Posted onMay 2, 2025|Comments Off on Top Cops Earn New Jobs
Three prominent Westport Police Department members have earned promotions.
Captain David Wolf will join Ryan Paulsson as deputy chief. Lieutenants Eric Woods and Jillian Cabana will rise to captain.
The changes are effective May 23 — the day that Deputy Chief Dave Farrell succeeds Police Chief Foti Koskinas.
Wolf joined the WPD in 2001. He was a DARE officer, field training officer, emergency medical technician and certified telecommunicator.
He was a law enforcement instructor, and one of the department’s first crisis intervention officers. In that position helped improve the police response to people struggling with mental health issues.
Deputy Chief David Wolf
Wolf was a crisis/hostage negotiator, and a team leader with the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team. He spent many years on the police union’s executive board, including vice president.
In 2014 Deputy Wolf was promoted sergeant. In 2017 he was named a lieutenant, and served as the WPD public information officer. He became a captain in 2022, overseeing the Professional Standards Division. He conducted internal affairs investigations, working closely with Westport’s Civilian Public Safety Departments Review Board.
Wolf has been awarded the Chief’s Commendation, and many unit citations.
He earned a BA from Franklin & Marshall College, and a juris doctor degree from the University of Connecticut Law School. He is married and has 5 children, and a 1-year-old granddaughter.
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Woods began his career with the Westport Police Department in 2001. He was promoted to sergeant in 2009. In that role he supervised patrol operations, and mentored younger officers. He was named lieutenant in 2013.
Captain Eric Woods
In 2017 Woods was assigned to the Detective Bureau. He oversaw complex investigations, working with state and federal partners.
In 2022 he assumed responsibility for internal operations of the department. He managed logistics, advanced the digital footprint of Westport Police Department records requests, and oversaw critical administrative functions.
Captain Woods earned a BS in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina. He lives in Milford with his wife Sarah and their 3 children.
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Cabana joined the WPD in 2006. She was promoted to detective in 2009, to sergeant in 2013, and lieutenant in 2014.
Captain Jillian Cabana
She has served in several key roles, including patrol shift commander and commander of the Detective Bureau. She also served as an executive board member of the Westport PBA and Westport Police Union.
Cabana’s honors include Meritorious Service Award, Honorable Police Service, Investigator’s Award, Community Service Award, and multiple unit citations.
She has also been recognized with awards from the Drug Enforcement Agency, US Attorney’s Office, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, where she served on the board of directors.
Cabana graduated from the University of New Haven with a BS in criminal justice. She holds a master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University in justice studies, and a graduate certificate in public administration. She lives in Trumbull, with her 2 children.
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First Selectwoman Jen Tooker says, “As with Chief Farrell, I am honored to make these appointments. Each of them has an excellent reputation in the community. They are dedicated and experienced law enforcement professionals who will work as a team to make the department, and most importantly, the residents and visitors of Westport their priority.”
As La Plage reopens this week — and the adjacent Inn at Longshore gets ready for its renovation, and the entire park gears up for summer — let’s look back to an earlier incarnation.
Long before the town of Westport bought a failing private country club in 1960, all 180 acres were owned by Frederick E. Lewis.
He was a multimillionaire, back when the term meant something.
The Texas oilman had quite an estate. Here’s a view — taken, presumably, by a still-new-fangled aeroplane — in the 1920s.
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
There was no golf course or pool. There was, however, a (decorative) lighthouse — the conical structure near the top of the photo, next to what appears to be a boathouse for Lewis’ yacht.
The lighthouse survived through the 1960s.
(Photo courtesy of Peter Barlow)
What is now the Inn is shown at the lower right.
It was something to see. Here’s a close-up:
(Photo/courtesy of Alden Bryan)
What went on at that property, we can only guess.
We do know one thing, though: Harry Houdini performed an escape trick in the water by the dock.
The date was June 30, 1917. The event was a Red Cross And Allied War charities drive. Click here for that very cool story, from the “06880” archives. It includes details of a rare video taken then (below).
It purports to show his escape. According to a YouTube commenter though, that footage was spliced in from Houdini’s film “The Master Mystery.”
After today’s Friday Flashback, you’ll never look at Longshore the same way again. (Hat tip: Scott Smith)
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
There is no better sign of spring than the return of the Westport Farmers’ Market.
