WESTPORT – Deputy Police Chief David Farrell has been elevated to police chief following the resignation of Police Chief Foti Koskinas.
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced April 30 the appointment of Deputy Chief David Farrell as Chief of the Westport Police Department, effective May 23, 2025. Farrell will succeed Chief Foti Koskinas, who is stepping down after 29 years of service.
“Dave Farrell is the clear and natural choice to lead our Police Department forward,” Tooker said. “His integrity, experience, and deep understanding of this community make him an extraordinary leader. I have complete confidence in Dave, and I am genuinely excited about what’s ahead under his leadership. This is a promising time for our Police Department, and Dave is the right person to guide us into the future.”
Koskinas’ resignation takes effect June 30.
“I’m truly honored to step into this role. I’m thankful for the chance to serve as Chief and excited to work with our officers and the Westport community,” Farrell said. “This town is something special — we’re all about community, looking out for one another, and keeping each other safe. That’s what makes Westport strong, and that’s the kind of spirit I’ll bring to everything we do at the police department.”
Tooker touted Farrell’s career as a police officer in Westport.
“Since 1996, the Town of Westport has been served and protected by a truly amazing human, Foti Koskinas,” Tooker said. “For the past nine years as chief, Foti has stood at the forefront of a myriad of changes in law enforcement, community tragedies and issues, civil unrest and increased public engagement. He has met these challenges with true leadership, the highest integrity, and an insight into community policing that is unsurpassed.”
Farrell began his career with the Westport Police Department as a patrol officer in 2001. He was promoted to sergeant in 2009 and to lieutenant in 2012. In 2015, he was appointed administrative lieutenant and served as the department’s public information officer. He was promoted to captain in 2017, during which time he commanded the Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, and Professional Standards and Training Divisions.
In 2021, Chief Farrell was promoted to deputy chief, overseeing the budgets for the Police Department, Police Garage, Emergency Medical Services, Railroad Division, and Animal Control. He worked closely with the RTM and First Selectwoman’s Office on the Civilian Review Panel, which is now the Civilian Public Safety Departments Review Board. Chief Farrell also serves as the director of Emergency Medical Services and the Director of Railroad Operations.
Chief Farrell is a certified Emergency Medical Technician and has served as a crisis/hostage negotiator with the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team, a member of the Crisis Intervention Team and was a proud member of the Westport Police Department Honor Guard.
Chief Farrell holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Connecticut. He lives in Fairfield with his wife, Alison, and their two daughters, Olivia and Jocelyn.
Other police department changes
Tooker announced three internal promotions in the Westport Police Department effective May 23. Capt. David Wolf will be promoted to deputy chief, joining Deputy Chief Ryan Paulsson in that role. Lt. Eric Woods and Lt. Jillian Cabana will be promoted to captain.
“With the appointment of Dave Farrell as the police chief, it was a natural progression for the command staff to be promoted to these positions,” she said. “As with Chief Farrell, I am honored to make these appointments. Each of them has an excellent reputation in the community. They are dedicated and experienced law enforcement professionals who will work as a team to make the department, and most importantly, the residents and visitors of Westport their priority.”
