Month: May 2025

FAIRFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZES MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Fairfield, CT — May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Fairfield Police Department reaffirms its commitment to supporting wellness initiatives within the community and addressing mental health-related challenges with compassion, professionalism, and care. The Fairfield Police Department understands that individuals experiencing mental health crises may sometimes come into contact with law enforcement. When those situations arise, our goal is to respond with empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of those involved.

To that end, the department has developed and maintained a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), comprised of officers who have received specialized training to safely and effectively respond to calls for service involving mental or behavioral health issues. These officers are equipped to de-escalate situations and connect individuals with appropriate resources.

Additionally, the Fairfield Police Department is proud to have a licensed social worker embedded within the agency. This social worker assists in handling cases that originate through police calls for service and provides ongoing support to individuals and families facing mental health challenges. By offering follow-up care and resource coordination, our social worker helps bridge the gap between law enforcement and community-based mental health services.

In 2022, the department formalized its commitment to integrated mental health response by creating the Fairfield Police Behavioral Health Network. This network meets on a quarterly basis and brings together the department’s embedded social worker, members of the Crisis Intervention Team, and other stakeholders to review current practices, discuss recent cases, and identify ways to better serve the Fairfield community. The Fairfield Police Behavioral Health Network serves as a forum for continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation in how law enforcement and mental health services intersect.

As part of our continued efforts to lead in this area, the department is also expanding its mental health support program by introducing a social work intern. This position is designed not only to provide additional assistance to our current caseloads, but also to serve as a learning opportunity for future social workers. The role represents a growing collaboration between the fields of law enforcement and social work, an innovative model that enhances community support and helps shape the next generation of mental health professionals.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Fairfield Police Department is raising funds throughout May to support our Behavioral Health Network. Proceeds will be used to provide continued training for members of our Crisis Intervention Team, assist in offering critical resources to members of the Fairfield community facing mental health-related challenges, and support programs that enhance networking and outreach opportunities coordinated by our embedded social worker.

Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and reaffirm our shared responsibility to care for one another. The Fairfield Police Department remains dedicated to promoting mental wellness and ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, because mental health is public safety.

For more information about our Crisis Intervention Team, embedded social worker program, or fundraising efforts, please contact the Fairfield Police Department at (203) 254-4800 or visit our website at www.fpdct.com. Anyone willing to donate to this worthy cause can do so at https://fpdct.com/about/donate.php.

Bar Bagel Opens on Black Rock Turnpike with Ribbon Cutting Celebration

New Takeout Concept from the Founders of Village Bagels Aims to Grow Through Franchising

Fairfield, CT — The Riina family officially opened their newest venture, Bar Bagel, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 1st on Black Rock Turnpike. The new bagel shop is a streamlined, takeout-focused offshoot of the well-established Village Bagels, originally founded in 1995 by John Riina.

With 30 years of experience in the bagel business, Riina developed Bar Bagel as a quick-serve concept designed for convenience without sacrificing quality. Unlike Village Bagels, which includes a full delicatessen, Bar Bagel offers a simplified menu and experience, making it an ideal model for future franchising.

The long-term vision is to expand Bar Bagel through franchising, offering everything from recipes and store buildout support to training in operations and baking.

The store is managed by John’s son, Rocco Riina, who oversees daily operations, scheduling, and food preparation. With a background in graphic design, Rocco also created the Bar Bagel branding and website, positioning the new business for modern growth.

The ribbon cutting was attended by local supporters, family, and friends, all welcomed with enthusiasm and appreciation from the Riina family. As the business grows, Bar Bagel intends to bring its takeout-focused model to more communities across the country.

Westport First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker Appoints

Deputy Police Chief David Farrell as Chief of Police

Westport, CT — First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker has announced the appointment of Deputy Chief David Farrell as Chief of the Westport Police Department, effective May 23, 2025. Farrell will succeed Chief Foti Koskinas, who is stepping down after 29 years of distinguished service.

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

Chief David Farrell began his career with the Westport Police Department as a patrol officer in 2001. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2009 and to Lieutenant in 2012. In 2015, he was appointed Administrative Lieutenant and served as the department’s Public Information Officer. He was promoted to Captain in 2017, during which time he commanded the Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, Professional Standards Division, and Training Division.

In 2021, Chief Farrell was promoted to Deputy Chief, overseeing the 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 which is now the Civilian Public Safety Departments Review Board. Chief Farrell currently serves as the Director of Emergency Medical Services and the Director of Railroad Operations.

Chief Farrell is a certified Emergency Medical Technician. He has served as a Crisis/Hostage Negotiator with the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team, a member of the Crisis Intervention Team and was a proud member of the Westport Police Department Honor Guard. He has also held leadership roles within the department’s labor organizations, serving as Vice President of both the Westport Police Union and the Westport Police Benevolent Association.

Chief Farrell volunteered with the Special Olympics, organizing multiple charity fundraisers and the annual Torch Run. Throughout his career, he has received numerous departmental awards, including a Chief’s Commendation, an Honorable Service Award, a Lifesaving Award, and multiple Unit Citations. He was also recognized with a service ribbon for his contributions to the Town of Newtown, CT in 2012, and a leadership pin for his role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

Reflecting on his appointment, Farrell shared, “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.”

As the department prepares for this leadership transition, additional organizational announcements will follow shortly — signaling a new chapter for the Westport Police Department.

Austin Students Honored With Flower Bud Awards

Two second-degree nursing students were recognized for outstanding performance during clinical rotations at a partner medical center.

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (April 28, 2025)— Tatum Nordin ’25 and Taylor Walker ’25, nursing students at Fairfield University’s Austin Campus, were honored with Flower Bud Awards by St. David’s North Austin Medical Center. The prestigious award recognizes exceptional students who embody the core qualities of compassion, empathy, and professionalism during their clinical rotations.

Nordin and Walker are in their third semester of the Accelerated Second Degree Nursing program at the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies. They were assigned to St. David’s as part of their Medical-Surgical Nursing II course.

“The qualities for which Tatum and Taylor received recognition are fundamental to Fairfield’s Jesuit identity and the Egan School’s vision, mission, and purpose,” said Christina Trezza, MSN, RN, CNE, CCM, instructor of the practice and clinical coordinator in Austin. “It is no surprise that these exceptional students are turning heads with their outstanding and compassionate care for patients. I am so proud of them.”

The Flower Bud Award draws inspiration from the DAISY Award, an international nomination-based award given to registered nurses who demonstrate extraordinary compassion and outstanding clinical skills. The DAISY Foundation recognizes the Flower Bud Award as a companion award for nursing students.

Nordin and Walker received their award certificates in a ceremony attended by several of their Fairfield classmates, the nurse manager, and the chief nursing officer at St. David’s. The two students were celebrated for their dedication to excellence, exemplified by their enthusiasm for learning and clinical experiences.

“Nursing school is incredibly challenging, so this recognition is a sign that all my hard work is paying off,” said Walker. “I am genuinely grateful for the acknowledgement and support from St. David’s.”

Modest and sincere, Walker was quick to recognize her friends and faculty at Egan Austin. “I would not be at this point without my classmates, clinical instructor, and nursing professors,” she said. “This award honestly belongs to everyone!”

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