The annual rite is set for next Thursday (May 8). It runs every Thursday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Imperial Avenue parking lot near Jesup Road.
WFM will hand out free packets, to “sow the seeds of another incredible season.”
“As we begin this season, we’re not just putting up tents. We’re planting ideas, nurturing community, and growing a better food system,” says executive director Lori Cochran-Dougall.
The 2025 Farmers’ Market includes:
Over 50 local farms and vendors, committed to sustainabie practices and “real food.”
Non-profit partners, with informational tables, giveaways and more.
Cooking demonstrations, a revamped recipe program, kids’ events and community talks.
Live music.
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A cellphone-free Staples has been talked about for a while.
On Tuesday, the public gets its say.
A special Board of Education meeting (May 6, 7:30 p.m., Coleytown Middle School auditorium) has one agenda item: “Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Free Initiative at SHS.”
The meeting notice adds: “The Westport Public Schools invite your feedback on making Staples High School a phone free school.”
Cellphone holders may be a thing of the past, if the devices are banned throughout the day at Staples High School.
Speaking of Staples: On Monday, TEAM Westport announced the 4 winners of its 12th annual Teen Diversity Writing Contest.
As reported on “06880,” the quartet — Annam Olasewere, Aanya Gandhi, Souleye Kebe and Sienna Tzou — wrote about their identities with tremendous insight, depth, honesty and clarity.
They also delivered their essays powerfully, and passionately.
Click below to view their presentations. Their personal readings give even greater meaning to their compelling words.
Read to Grow celebrated 25 years of providing books to Connecticut’s babies and children last night, with a great gala at the Westport Library.
Host Ian O’Malley — the well-known Westport realtor and New York radio personality — and other speakers described the impact the program has had on hundreds of thousands of youngsters, and their parents. A flagship program is the gift of baby books and early literacy information to nearly every new mother in Connecticut.
Zucca Gastrobar’s superb catering, and silent auction items featuring (among others) Ron Darling and the Doobie Brothers added to the fun.
Also last night: A large crowd welcomed Alex Lehr to Westport.
His Post Road store — American Colors by Henry Lehr — opened in December. But the ribbon cutting for the shop, which features casual, comfortable, contemporary clothing for men and women, a collection of vintage belts, and much more — was yesterday.
American Colors marks a return to Westport for the Lehr family. Alex’s father, Henry, operated a very successful and much-loved women’s store around the corner on Main Street for decades.
Cutting the ribbon (from left): 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Alex Lehr, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell, brand strategist Jay Norris.
Yesterday’s “Westport in Focus” newsletter from 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker included information about the Conservation Department.
She notes their “fascinating presentation about Westport’s natural habitats – vernal pools. They are a delicate habitat pressed by multiple stressors, yet home to a surprising array of life. Species such as fairy shrimp, spotted salamanders, and wood frogs call these places home and struggle to live anywhere else.
“Westport is lucky to contain hundreds of vernal pools, ranging from under 100 square feet to over a few thousand.”
“06880” readers learned last week that Dave Briggs nominated me for the #SpeakYourMind ice bucket challenge. The videos bring awareness to, and raise funds for, youth mental health.
I was honored to be dunked (click here to see), and promptly nominated Jen Tooker, Andrea Moore and Foti Koskinas.
The entire board of the non-profit center for prevention and counseling accepted.
Coincidentally, PD was kicking off their New York Marathon journey the same day. Runners Gianna Affi, Cam Gaylord and Brian McGarvey will run to raise money for the organizaton. They joined Jen in dousing board members with frigid water.
Positive Directions paid it forward. They nominated Rhone, who is helping make the marathon “a huge splash” (including outfitting the runners in training and at the race), plus mental performance coach Rhodie Lorenz, who is inspiring the runners as they train.
Wednesday’s “06880” story — about the partnership between Staples High School drama teacher David Roth’s directing class, Westport’s Shakespeare scholar Diane Lowman and Bridgeport’s Edison Elementary School, to bring the Bard to young students — struck a chord.
Within a day, $2,125 had been raised to help fund more Bridgeport classes take part in the future. Roth and Lowman are grateful for readers’ generosity.
The Staples High School juniors are founders and co-presidents of the local Make Our Schools Safe chapter. The club empowers students and staff to help create a culture of safety and vigilance, while advocating for laws that promote safery schools.
