Fairfield Names New Chief Of Police

FAIRFIELD, CT — Michael Paris, the son of a former Bridgeport Police Sergeant, is the new Chief of Police in Fairfield.

Paris, who most recently held the rank of Captain, joined the department as an officer in 2006. He was sworn in as the department's new chief on Wednesday by Acting First Selectwoman Christine Vitale. He replaces Chief Robert Kalamaras, who recently announced his retirement.

The Fairfield Board of Police Commissioners interviewed and evaluated several candidates for the position of Chief of Police before unanimously selecting Paris. All the candidates "demonstrated exceptional qualifications and leadership experience, a testament to the strength and professionalism of the department’s existing leadership team," officials said.

A formal swearing in ceremony will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

"I am honored to welcome and begin working with Chief Paris in his new capacity," Vitale said after the swearing in. "From the moment I met him, I was impressed with Mike’s approachability, commitment to our community and knowledge of best practices in policing. He is a natural leader and will do great things for an already amazing department."

Vitale added, "I applaud the Police Commission’s diligence on selecting our new Chief. I know the decision was not an easy one given the pool of highly talented and dedicated candidates."

Paris has had a lifelong passion for law enforcement and public service. He began his journey as a Fairfield Police Explorer, and after graduating from Fairfield’s Notre Dame High School in 2001, he began his career with the town later that year as an Emergency Telecommunicator at the age of 18. Five years later, he was sworn in as a Fairfield Police Officer.

— Acting Fairfield First Selectwoman Christine Vitale, right, swears in new Police Chief Michael Paris, as Board of Police Commission Chair Jamie Millington looks on. Photo credit: Town of Fairfield

During his early years in patrol, he served as a Field Training Officer and was a member of the Department's Honor Guard.

In 2010, Chief Paris joined the Connecticut State Police’s Urban Violence Task Force, working undercover to target violent street gangs, and two years later, he was deputized as a Special Deputy Federal Agent and U.S. Marshal with the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.

For his efforts in combating organized crime, he received the United States Attorney Award.

In 2016, Paris was promoted to Sergeant, where he supervised the Traffic Safety Unit, Crash Investigation Unit, and Marine Division. He also led the Department’s Crisis Negotiation Team and served as President of the Fairfield Police Union, advocating for officers’ interests and department advancement.

Paris' promotion to Lieutenant followed in 2021, and he later assumed command of the Special Services Division, where he he oversaw specialized units and implemented initiatives to improve traffic safety and community engagement. He was the longtime commander of the Crash Investigation Unit, where he helped build a highly respected team known for its thorough and compassionate approach to major incidents.

In 2024, Chief Paris was promoted to the rank of Captain and took command of the Field Services Bureau, overseeing patrol operations and ensuring the effective deployment of resources to meet the needs of the Fairfield community.

— Newly appointed Fairfield Police Chief Michael Paris. Photo credit: Alfred Branch/Patch

Chief Paris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Sacred Heart University, and beyond his police work, he is an active member of the community and a former President of the Parish Council at Saint Nicholas Church in Bridgeport.

"Chief Paris’s appointment marks a full-circle moment in his career," the department said in a statement. "From his early days as a Fairfield Police Explorer to now holding the department’s highest rank, his journey is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to public service within the community he has always called home. As Chief of Police, he looks forward to continuing his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of Fairfield’s residents."