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Westport Police Program Cuts Costs, Earns Statewide Recognition

WESTPORT, Conn. – A Westport Police Department program credited with improving officer health and morale has been recognized by the Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Association.

From left: Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Lt. David Farrell, Deputy Chief Vincent Penna, Finance Director Gary Conrad and Purchasing/Safety Officer Richard Kotchko.

From left: Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Lt. David Farrell, Deputy Chief Vincent Penna, Finance Director Gary Conrad and Purchasing/Safety Officer Richard Kotchko.

Photo Credit: Facebook

Developed by Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas, the customized Wellness Program in its first year has been credited with reducing the department’s sick time, overtime costs and medical-only claims, cutting recovery time for injured officers, and reducing the frequency and severity of total claims, according to a police department statement.

The program consists of Crossfit-style workouts designed to improve physical mental and emotional wellness and increase departmental unity, according to the department. Also part of the program are mandatory training classes that detail the impact of stress and trauma on the body and mind and provide officers with coping strategies that can be employed during stressful situations.

The Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Association (CIRMA) awarded the program with its New and Innovative Risk Management Initiative award during a ceremony Friday in Rocky Hill, according to the statement.

Calling the program a “collaborative effort,” Koskinas credited several Westport officials, including First Selectman Jim Marpe, Human Resources Director Ralph Chetcuti and the Finance Director Gary Conrad.

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