In February, Zander and Elijah testified before the state legislature.
Yesterday, SB 1216 passed through the Senate. It calls for the installation of silent panic alarms directly linked to law enforcement, which dramatically reduces response time
State Senator Ceci Maher — who worked closely with the Staples students — praised Elijah and Zander in her social media posts. Click here to see.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photos may be the last from the now-closed Community Gardens. As “06880” reported yesterday, the 20-year-old site will at some point be the staging area for construction of the new Long Lots elementary School. Later, an athletic field will be built on the site.
And finally … Today is the birthday of Manfred von Richthofen. The German World War I pilot was born in 1892. He was killed over France in 1918, age 25.
·(Another day, another Roundup filled with news you can use. If you appreciate this daily feature — or any other part of “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
In recent days, Westport camethisclose to moving forward on a new affordable housing project.
Just a few yards from the Post Road, its 32 units would have provided apartments for teachers, police officers, firefighters and other town employees.
Estimates are that 242 town employees could qualify, at less than 60% of the area media income (about $82,000, for a family of 2).
Of those, 144 are teachers. The high cost of housing — and long commutes from communities where homes are less expensive — is one reason educators leave the Westport district.
And — because every one of those units would be considered affordable under state guidelines — it would have marked an enormous step forward in Westport’s efforts toward a moratorium from Connecticut’s onerous 8-30g mandate.
But the plan to convert the current hair salon and adjacent multifamily home at 6 Maple Avenue South — just behind the Exxon station — was scuttled right near the end of real estate negotiations. Owner Ken Kronberg (who also owns the gas station) decided not to sell.
6 Maple Avenue South. The Exxon gas station (not shown) is on the right.
Architect Joseph Vallone and Rick Redniss of the civil engineering and land use firm Redniss & Mead had worked on the plan since last fall.
Redniss tells “06880” that, with 4% low-income housing tax credit financing, the 32 units might have yielded 40.5 points — almost 20% of those needed for Westport’s next 8-30g moratorium.
A traditional 8-30g development, with only 10 affordable units, would yield only 23 points.
Vallone and Redniss were all set to move forward with a text amendment, called “Deed Restricted Housing Development.”
But after speaking with several neighbors, Kronberg declined to sell. Those plans are now off the table.
Joe Vallone’s sketch of the proposed 32-unit affordable housing apartment building at 6 Maple Avenue South.
Kronberg — who has owned the property for 36 owned the gas station for 36 years, and 6 Maple Avenue South since May 1 last year— tells “06880” tha after hearing from several neighbors, and seeing a sketch of the proposed apartments, “I didn’t want to be the bad guy that created a large commercial look at the top of Maple South.”
He is unsure what comes next for the property. The 3 bedrooms and studio apartment are rented, but the salon has been empty since Juljen moved to Southport.
“In a perfect world, I’d like to fix it up,” he says. “Make it super-nice, maybe like an old-fashioned barber shop, maybe with apartments or a quaint house.”
Redness rues the lost opportunity.”Westport has missed an opportunity to meet the needs and goals outlined in the Plan of Conservation and Development and Affordable Housing Plan,” he wrote on Tuesday to Planning & Zoning director Michelle Perillie.
“A well-known, long-term, local Westport resident with a proven track record in town was preparing to leverage his expertise to help provide true workforce housing. Joe Vallone was days away from our pre-app meeting with the Planning & Zoning Commission when the property owner reneged on selling the property.”
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for real estate, political and business news — and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Exxon station, Post Road East at the Maple Avenue South corner.
The slate for November’s selectperson election has a new name.
The Democratic Town Committee’s Nominating Committee voted unanimously to recommend Amy Wistreich for second selectwoman.
She would run with first selectman candidate Kevin Christie. Both nominations must be approved by the full DTC in July.
After being appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2019, Wistreich was elected to a full term in 2021. In 2023 she was appointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
She has served on several boards of directors and building/architecture committees. The Wexner Foundation selected her for a 2-year Heritage Fellowship for rising community leaders.
Wistreich has a degree in environmental design. Her professional career includes architecture, engineering, design, planning, project management, contracts and insurance. She and her husband Carl have 3 children.
Amy Wistreich
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It’s been a couple of decades since Justin Paul graduated from Staples High School.
But despite world renown — and an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony for his songwriting genius on “Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land” — he’s never forgotten his Westport roots.
