Fairfield's New Police Chief Takes Oath Of Office

FAIRFIELD, CT — Michael Paris, Fairfield's 12th Chief of Police, was sworn into office during a ceremony at Fairfield University on Monday. A member of the department since 2006, Paris replaces former Chief Robert Kalamaras, who recently became the chief of the Redding Police Department.

Monday's ceremony, attended by more than 150, included the swearing in of four members of the Fairfield Police Department who were promoted to new roles: Capt. Matthew Riendeau; Lt. Michael Stahl; Lt. Jason Greenfield; and Sgt. Seth Jenkins. New Sgt. Eurico Dias is on vacation, and was not present for the ceremony.

"Our new chief is focused on strengthening relationships, bringing people together to talk, problem solve, and create a strategic plan to keep our community safe and our police department united and moving forward," Acting First Selectwoman Christine Vitale said.

In addition to Vitale, also offering glowing remarks during the ceremony about Paris and the promoted officers were Fairfield University President, Dr. Mark Nemec; Fairfield Police Commission Chair Jaime Millington; State's Attorney Joseph Corradino; Fairfield Chief Operating Officer David Becker; state Sen. Tony Hwang and state Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey; and Chief Inspector James Viadero.

"We trust him," said Becker, who is also the town's Deputy Emergency Management Director, about Paris. "Not just because of what he's already done, but because of what we know he's capable of doing."

Paris, who comes from a law enforcement family, began his journey as a Fairfield Police Explorer. After graduating from Fairfield’s Notre Dame High School in 2001, he then began his career with the town that same year as an Emergency Telecommunicator at the age of 18. Five years later, he was sworn in as a Fairfield Police Officer.

He became a sergeant, lieutenant and captain before his promotion to chief.

"Tonight is not about me, it's about us, all of us," Paris said. "It's about a department rooted in strength, service and community."

Paris envisions a department with a renewed commitment to a "people first mentality," a bedrock of a great policing.

"Technology is a tool, and an important one, but it must never replace the good, old-fashioned conversation," Paris said. "We will continue to innovate, but we will also bring back the values that built this department, presence, pride, service and connection."