How old are your kids, and how long have you worked in Westport? I have two daughters, ages 19 and 17. I have worked in Westport for 26 years.
How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project It is you might be doing? I did not consider pursuing a career in police work until my senior year of college. When I took the job as a police officer in Westport, I thought this would be for a short period and that I would have moved on after a couple of years. Here I am almost 27 years later….
What do you enjoy most about your current job? As a child growing up in Westport, I was granted many opportunities, and I was fortunate enough to take advantage of them. I enjoy giving back to the community that served me so well. Being in a position to help those in need is what I enjoy most.
What is the most unique thing about Westport – and the community here – compared to other places where you have worked? The Westport community can have high expectations of their law enforcement (justifiably so), which motivates our team to work as hard as we can – and constantly improve. That being said, the balance of considerate and generous residents, business owners, and visitors make this community the great place it is. The department has a lot of supporters within the community.
What has been the hardest thing about raising kids and working full time with long hours? I am fortunate to live close to Westport and although this job can be 24/7, it also allows quite a bit of flexibility, and I am very grateful for that.
What is your favorite family activity to do in Westport or the surrounding towns when you have free time? (if that ever happens=)) My girls were very involved in sports throughout elementary and high school. Some of our best times were spent on the side of a playing field, inside a gym, or on a horse-riding rink. Driving to and from various sporting events led to interesting car ride discussions. Driving through Compo continues to be a family favorite event even as the girls approach their twenties!
What was your most memorable family vacation, and why? While we love vacationing in the Caribbean or South America, I would say our most memorable vacations have been when we have gone back to Greece and the Greek islands. Aside from being beautiful, my daughters felt connected to where I grew up, and it was fun sharing my memories with them.
What is your proudest dad moment? I don’t think I can pick a single proud dad moment. Watching my daughters grow and develop into beautiful young ladies who are articulate, caring, and highly driven is what I am most proud of.
Parenting in these times is challenging to say the least. Any personal tips you can share on how you have managed parenting – and your job – during Covid, with all the school violence, and the day to day of pandemic life? The last two years have probably been the most challenging time to parent: Covid, social injustice, college acceptance for my daughters, and many unknowns. The one tip I would share that has worked for our family is being brutally honest about what is happening in the world. Kids are extremely smart and have access to all kinds of information, and it isn’t always correct. I feel it is essential to provide your children with accurate information and then discuss how it relates to your family and your values.
What’s your favorite sport to play and/or watch? I play and watch a lot of tennis. The players’ strategy, endurance, and athleticism are what I root for. It’s an incredible game to watch.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? My wife would say that I am a really good cook. I’m not sure I completely believe her. She may just be saying this so she can cook less!
If you had 24 hours to do whatever you wanted – what would you do? I would probably start my day off playing tennis, then enjoy a delicious meal that I prepared seated around the table with my wife and daughters. I would end the day with a solid night of uninterrupted sleep.
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other dads OR what do you wish you could tell your younger self about being a father? In 2002 – before I was a parent, I had a photo card with my second K9 partner Lola. The quote I chose at the time was, “In raising your children, spend half as much money and twice as much time.” I would still choose that quote today. I prefer to make memories with my girls because when it is all said and done, the time we’ve spent together as a family is what they will remember and appreciate most.
