Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas Resigning To Join Another Fairfield County Department

WESTPORT, CT — Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas will resign from his position effective June 30, First Selectwoman Jen Tooker announced Tuesday.

Koskinas, who has served in the Westport Police Department since 1996 and as chief since 2016, is stepping down after nearly three decades with the department. His tenure as chief included overseeing the department through changes in law enforcement practices, increased public engagement, and various community challenges.

The Connecticut Post reports that Koskinas is leaving Westport to become the police chief in Easton.

"He has met these challenges with true leadership, the highest integrity, and an insight into community policing that is unsurpassed," Tooker said in a statement about Koskinas. "Foti’s approach has always been pragmatic, honest and prioritizes communication and collaboration. He is one of 'Westport’s Finest' in the truest sense of the phrase. I know Westport agrees with me. On behalf of the residents, business owners and visitors of Westport, his colleagues in Town Hall and his fellow PD and EMS first responders, I am so grateful for Foti’s leadership and genuine dedication to our community. I wish him only the best as he enters a new chapter. He will definitely be missed."

Tooker praised Koskinas for mentoring other officers and fostering leadership within the department. A successor has not yet been named, but Tooker said the next police chief will be promoted from within the department.

"I regularly say we have the best Police Department in the State, and I mean it," Tooker said. "I am very confident that the command of the Westport Police Department will remain in very capable hands, as the next Chief will be promoted from within the highly experienced ranks of our current PD."

The Easton Board of Police Commissioners reportedly approved of Koskinas' hiring on Monday. Easton's current police chief, Richard Doyle, is also leaving at the end of June.

Koskinas began his career in Westport as a patrol officer. He was promoted to sergeant in 2006, captain in 2009, and deputy chief in 2011. He became chief in 2016. In his various roles, he oversaw patrol operations, criminal investigations, and emergency medical services.

His career includes assignments with the K-9 unit, Honor Guard, regional emergency response teams, and collaborations with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

In 2009, Koskinas received the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Medal of Valor for rescuing a kidnapping victim from an armed suspect on Interstate 95. He has also received numerous departmental honors, including the Medal of Valor, Life Saving Awards, and commendations.

In 2019, the Police Commissioners Association of Connecticut named Koskinas one of three recipients of its Distinguished Chiefs Award.