There is no requirement for letters of reference by state statute, but the process will certainly be smoother if you play along with their game. Just give your friend a "to whom it may concern" letter stating how long you've known him, that he is of good character, etc. It doesn't have to be fancy.
The Bridgeport delay is typical. I had a NRA Basic Pistol student who is a PHD doing research at Yale tell me it took him nearly 6 months to get his license. As a non-resident, the DPS issues my license in just over 30 days!