Category: Westport

Deputy Chief Marsan Named Chief

Westport, CT – First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced today that she has appointed Deputy Chief Nick Marsan as the Fire Chief for the Town of Westport Fire Department (WFD) effective July 1, 2024. Nick will assume this role as successor to Mark Amatrudo, who has served the Town as Interim Fire Chief since July 1, 2023.

About Nick Marsan:

Nick Marsan has been a member of the Westport Fire Department since 2007, currently serving as Deputy Chief, and as the Town’s Emergency Management Director. He has extensive experience in emergency operations, fire safety, and public administration. He began his career as a professional firefighter assigned to Platoon 3 after graduating from the Connecticut Fire Academy Class #41. He served as a firefighter for nine years before being promoted to Fire Inspector and then to Engine Company Lieutenant, stationed primarily at Station 4 in Saugatuck.

A state-certified Fire Marshal and EMT, Nick also holds several national fire service certifications, including Fire Service Instructor III and Fire Officer III. His commitment to public safety has been noted on numerous occasions. He is the recipient of two Westport Rotary Public Protection & Safety Awards, and several department awards including three-unit citations, the John H. Gallagher Award for outstanding service, and the Turker Aksoy Award for outstanding patient care. Additionally, he has served the communities of Norwalk and Darien as a Fire Inspector and is a State Fire Instructor for the New York Office of Fire Prevention and Control. He was the elected president of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Association, Local 1081 for ten years.

Nick is a veteran of the US Army and the CT Army National Guard and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Valor for his actions during operations.

Nick holds two Master’s degrees—one in History from Western Connecticut State University and another in Public Administration and Emergency Management from Sacred Heart University. He is a graduate of Fairfield College Preparatory School. Nick recently completed the National Fire Service Staff and Command Course in Annapolis, Maryland.

“I am excited to lead the men and women of the Westport Fire Department,” Nick said. “I am honored by the trust placed in me and I look forward to continuing our department’s dedication to outstanding service to the residents and guests of the Town of Westport.”

First Selectwoman Tooker stated, “Nick has the proven ability and expertise to seamlessly and effectively take over the role as Chief.  He has a breadth of knowledge, skill, experience, and understanding that will ensure that the current high standards of safety and efficiency will be maintained in the Westport Fire Department. I have every confidence that he will flourish and excel in this leadership role.”

Westport, CT – The Public Works Department announced today that the Town’s Spring Paving Program will begin on Monday, May 13, weather permitting. The program will continue through the end of May until mid-June, paving the following Town roadways, though not necessarily in this order:

Brookside Drive

Evergreen Avenue

Evergreen Parkway

Kings Highway North

Crawford Road

Hillandale Lane

East Main Street

Rainey Lane

Pioneer Road

Maple Avenue South

Greenbrier Road

Church Street North

Pleasant Valley Lane

Brightfield Lane

Imperial Avenue

Green’s Farms Road

Morningside Drive North

Questions regarding the project can be referred to the Public Works Office at (203) 341-1120.

On May 9, 2024 at approximately 3:10 PM, Westport Police responded to Lux,Bond, and Green at 136 Main Street on a report of a burglary. Employees of the store reported two individuals wearing masks and gloves entered the store with sledgehammers and began smashing display cases. The employees safely retreated to the rear of the store and had no interaction with the suspects. The suspects stole an unknown quantity of jewelry and fled the store running south on Elm Street. They were last seen fleeing the area in a black BMW sedan towards Fairfield on PostRoad East. Westport Police are requesting anyone who may have information on those responsible to contact the Westport Police Detective Bureau at (203)341-6080.

