Fairfield Police Chief Announces Retirement

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield Police Chief Robert Kalamaras, who has served as the town's top cop since 2021, announced Wednesday that he is retiring after more than 25 years with the department.

His last day in Fairfield will be July 16; he is then slated to become the new police chief in Redding. A successor has not yet been named, but the Fairfield Board of Police Commissioners will immediately begin the process of selecting a new chief, who will be named from someone currently with the department, officials said. Kalamaras' successor will be sworn in at an informal ceremony the day after his retirement, with a formal public swearing-in ceremony to follow in the coming weeks.

Acting First Selectwoman Christine Vitale will be supporting the commission in the selection of a new chief, with officials emphasizing that staying within the department for the choice reflects the "confidence in the strength of its current leadership and [reinforces] the department’s commitment to continuity, professional development, and community-focused policing."

Vitale praised Chief Kalamaras for his leadership and dedication. "Chief Kalamaras has guided our police department with professionalism, integrity, and dedication to the safety of our community, and has been an excellent ambassador for police officers and community policing. We are grateful for his decades of service, and the impact he has had on law enforcement in Fairfield through each step of his distinguished career. He will be missed."

"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve the Town of Fairfield for the past 25 years," Kalamaras said. "I am deeply grateful to the officers I’ve had the privilege to work alongside, and to the community that has placed its trust in our department. Together, we have built lasting partnerships rooted in transparency, accountability, and public service.

"As I prepare for retirement, I do so with great pride in the men and women of the Fairfield Police Department. I have full confidence in their ability to carry our mission forward with integrity and professionalism. Leadership is not about a single person; it’s about preparing others to rise. I believe the department is well positioned for continued success."

Kalamaras joined the Fairfield Police Department in 2000 and has spent his career serving in a variety of operational and leadership roles, according to officials. He began as a patrol officer and spent a decade on the road before rising through the ranks. During his tenure, he worked in or supervised several specialized units including the Crash Investigation Unit, Emergency Services Unit, Dive Team, Marine Division, and Traffic Safety Unit, and also served as the department’s Public Information Officer.

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He was promoted to sergeant in 2010, and held supervisory positions in both the Patrol and Special Services Divisions. He became a lieutenant in 2015 and later served as the commander of the Special Services Division. In 2019, he was promoted to captain and oversaw field operations before being appointed to Chief of Police in January 2021.

Chief Kalamaras is a U.S. military veteran and holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Sacred Heart University. He is a graduate of the 276th Session of the FBI National Academy, and earned a Master’s Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership and Master’s Degree in Public Safety from the University of Virginia. He has served on numerous statewide advisory committees, contributing to the development and enhancement of public safety practices across Connecticut. In September 2024, he received the Distinguished Chiefs Award from the Police Commissioners Association of Connecticut, one of only three police chiefs in the state recognized for exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to public safety.

Throughout his leadership, Chief Kalamaras prioritized public safety, officer wellness, traffic enforcement, community engagement, and modernization of department operations. His leadership has helped position the Fairfield Police Department as one of the most professional and forward-thinking agencies in the region.

About the transition to a new chief, Vitale said, "Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition and to continue the Department’s excellent record for safety, transparency, and collaboration with residents. Chief Kalamaras leaves the department with officers ready to step forward and lead."

"The Fairfield Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to Chief Kalamaras for his years of dedicated service and leadership," officials said in a statement. "We wish him continued success in his future endeavors, and will proudly carry forward the tradition of excellence and professionalism he helped to strengthen during his tenure."