, these young men and women are learning lessons that will benefit them for the rest of their lives, regardless of the career path they choose.

Walking away from the academy, I was even more convinced that fighting to secure a a total of $50,000 line item for the Danbury Police Cadet Program in the state budget was the right investment. Programs like this don't just prepare future law enforcement officers, they help shape responsible citizens, community leaders, and young people who understand the value of service.

If we want a stronger Danbury tomorrow, we have to keep investing in our youth today.

A Week of Learning

The theme for the week was great leaders are great learners. I was honored to be selected as one of just 58 state legislators from across the country, and the only one from Connecticut, to attend the Melissa Hortman Emerging Leaders Program hosted by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation (SLLF) at the UVA Darden Executive Education & Lifelong Learning in Charlottesville.

From there, I traveled to Washington, D.C., to join a bipartisan group of Connecticut Legislators as Co-Chair of the Future Caucus - formerly Millennial Action Project at the Future Summit.

It was a week of collaboration with Democrat and Republican legislators from every corner of the country. We challenged one another, shared ideas, and explored solutions that can strengthen our states and better serve the people we represent. Sessions covered everything from learning how to truly know a person, leading through crisis with vision, negotiating effectively, artificial intelligence, online safety and social media, threats to the personal safety of legislators, expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs, economic development strategies, and much more. I especially appreciated hearing how other states are approaching economic growth and workforce development, and I'm excited to bring those ideas back home to Danbury.

Some moments will stay with me for a long time. Lt. Col. Doug Douds, USMC, delivered a powerful keynote speech with a poignant reminder that "Democracy is a relay, not finished business," and that "Congress may get the cameras, but state legislatures get the country."

We visited Monticello which provided an opportunity to reflect on both the brilliance and the complicated legacy of President Thomas Jefferson. And, as I do whenever I'm in Washington, I went to see Lincoln to listen.

Standing before President Lincoln is always a humbling experience that reminds me that every generation faces its own challenges, and Lincoln's words still have something to teach us today about this moment in time.

The Emerging Leaders Program is named in honor of Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, who was tragically assassinated alongside her husband. She was remembered throughout the week for her courage, integrity, and willingness to lead according to her principles, even when it wasn't politically easy. Having her children there going through the program with us was special. One thought shared during the program perfectly captures what public service is all about: we're planting trees whose shade we may never enjoy, but future generations will.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside some of our nation's brightest leaders and to return home with new ideas, new partnerships, and renewed drive to continue delivering results for Danbury and Connecticut.

Making the Grade

I am proud that I received an A from the Connecticut Education Association for my legislative record this past session.

I've always believed that investing in our students, supporting our educators, and strengthening our public schools is one of the smartest investments we can make. I'm grateful to the CEA for this recognition, and I'll continue working to ensure every child in Connecticut has access to a high-quality public education and every educator has the support they deserve.

Hall of Fame Induction

I was happy to join the Danbury Old Timers Athletic Association at its Summer Picnic and am incredibly humbled to be part of the 2026 Hall of Fame class alongside Al Almeida, Harry Hansen Jr., Danny Hayes, Christie Scalzo Koukopoulos, Patrick Lawlor, Wayne Lounsbury, Hans Otto, Ronald Nunn, and Terrie Peck Schmiedel.

Congratulations as well to this year's scholarship recipients. You're the next generation of leaders, and Danbury is cheering you on. Thank you to the Old Timers for this honor. To be recognized by the city that raised me and gave me every opportunity is something I'll never take for granted. Looking forward to celebrating with everyone at the induction ceremony!

End-of-Session Newsletter

If you haven’t received my End of Session Report yet, here it is! It's an honor to represent the city I love and fight every day to deliver results for Danbury. As always, thank you for your support, your ideas, and the opportunity to serve.