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On May 1, 2024, around 11:45 PM, Westport Police responded to a report of two individuals attempting to enter vehicles on Hills Point Road near Compo Beach following a 911 call. Working alongside members of the Bridgeport Auto-Theft Task Force (BATF), they established a perimeter in the area. Two suspect vehicles, previously reported stolen from other jurisdictions, were observed leaving, prompting an attempted traffic stop by Westport Police. However, when the vehicles failed to stop, Westport Police chose not to pursue. BATF members, using unmarked cars, followed one of the suspect vehicles onto I-95, where it was eventually stopped in Stratford. Two juveniles, aged 14 and 17 from Danbury, were apprehended. The juvenile passenger was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 1st and Interfering with an Officer, while the juvenile driver faced charges including Engaging Police in Pursuit, Criminal Attempt to Assault Public Safety Officer, Larceny of Motor Vehicle 1st, and Interfering with an Officer. Both juveniles were released to the custody of their parents pending a court date in Danbury Juvenile Court. Westport Police expressed gratitude to the public for their vigilance in reporting suspicious activity.

The Westport Police Department wants to again bring attention to the stolen vehicle activity that is occurring throughout town. Over the last several weeks, there has been an increase in stolen vehicle attempts, stolen vehicles, and car break-ins. The cars that were stolen or illegally entered had been left unlocked. One recent incident involved five masked individuals that were observed entering a garage and attempting to steal the vehicle inside. The group came to the area in a car which had been stolen from another jurisdiction.

These crimes are being actively investigated by the detective bureau with assistance from the Bridgeport Regional Auto Theft Task Force of which Westport Police is a member. In an effort to combat this uptick the police department will be increasing patrols. There are a number of preventative measures that should be taken to avoid becoming a victim. Everyone in the community should always lock their vehicles and homes. Make sure to double check before going to bed. Additionally, keep exterior lights on and if available utilize surveillance and/or alarm systems. Most importantly, call the police immediately to report any suspicious activity. The department strongly advises against confronting any of these suspects if you observe them on your property. There have been a number of incidents throughout the state where these

individuals have resorted to violence when confronted.

(Westport, CT) The Westport Police Department wants to again bring attention to the stolen vehicle
activity that is occurring throughout town. Over the last several weeks, there has been an increase in
stolen vehicle attempts, stolen vehicles, and car break-ins. The cars that were stolen or illegally entered had been left unlocked. One recent incident involved five masked individuals that were observed entering a garage and attempting to steal the vehicle inside. The group came to the area in a car which had been stolen from another jurisdiction.

These crimes are being actively investigated by the detective bureau with assistance from the Bridgeport Regional Auto Theft Task Force of which Westport Police is a member. In an effort to combat this uptick the police department will be increasing patrols. There are a number of preventative measures that should be taken to avoid becoming a victim. Everyone in the community should always lock their vehicles and homes. Make sure to double check before going to bed. Additionally, keep exterior light on and if available utilize surveillance and/or alarm systems. Most importantly, call the police immediately to report any suspicious activity. The department strongly advises against confronting any of these suspects if you observe them on your property. There have been a number of incidents throughout the state where these
individuals have resorted to violence when confronted.

Westport, CT –The Westport Youth Commission is proud to announce the launch of a new employment platform specifically for high school students.

Youth Services Program Director Kevin Godburn said, ” Our student leaders pursued a new teen job platform after speaking with their peers who reported having found babysitting, dog-walking, and retail roles through word of mouth or the odd flier nailed to a pole. The Youth Commission wanted to create a new pathway to expand employment opportunities for high school students in Westport.” 

Youth Commission member Jake Shufro (SHS ‘26) came up with the project and worked with his peers, speaking to Westport business leaders and stakeholders, researching other community job banks, and testing various options before landing on Greenwich-based QuadJobs as Westport’s new Student Job Bank platform which is launching just in time for the summer.

“Quadjobs was chosen because it has a student and employer review process. It is more organized and structured, requiring specific information to make postings.” Shufro said. “It encourages a diverse range of students to sign up for job opportunities, and it takes a community-based approach to local employment.”

