Kalamaras Chosen As New Fairfield Police Chief

FAIRFIELD, CT — Capt. Robert Kalamaras is poised to become the next police chief in Fairfield after the town’s police commission unanimously voted to recommend him for the role.

Kalamaras will replace outgoing Chief Christopher Lyddy, who spent nearly four decades working for the department and the last two years leading it.

“I am very excited to be selected as the next chief of police,” Kalamaras said in a prepared statement after his recommendation was announced Tuesday night. “I could not have done it without the support of my fellow officers, and the leadership and mentorship of Chief Chris Lyddy.”

The commission spent more than four hours Tuesday afternoon and into the evening interviewing and considering candidates. Commissioners were joined by Selectwoman Nancy Lefkowitz.

The search for a new chief did not include any outside candidates, according to commission Chair James Millington, who said the body has traditionally conducted an internal hiring process for the department’s top spot. In addition to Kalamaras, Lefkowitz and the commission met with Deputy Chief Donald Smith and Capt. Christopher Tursi.

“We were fortunate to have three excellent candidates,” Millington said after the announcement. “At the end of the day I think we’re going to be in great hands with Bob leading us forward.”

Kalamaras was hired to join Fairfield police in 2000, served as a patrolman for 10 years, and went on to rise through the ranks within the department. He has been involved in many facets of the agency, including crash investigations, emergency services and the dive team, among others. He also served as the department’s public information officer. Kalamaras is a military veteran and has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Sacred Heart University.

“Bob Kalamaras is the model of integrity and professionalism,” First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said in an email Tuesday night. “Our community is blessed to have someone so committed to Fairfield and the department will benefit greatly from his leadership and years of experience. I look forward to swearing in Capt. Kalamaras as Fairfield’s next police chief and working with him in the years to come.”

Now that Kalamaras has received the commission’s recommendation, Kupchick will confirm the appointment. A swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place Friday, which is Lyddy’s last day on the force.

“We hope it will be a seamless transition of the command,” Millington said.