After 29 years on the Westport Police force — the last 9 as chief — Foti Koskinas has seen nearly everything.
He has freed a hostage, overseen Black Lives Matter demonstrations and the rescue of 28 rowers from frigid waters, upgraded school safety, helped arrest carjackers, and dealt with crises large and small, all in an active, demanding town filled with expensive homes, many stores and restaurants and offices, and including a sound, river, railroad, and two major highways.
On June 30, Koskinas will hand in his badge. He has chosen not to renew his contract.
But at an age when some law enforcement personnel retire, Koskinas will continue to pursue the work he loves. He will become chief of police in Easton, and also explore other opportunities both professionally and personally.
Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas
Koskinas may be Westport’s most infuential police chief ever. Like several other predecessors, he graduated from Staples High School.
Unlike them, however, he came to the US as an immigrant. His parents are Greek. Koskinas arrived at Long Lots Junior High School as a 7th grader. He did not know a word of English.
He learned quickly, and earned renown as a student and athlete. He planned on a career in law, but a college criminology course changed his career path.
His years on the Westport force included 9 as a patrolman, 3 as a sergeant, 3 as a captain, 4 as deputy chief, and — since 2014 — as chief.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas with Dylan Curran, at the 2023 Memorial Day parade. (Photo/Dan Woog)
His duties have included K-9 dog handler, SWAT team leader, dive operator, and member of both the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team and honor guard. Just about the only job he missed is detective — though he has supervised that department.
He also worked on assignments with the US Drug Enforcemetn Administration.
Along the way Koskinas earned a Connecticut Police Chief’s Association Medal of Valor, for his role rescuing a kidnapping victim from an armed murder suspect on I-95.
In 2019 he received the Distinguished Chiefs Award from the Police Commissioners Association of Connecticut.
As chief he is particularly proud of the role his department played in the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis officers.
“The entire country was in turmoil,” Koskinas recalls. “But a lot of what the public was demanding as police changes, we’d already implemented.”
Some of the most vivid images of those days are of Koskinas talking quietly with — and listening to — protesters of all ages and races on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, at Jesup Green and outside the police station.
Chief Foti Koskinas with Black Lives Matter protesters, outside police headquarters. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
As he prepares to step down, Koskinas is filled with gratitude.
His first thanks are to his wife and daughters. “They’ve been through a lot,” he notes. “They endured stress, and I’ve missed a lot with them. But they’ve always been totally supportive.”
Without the men and women of the Westport Police Department, he adds, “nothing would have been possible. This has been a total team effort.”
The chief is grateful too for the support of the Westport community, “on all levels. They gave a first generation immigrant a lot of opportunities, and they have always been there for me.”
Police Chief Foti Koskinas (red shirt, above) has been involved in many aspects of Westport life. He is a frequent participant in the Police Department and Westport Youth Commission’s Dodge-a-Cop dodgeball tournament.
Despite his move to Easton, and living in Fairfield, Koskinas says Westport “will always be dear to me.” He looks forward to helping his successor — and the town — in any way he can.
After more than 40 years here, he has seen many changes — in the Police Department, and the town.
“There are challenges ahead,” he acknowledges. “Westport is growing quickly, with limited capacity” for some of that growth.
Polarization is an issue too. “National politics has reached here.”
But, he concludes, “I’ve had an incredible run. I’ve been very lucky. I always say, to get ahead you need hard work, good timing, and a little bit of luck. I’ve had all 3, and I am extremely grateful for all of it.”
A hands-on chief: Foti Koskinas helping clean garbage from the I-95 hill, in Saugatuck. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker says: “Since 1996, the town of Westport has been served and protected by a truly amazing human, Foti Koskinas.
“For the past 9 years as chief, Foti has stood at the forefront of a myriad of changes in law enforcement, community tragedies and issues, civil unrest and increased public engagement. He has met these challenges with true leadership, the highest integrity, and an insight into community policing that is unsurpassed.
“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.
“Since he was promoted to chief, Foti has provided the critical leadership so that others may grow and achieve the highest standards we expect and receive from our first-class law enforcement team. I regularly say we have the best Police Department in the state, and I mean it.
