Westport’s new Police Chief Foti Koskinas gets his chief’s badge pinned to his chest today by wife Christina and daughters Zoe, 12, and Phoebe, 11, at a Town Hall ceremony. The standing room only event, which also saw promotions of Sam Arciola and Vincent Penna to deputy chiefs, drew a standing room audience of fellow police officers, fire and EMS personnel from Westport and surrounding communities, as well as fellow Westport employees, family and friends. Koskinas replaced retiring Chief Dale Call. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
‘Westport Truly is an Incredible Town’
Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas told a packed Town Hall auditorium crowd following his swearing in today that “the Town of Westport truly is an incredible town. I was fortunate to grow up here and I’ve been fortunate to work here most of my adult life.” He added: “I promise you the Westport Police Department will continue to work for our community and together –- and I can’t emphasize together enough -– we’ll continue to make Westport a safe place to live, work and play.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Changing of the Guard
Koskinas to Fellow Officers: ‘Respect the Badge and What It Stands For’
New Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas draws a laugh from a packed Town Hall swearing in ceremony audience tonight—including retiring Chief Dale Call (r) and Lt. David Farrell. But his message to his fellow officers was serious: “The department is very proud of you. And will be successful truly because of you. The best ideas come from people closest to the work. I promise you I am committed listening to you. Not just your ideas but also your concerns. Most importantly, I ask, but that I expect and accept nothing less, that you respect the badge and what it stands for—honor, trust, and integrity.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Congrats to the New Deputy Chiefs
Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe today congratulates Sam Arciola (c) and Vincent Penna following swearing them in at a Town Hall ceremony as deputy chiefs. They, like new Police Chief Foti Koskinas, grew up in Westport and are graduates of Staples High School. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Gallery: Westport Gets New Police Chief, Deputy Chiefs
Scenes from today’s Westport Town Hall swearing in ceremony for Police Chief Foti Koskinas and Deputy Chiefs Sam Arciola and Vincent Penna and a post reception gathering. Dave Matlow and Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Noir-Themed ‘Drink n’ Draw’
The Westport Arts Center tonight held a special noir-themed “Drink n’ Draw.” Inspired by the exhibition on view “Noir” (which features the paintings, drawings, and prints by Westport artist Ann Chernow) attendees drew from from a model wearing vintage outfits and striking classic poses. The next “Drink n’ Draw” will be held on Thursday, April 21. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Marina White for WestportNow.com
At the Ready
Gallery: Westport FD Completes ‘Live Fire’ Training
Scenes from today’s second day of Westport Fire Department ‘live fire” training at a house scheduled for demolition on Greens Farms Road. Among those taking part in the exercise were firefighter fitness trainers Sara Beckert and Roz Kother. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Getting Ready for ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’
Members of the Bedford Acting Group get ready for this weekend’s performances of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. They are (l-r) Chloe Murray, Allie Francis, Lauren Lesher, Ella Alpert, and Gabby Messenger. Performances at Bedford Middle School are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. . Tickets are on sale at www.bedfordactinggroup.com. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo