Meet Westport’s New Police Chief: David Farrell

Jen Tooker did not have to look far, to replace Foti Koskinas.

The first selectwoman has promoted Deputy Chief David Farrell to chief of the Westport Police Department. His appointment is effective May 23

Farrell — now in his 24th year with the WPD — succeeds Foti Koskinas. The current chief steps down after 29 years with the force.

“Dave Farrell is the clear and natural choice to lead our Police Department forward,” Tooker says.

“His integrity, experience, and deep understanding of this community make him an extraordinary leader. I have complete confidence in Dave, and I am genuinely excited about what’s ahead under his leadership. This is a promising time for our Police Department, and Dave is the right person to guide us into the future.”

Westport’s new police chief, David Farrell.

Farrell began his career in Westport as a patrol officer in 2001. He was promoted to sergeant in 2009, and lieutenant 3 years later.

In 2015, he was named administrative lieutenant, and served as the department’s public information officer.

Farrell was promoted to captain in 2017/ his command included commanded the Detective Bureau, and the Patrol, Professional Standards and Training Divisions.

In 2021 Farrell was promoted to deputy chief. He oversaw budgets for the Police Department, Police garage, Emergency Medical Services, Railroad Division, and Animal Control.

He worked closely with the RTM and First Selectwoman’s Office on the Civilian Review Panel (now the Civilian Public Safety Departments Review Board).  Farrell currently serves as director of both Emergency Medical Services and  Railroad Operations.

Farrell is a certified Emergency Medical Technician. He has been a crisis/hostage negotiator with the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team, a member of the Crisis Intervention Team, and a proud member of the Westport Police Department Honor Guard.

He has also held leadership roles within the department’s labor organizations, including vice president of the Westport Police Union and the Westport Police Benevolent Association.

Farrell volunteered with Special Olympics, organizing charity fundraisers and the annual Torch Run.

He has received numerous departmental awards, including a Chief’s Commendation, an Honorable Service Award, a Lifesaving Award, and several Unit Citations.

He was also recognized with a service ribbon for his contributions to the town of Newtown in the aftermath of Sandy Hook, and a leadership pin for his role during the pandemic.

Chief Farrell holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Connecticut. He lives in Fairfield with his wife,Alison, and two daughters Olivia and Jocelyn.

Farrell says, “I’m truly honored to step into this role. I’m thankful for the chance to serve as chief, and excited to work with our officers and the Westport community.

“This town is something special. We’re all about community, looking out for one another, and keeping each other safe. That’s what makes Westport strong, and that’s the kind of spirit I’ll bring to everything we do at the police department.”