Some people say they were “just doing their job.”
But the Westport Police Department had 3 big jobs on Saturday.
They monitored the massive “Hands Off!” protest on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
Nearby, hundreds of visitors flocked to the Westport Library, for VersoFest.
And not far away, in the middle of it all, was the funeral service for retired Police Chief Ron Malone.
All that is without the normal Saturday Post Road traffic.
Sure, our police officers — including Chief Foti Koskinas, who seemed to be everywhere — were just doing their job.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas, at Saturday’s protest. (Photo/Alan Shinbaum)
But they did it with plenty of professionalism, politeness, and understanding that “To Protect and Serve” are not just words on their cop cars.
They kept the protesters safe. They helped drivers navigate through. They answered questions from visitors. And they gave their former chief the sendoff he deserved.
We are lucky that our police officers — those on patrol and special duties, and those who lead them — do such a good job, “just doing their job.”
They’re the police, sure. But they’re also human.
Saturday was tough. There was a lot going on, with a lot of moving parts. Thanks to the Westport Police Department, those parts all worked together.
Keeping protesters safe, and traffic moving. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Thank you for giving them the credit they deserve.
The police did an amazing job on April 5th. Guiding people in safety, opening & closing lanes as the crowds built – all just doing their job but they went beyond, responding to the peaceful nature of the event with like-minded kindness (not one incident of violence anywhere across the nation on that day). All day I noted the diligence with kindness they showed. At days end I approached an officer that was within my vision most of the day and thanked him for all he had done this day to make us all safe and thank him for his continued service to us every day. I was beyond impressed & so proud that this peaceful & significant protest (as well as others) happen in my community.
Hear, hear!
The Westport Police Department are amazing….and so worthy of you acknowledging them and reminding us all. Thanks Dan
We are so lucky
some of the most amazing people in law enforcement, with diverse backgrounds, dedicated to serving the public and beyond. We are very lucky.
Our police do a fine job, particularly under the leadership of Chief Koskinas. I am also confident that whomever succeeds Chief Koskinas will carry on the long tradition of the ability of the Westport Police Department to get the job done well. I also expect another huge turnout of those scared by the Trump Administration at the bridge at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 19th.