David Becker, Fairfield's COO, Resigns

FAIRFIELD, CT — David Becker, Fairfield's Chief Operating Officer since 2024, resigned from the position last week, following questions raised by a town audit over the purchase of an expensive command vehicle.

Becker was appointed to the position by the late First Selectman Bill Gerber, and he was a controversial choice from the beginning, partly due to his family's company having contracts with the town.

Late last year, Becker oversaw the purchase of an SUV, fully outfitted with emergency equipment, that cost well over $100,000, which was going to be a command vehicle for his role as emergency management director.

The Republican Town Committee questioned the purchase, because the group said it was made without going through proper channels.

A town internal audit also backed up those allegations. Becker could not be reached for comment.

In a statement to Patch, First Selectwoman Christine Vitale said that Becker's resignation was effective as of Friday.

"Since becoming Acting First Selectman upon Bill Gerber’s illness and subsequently being appointed First Selectman, I have held conversations with Mr. Becker about his role and the Town’s current organizational chart," Vitale said. "It’s not unusual for a new administration to make personnel changes. I planned changes in line with my vision. Those conversations prompted Mr. Becker to offer his resignation as Chief Operating Officer, and I accepted his resignation. He had earlier resigned as Emergency Management Director, with Acting Fire Chief Kyran Dunn appointed Fairfield’s Emergency Management Director.

"The command vehicle which David Becker drove is a town asset, and as such, has been returned to the Police Department as part of its fleet. The purpose of that vehicle was part of a plan to modernize our emergency response efforts, and the vehicle is being used for that purpose. An audit identified that the purchase of the vehicle bypassed town purchasing protocol, and I’ve taken steps to make changes to what the Town calls the pink voucher system, and to ensure tighter financial controls. I am committed to transparency and financial responsibility, and will continue to work to ensure that Fairfield taxpayers have trust and confidence in their Town government."