In 2025, Westport Police cars come in a variety of styles. They’ve got multi-colored lights on top, a computer with access to all kinds of databases inside, and the ability to instill fear in any driver who spots one in their rearview mirror.
In 1968, this was the standard issue Westport cop car:
The officer standing proudly beside it was Ed Audley.
When he died this June in Florida at 87, the 1955 Staples High School graduate had a long history of service. He joined the WPD in 1961, rose to captain, and retired in 1993. He also helped found the Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.
Here’s another shot of Ed Audley. He’s on State Street (Post Road East) near Main Street, using the special “police phone” to communicate with headquarters, a block away.
(Photos courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
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The old cop cars were easy to spot 👀🇺🇸
I don’t think I ever knew him but Mrs Audley was my piano teacher and I must not have been a very promising student because she spent the lesson time every week telling me about Edwin and the girls he liked and the girls who liked him!
I like that the “Ship’s Lantern” is in the background. I’ll have a “S.T.O.M.P.” please.
Amazing too is how little gear he’s carrying. Todays officers carry something like 40lbs of equipment with them on their uniforms.