“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.”
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Congratulations and god speed to a wonderful and committed leader, role model, dad, brother and community builder. The work and mark you have left on the town and its residents, for better, for all.
Foti, we will all miss your thoughtful guidance, even temper, and warm smile. You’ve made Westport better than when you found it. All the best. Easton is getting a good one!
congratulations to a wonderful leader. We will miss him
Quite an accomplishment a lot to be proud of, Dan always does a nice job with 06880 however this time he missed one important item on the list…. Before Foti was the chief of police, he was the starting heavyweight wrestler for Staples high school!
Foti ~ Thank you for all your hard work and amazing dedication to Westport you will be missed but never forgotten. Sending Hugs
Well done Foti‼️🇺🇸
We knew this day was coming. Foti is just a darned great human being.
“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Congratulations Foti! It seems like only yesterday you were a student of mine in my science class at Staples. I wish you the very best!
As a fellow Greek immigrant 🇬🇷, Foti embodies the qualities and values of our country but also the passion and discipline to overachieve. Although I’ve only met him a few times 1:1, he is the genuine, straight talking, inclusive, selfless, fearless, and humble human he is ubiquitously revered for. The accomplishments are the outcomes, but Foti focused on the inputs, the core elements of his character to guide him. Admirable and exemplary indeed!
My first opportunity to meet Foti in an unofficial capacity was on the tennis courts at Longshore. It was quite evident that Foti was an enthusiastic and competent person and that included his Tennis prowess. Over the years I’ve known him I came to realize that he was more than that. He was a true law-enforcement professional and a genuine good person.. Being in the same business, I know what sacrifices he has made. Always putting Westport in the forefront. All the best Foti and I hope you continue to make Longshore ,Westport and Tennis your home
Congratulations Foti. You are one incredible human being. I am honored to have known you.
Congratulations Foti! Truly an amazing man who has served the community as a true leader. Best of luck!
Foti leaves the Westport Police Department better than he found it. That called responsible stewardship. Congratulations and thank you for your commitment and service to Westport.
Congratulations, Chief.
Congratulations Foti
I’m sorry I never met “The Chief” and wish him well. I suspect that what attracted him to Easton is the amount of his life he’ll get back because Easton is a beautiful town (like Westport used to be) but they don’t throw garbage on the roadsides.
Missing you already…blessed to have been here during your service.
Thank you for your service!
Congratulations, Foti. You have served Westport well!
Thank you, Foti, for making Westport better and safer place to live.
Congratulations my friend. Your leadership and dedication to our town went way beyond just the police department. Wishing nothing but the best in your next chapter.
Thank you Chief!
It is so nice to be able to wish a fine employee of Westport well and thank him for his years of service. We have many such employees who also fit that category, skillful, responsible, even revered. Chief Koskinas is one of many. We thank him and hope that he does not confront too many attacks by the deer in Easton upon the residents of that lovely town.
Thanks foti for your service to Westport good luck in Easton ct
That’s all you have to say for him keeping you out of trouble?! Sheesh! Stay of Lululemon and Athleta!
I’m going to miss Foti. He is a great guy with an infectious smile and I always enjoy seeing him when he brings in items to be framed.
Easton is going to be lucky to have him on their force.
Thanks, Foti, not only for your great work but also for being a beacon of trust. Wishing you satisfaction and happiness in your new position!
I guess we’re moving to Easton!!! ❤️❤️ great job and God Bless you on your new journey Chief.
WSPT always picks reliably good chiefs of police and he’s been a stand out. I even tell people considering gtg a place in WSPT v East Norwalk or Rowayton ‘a difference is if you are going to get pulled over for inching through a stop sign or going a bit over speed limit in East Norwalk/Rowayton you’ll want to drive your car even with Norwalk police following you lights on into WSPT and let WSPT police ticket you that way you’ll know it’s all legit and earnest.’ THAT’s how important this chief of police and the ones that came before him and who will succeed him are, they make a very great impression.