On June 23 (7 p.m.), Justin and his musical partner Benj Pasek come to the Westport Playhouse for a special “Waving Through Westport” fundraiser.
Justin returns to the stage where his love of music and storytelling began. He and Benj will perform their iconic songs, tell behind-the-scenes tales, and show what is sure to be a sold-out audience why and how they have defined modern musical theater.
They’ll be joined by several Broadway stars.
In addition to regular seats ($250, $195, $165), a limited number of meet-and-greet tickets are available for an additional $100. Ticket sales begin at 1 p.m. tomorrow (May 2). Click here to order, and for more information.
Yesterday, the firm in which the Westport attorney and Staples High School graduate is a partner was in Washington, representing FBI agents who investigated the January 6 insurrection.
On Tuesday, Koskoff took time from his hectic schedule to chat with Dave Briggs and Alisyn Camerota.
The Westport journalists’ “Sanity” podcast has had some high-powered guests. But their conversation with Koskoff may be their most compelling ever.
Among the topics: President Trump’s threat to democracy; Koskoff’s successful lawsuits on behalf of Sandy Hook victims’ families against gun manufacters; the Supreme Court; social media’s dark role — and what will happen if the president goes after Koskoff and his firm.
Gardeners had until the end of the day to remove supplies, material and anything else they wanted to salvage.
But although there are no architectural plans for the new building, or a timetable for construction, preparations have begun.
These Hyde Lane trees were removed recently. The former garden site will be used as a staging area. When the new school is done, the area will be converted to an athletic field.
In addition to that forgotten holiday, May 1 marks the date that emblems (aka “stickers”) are needed to park at Compo, Old Mill and Burying Hill Beaches.
If you’re a Westport or Weston resident and have not gotten yours yet, click here.
Not exactly legal. But you can’t even get close to an actual parking spot unless you have a sticker. (Photo/Linda Smith)
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StartUp Westport is just 2 years old. But in that time, Westport’s public/ private partnership for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship has grown to over 2,000 members, developed a thriving mentorship program, and spawned 5 special interest groups.
Plus, they sponsor some of the most interesting and compelling panels in town.
Last night’s “Innovation in Sports” was no exception.
Staples High School graduate Andrew Marchand — now a senior columnist for The Athletic — chatted with a pair of prominent Westporters: NBC Sports president Rick Cordella and New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer.
The banter was easy, but the conversation ranged from important topics like risk-taking at the Olympics, technological innovations at the New York Marathon and streaming at Peacock to leadership, AI, and the lessons learned from failure.
Future Startup Westport programming will be equally intriguing. Watch this space for upcoming events.
From left: Andrew Marchand, Rick Cordella, Rob Simmelkjaer. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westporters have always been good about giving Michael Bolton his space.
Throughout his career, the 2-time Grammy winner (and 75 million records sold singer) was just another neighbor.
After he underwent emergency brain surgery in December 2023, we saw him less around town. His family asked for privacy, and he got it.
Now he’s spoken to People magazine about his battle against glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
His most recent scan was clear, though the recurrence rate is about 90 percent.
Bolton is enjoying time here with his daughters, their spouses and his grandchildren. Click here for the full People story. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)
Michael Bolton with (top row) daughters Taryn, Holly and Isa, and his grandchildren. (Photo/Ashley Abel)
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Stephen Kempson London is a classic tailor.
But there’s always something new at the popular Post Road West shop.
Or in this case, at your home.
SKL Wardrobe — created with stylist Lucia Gulbransen — is a personalized service.
It begins with a 60-90 minute consultation. You decide what to keep, tailor or donate. SKL will complete your wardrobe, through a store appointment or at-home fitting. (A digital book will show 10 outfits, including existing pieces and new additions.)
For more information click here, email info@stephenkempson.com, or call 203-557-6644.
The next Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading explores the story of 2 reunited lovers.
“Still” will be staged on Monday (May 5, 7 p.m.).
Director Mark Shanahan says, “Lia’s script is heartbreakingly funny even as it is beautifully insightful, offering a poignant look at the complexities of rekindled relationships. We meet characters who navigate their regrets, their hopes, and their personal beliefs, even as they are willing to bear their vulnerabilities and reveal their passions.”
Tickets are $30. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between April 23 and 30.
