With his calm demeanor, commitment to equality and constant outreach to the public, Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas has earned the respect of all Westporters.
This coming week, the entire country will share in our pride.
“Champions for Change” — CNN’s week-long series highlighting “bright examples of humanity who give hope and inspiration” — returns for a 6th year tomorrow. On Saturday, September 24 (8 p.m.), Dr. Sanjay Gupta hosts an hour-long special featuring all 12 champions.
One of them is Chief Foti.
A camera crew spent several days in Westport last month, filming interviews with him, other officers, town officials and Foti fans.
Among them: CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota, a fellow Westporter. CNN says her “passion for law enforcement stems back to her time as a justice correspondent. Now she introduces us to a top cop in the state she calls home. Chief Foti Koskinas and his Westport, Connecticut police force are restoring faith in American law enforcement with innovative community involvement. The beloved local Chief immigrated to the US as a boy, speaking no English, and grew up to be a nationally esteemed law enforcement visionary.”
In addition to being part of the September 24 special, Foti’s piece airs twice: Wednesday, September 21 (during the 2 p.m. hour) and Friday, September 23 (during the 11 a.m. hour).
Alisyn will introduce both pieces during the newscast. It will likely be in the second half of the hour, after hard news.
Click here for CNN’s promo video. (Hat tip: Marshall Kiev)
Yay for Alisyn Camerota! Made history in my book,for challenging the assumptions of a woke, middle class white activist political leader who advocated “Defunding the Police” — something roundly opposed by working class Black folks, and subsequently defeated in a referendum. Here’s my Wikipedia blurb recounting the interview:
“[Minneapolis City Council President, Lisa] Bender also received criticism for an on-air interview with CNN’s Alisyn Camerota in which Bender called for “a future without police.” Camerota then asked: “What if in the middle of night, my home is broken into? Who do I call?” Bender replied: “Yes, I mean, I hear that loud and clear from a lot of my neighbors. And I know – and myself, too, and I know that that comes from a place of privilege. Because for those of us for whom the system is working, I think we need to step back and imagine what it would feel like to already live in that reality where calling the police may mean more harm is done.”
Fantastic to see Chief Foti recognized for his leadership!
I can’t wait to see this! Westport is so, so fortunate to have Chief Foti. He is the epitome of kindness and respectability. Thank you to Alisyn Camerota for honoring Chief Foti in this way.
We are fortunate to have leadership of this magnitude in our town. Foti, a first generation immigrant, English second language, is a true example of the American Dream and steadfast dedication and energy. His years of law enforcement and ability to adjust and learn to the multi faceted job of patrolman, Marina division, scuba dive team, k9, and climbing through the ranks…extremely well accomplished and personable too.
That’s our Chief!!!
Westport honoring its own. Aliysn, fantastic story.