Fairfield police chief to retire after 38 years on the force
FAIRFIELD — Chief of Police Chistopher Lyddy is retiring in January after spending his entire career with the department.
“Looking back on my 38-year career, I have been blessed to work alongside some of the finest individuals this profession has ever produced,” Lyddy said in a news release. “I am the product of many officers and supervisors who came before me and shaped me through the years.”
The department said it will immediately begin the process to select a new chief and the position is expected to be filled when Lyddy retires Jan. 22. The release did not say why Lyd
dy was retiring.
“I have no doubt that I am leaving the agency in extraordinarily capable hands as the current men and women of the Fairfield Police Department are individually and collectively the best of the best,” Lyddy said. “It has been a sincere honor and privilege to serve this great community with each of our officers.”
Lyddy was first introduced to the Fairfield Police Department in 1976 at the age of 16, when he joined the Fairfield Police Explorer Program, volunteering his time, while also learning the tenants of law enforcement, the deaprtment said.
He was hired as a special officer in 1979 while earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island and worked the summer and holiday seasons. He was then hired as a patrolman in 1982, spending four years in the role before being assigned to the Youth Services Division for a one-year assignment, the release said.
In 1989 Lyddy was promoted to detective in the investigations division. He was promoted to sergeant in 1991 and served 10 years as a field supervisor in the patrol division. In 2001, he was promoted to lieutenant and served in the special services division, as well as commander of the investigations division, the department said.
Lyddy continued his rise in the ranks and was promoted to captain in 2009, serving as the commander of the patrol division. In 2010, he became deputy chief and was sworn in as chief in 2019, according to the department.
The department noted that one highlight of his career was attending the 215th session of the FBI National Academy in 2003 in Quantico, Va. It also said Lyddy served in a variety of positions that have helped bring new and innovative policing approaches to the department, including technological advancements.
“These advancements have included state-ofthe-art technology equipment such as in-car report writing, computer aided dispatch, a robust records management system, license plate reader technology and automated fingerprint identification systems,” the department said.
First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said she was impressed with Lyddy’s thoughtful approach over the years and has relied on his experience and vast knowledge during her time in the position.
“The town of Fairfield has benefited greatly from Chief Lyddy’s professionalism and long dedicated service to our community,” she said.