A 36-year-old Westport woman was charged with assault on an elderly person, risk of injury to a child, and disorderly condcut, following a domestic violence incident. She allegedly assautle a family member, while children were present.
A 53-year-old Norwalk woman was charged with failure to appear. Police responded to a local business when she caused a disturbance, and found her to have an active re-arrest warrent.
Meanwhile, Westport’s crackdown on driving while texting continued. Police issued these citations:
Driving while texting: 45 citations
Distracted driving: 24
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 10
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Speeding: 2
Following too closely: 1
Improper stop: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
And finally … in honor of Justin Paul and Benj Pasek’s upcoming “Waving Through Westport” fundraiser at the Playhouse:
(There’s always something going on in Westport — and “06880” covers it all. If you enjoy these daily Roundups — or anything else in this hyper-local blog — please click here to support us. Thansk!)
Yesterday marked the deadline for Westporters to remove items from the Community Gardens.
Instead of preparing for spring, 120 families spent days salvaging soil, plants and structures. Some had been involved since the garden began, 20 years ago.
The site will become a staging area when construction begins on a new Long Lots Elementary School, some time in the future.
Later, it will become an athletic field.
A new location for the Community Gardens has not yet been found.
Alison Freeland and her husband spent Tuesday there, with shovels and a wheelbarrow.
“Many of the gardeners said they felt like they were at a wake or funeral,” Alison says.
The gardens’ demise was especially hard “for a lot of seniors, for whom this was a true community.”
Alison’s photos chronicle the final days of the Hyde Lane Community Gardens.
(All photos/Alison Freeland)
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It took a couple of years of planning, hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations, and a head-spinning week of hands-on work, by hundreds of volunteers.
But the rebuilt Compo Beach playground is a reality.
And now — as they have since it was first constructed (by volunteers) in 1989 — many generations of kids will play, run, jump, swing, dream, and simply have a ton of fun, in this very cool space.
Negin Janati (front) and Play by Design employee Hugh. (Photo/Kim Cooper)
Congratulations to all who helped make it possible.
This list is extensive. Apologies if we’ve left any one, or any group, out. You’re all Unsung Heroes!
Mark Owades and grandson Cooper Sterling. (Photo/Rowene Weems)
Lead sponsors:Westport Rotary Club, Westport Young Woman’s League
Co-chairs:Bridget Flynn and Samantha Owades
Core committee (2+ years on the project): Mike Bennett, RB Benson, Rick Benson, Alex Cohen, Andrew Colabella, Samantha Chertoff, Stacie Curran, Rob Decosimo, Chelsea Elkin, Lauren Felsenstein Bonifacius, Deep Gill, Erin Hall, Shauna Mahesh, Erin Spillman, Chloe Steinberg, Maddy Travers, Chloe Zale.
Site lead: RB Benson
Jim and Mike Bennett. Mike was this years’ tool lead. His father Jim led the 1989 effort. (Photo/Kim Cooper)
Kidzone:Baked by Bri, Crafty Kids, Sara Holland, The Scouts, Westport Academy of Dance, The Children’s Community Development Center.
Builders who sent crews: Bluewater, O’Dell Group, R.B. Benson & Co., Harmony Design Build, Westport Woodworking. In addition, Interstate Lumber and Conte Construction provided materials and tools.
Build week food:
AMG Catering
Arden’s Rowayton
Bartaco
Blind Rhino
Blue & Berries
Costco
GG & Joe’s
Granola Bar
Greenwich Hospitality/La Plage
Haven Hot Chicken
Hometown Deli
Hook’d
Kneads
Leventhal Bakery
Little Kitchen of Westport
Lyfe Café/Pizza Lyfe
Meal Joy Foods
Nômade
Nuts.com
Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci’s
Planet Pizza Norwalk
Pop-up Bagels
Proof Pizza Truck
Riko’s
Rizzuto’s
Sea Salt Baking Company
Stew Leonard’s
Stylish Spoon Bakery
The Blondinit
The Bridge at Saugatuck
The Clubhouse
The Cottage
The Pantry
Trader Joe’s
And of courseall who donated time, talent and energy during the crazy, frenetic, fun, fulfilling and rewarding 6 days of building. The playground would not have been completed without you!
The picnic table construction crew: Joe, Mary, Cindy, Nancy, Brittany and Magdalena.(Photo courtesy of Nancy Axthelm)
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
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