It’s been a busy few months for the Westport Police Department.
They’ve dealt with a violent carjacking and other auto thefts; ramped up security at local houses of worship following Hamas’ attack on Israel; rescued boaters from Long Island Sound, and searched for their missing companions.
Meanwhile, their daily duties — traffic enforcement, ensuring school safety, responding to dozens of calls a day — continue.
But it was all hands on deck last weekend, when a Staples High School freshman was reported missing.
Members of the Detective Bureau, and many other officers, quickly mobilized. They descended on the Bayberry Lane preserve where he was last seen. They scoured trails on foot, utilized area K-9s, and called in drone operators to search by air.
They followed leads, including a 2-second phone call believed to be placed from a Wifi kiosk in New York.
Just 24 hours later, they located him in a library near Grand Central Station.
It was a harrowing — but thoroughly professional — investigation. When the teen was reunited with his family, officers were exhausted.
But they were proud too.
And as thrilled as the young man’s family and friends.
You could say “that’s their job.” But it’s hard to find any police force that does it better, more thoroughly, or with more care and concern.
(To nominate an Unsung Hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To help support “06880,” please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)
Whole heartedly Agree!!! Great selection Dan.
I’d like to nominate Westport’s Chief of Police
Foti Koskinas. Too often overlooked as the man doing his job and then way beyond. It’s a given that Foti adeptly overseas his department but he attends every possible chairity function, community functions, retail business openings and is an outstanding humble public servant. Were very lucky to having a man of his commitments to our town of Westport.
Some GREAT effort!!
Thanks!! CWG
It seems that every photo Foti is in, the First Selectwoman is in it too! They must have a very good working relationship!!
That teenager who went “missing” should perform hours of community service as a big thank you to the police department.
Polite and thorough WPD officers went door to door on the route the young man took to the train station… impressive!
Foti sets the example and things get done!
I have known Foti since the New York sports club. He is a good person with outstanding leadership and decency Westport is fortunate to have Foti. we can acknowledge thanks to Foti.
they are the best
Our Chief is so good because he is not a we/they guy. He’s an US guy, with an open, curious and facile mind…I doubt we’ll have another Chief like him.