Quadjob caters to high school students by vetting employers and job seekers to ensure the jobs are legitimate and safe for students. Students and employers are encouraged to utilize the site via the Youth Commission website to download the mobile app. Student Job Bank. It is free for all work-eligible high school students in Westport who register at WYC Students with their school-based email account and complete a parent consent form. Students create a personalized job profile, allowing them to manage their job search in one convenient location.

Quadjobs welcomes public and private businesses, including a household looking or a Saturday night babysitter, to list employment opportunities on their easy-to-use site by going to WYC Employers

• Household employers pay a $10 fee for a one-time post or $50/year for unlimited posts. An introductory free post is available using the code “Free10” or a 50% discount for unlimited posts using the promotional code “gowestport”
• Businesses pay $100/year for unlimited posts and can receive an introductory 50% off the subscription using the code “westportbiz.”

Quadjobs notes that 10% of the proceeds will be donated back to the community.

Matthew Mandell, RTM member and President of the Westport Chamber of Commerce, says, “This is a great resource for the community. Not only does it fill a need for businesses, it also gives our students employment, a stream of revenue, and work experience, which is a building block of any future entrepreneurship.”

The Westport Youth Commission, comprised of 15 students and 15 adults,  is responsible for promoting the positive development needs and interests of young people in Westport, encouraging programs, and developing resources to respond to these needs.

According to Andrew Colabella, RTM District 4 Representative, “Students in government for Westport are shaping the future for in the representation of their peers, paving the way for success in employment. I have yet to see another Town anywhere in the state with such involvement and commitment from students with a large government voice. As a former Youth Commission member back in the Stone Age, twenty years later, commitments and goals are accomplished by assertive, driven students with fiduciary responsibility, commitment, and effective leadership. The commitment to growth is alive.” 

(Westport, CT) There have been several coyote attacks on dogs in Westport recently. Fortunately, none of the attacks were fatal. To protect your family pets, take the following measures:

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 Supervise your pets while they are out in the yard! Coyotes avoid conflict with humans, so your presence should prevent any problems.

 While out at night with your pets, carry a powerful flashlight and keep tabs on your surroundings.

 Coyotes can be successfully hazed or driven away using noise (high-decibel whistle or air- horn) or thrown objects (balls, sticks, rocks).

 If you are walking a small pet and see a coyote, pick the pet up. Any time you are with your pet and see a coyote, give them a wide berth. You should gradually retreat but maintain situational awareness (keep eyes on) and be assertive and noisy (yelling or using whistle).

 While at home, a fenced enclosure is the best way to prevent unexpected wildlife encounters. Deer fences are designed to keep out deer, but they do a poor job of excluding smaller species (like coyotes). Coyotes and other animals can often slip under deer fences.

 Motion-sensitive lights can help alert homeowners to wild intruders at night and can help deter coyotes.

 Pets smaller than 30 pounds are at serious risk from coyotes, but coyotes will tussle with larger pets on occasion. Even larger pets will benefit from supervision.

 It is important to remember that coyotes can be active day or night. Coyotes are now found throughout North America. They are an adaptable and opportunistic canid.

Statistically, they pose very little risk to humans. There have been only two recorded fatal attacks by 2 coyotes on humans in the last 100 years in North America. But as we know, they do pose a risk to our pets.

2024-04-27@8:08pm–#Westport CT– #cttraffic– A crash between a tractor-trailer and a passenger car in the right lane on I-95 northbound about a mile past the 18 on ramp. Possibly injuries.

(Westport, CT) On Sunday, April 28th, the Westport Young Women’s League will be hosting their annual Minuteman Race from 7:00am to 11:00am. The road race begins at Compo Beach and uses many of the roads in the Compo Beach area. Organizers are expecting approximately 1300 participants. Roads in the area will be open to vehicular traffic, but motorists are advised to travel through the area safely as there
will be a significant increase of pedestrians on the roads during this event.

2024-04-26@7:45pm–#Westport CT– Two people are in police custody after being boxed in by State Police and Westport Police on I-95 northbound near exit 18. The stolen van with New York plates. A state police car was rear-ended but reported no damage.