WESTPORT — David Farrell, a deputy chief of the Police Department since 2021 and officer on the town’s police force since 2001, has been named the new police chief.

Farrell will succeed Chief Foti Koskinas, who will step down May 23 after serving nine years in the post.

Farrell, one of two deputy chiefs in the department, “is the clear and natural choice to lead our Police Department forward,” First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker said in a statement announcing his appointment Tuesday afternoon.

“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,” said Tooker, who as the town’s chief executive has the sole authority to fill the position.

“I’m truly honored to step into this role,’ Farrell said in the statement. “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,” he added. “That’s what makes Westport strong, and that’s the kind of spirit I’ll bring to everything we do at the Police Department.”

Farrell, hired as a Westport patrol officer in 2001, was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2009 and lieutenant in 2012.

In 2015, he was appointed administrative lieutenant and was the department’s public information officer. He was promoted to captain in 2017, commanding the Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, Professional Standards Division and Training Division.

As deputy chief for the last four years, he has overseen the Police Department’s budget, as well as the Railroad Division, police garage, emergency medical services and animal control.

Farrell also is a certified emergency medical technician, and served as a crisis/hostage negotiator with the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team, a member of the Crisis Intervention Team and the Police Department’s honor guard. 

He has held leadership roles for the department in labor organizations, and served as vice president of both the Westport Police Union and the Westport Police Benevolent Association.