New Director Named To Lead Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center

FAIRFIELD, CT — Joseph Gaudett, Jr., a former Bridgeport police chief, has been hired as the new Director of the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center, the facility's first civilian director, the Fairfield Police Department announced.

With over 40 years of experience in law enforcement and telecommunications/technology consulting, Gaudett "brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to this vital new role." He began his new position on Wednesday.

"Joseph Gaudett's extensive experience in managing complex emergency communications centers and his innovative approach to public safety make him an invaluable asset to the FCRD," said Fairfield Police Chief Robert Kalamaras, speaking on behalf of the dispatch center's Control Board. "His leadership will ensure that we continue to provide the highest level of services to the communities we serve, including not just Fairfield, but also Westport Police, Fire, and EMS, and New Canaan FD."

The center was previously supervised by Captain Felix Esposito, who is retiring but is helping with the transition.

Most recently, Gaudett was the director of Stamford's Emergency Communications Center, one of the busiest Public Safety Answering Points in Connecticut. During his tenure at the Stamford facility, it was marked by significant improvements in call answering standards, the implementation of cutting-edge technologies, and enhanced interoperability with regional and state partners, according to authorities.

Prior to his role in Stamford, Gaudett served as Bridgeport's police chief from 2010 to 2016, where he led a department of 360 sworn officers and 75 civilian employees, achieving a 30 percent reduction in Part 1 crimes, such as violent offenses.

Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber also expressed that Gaudett's appointment, emphasizes the broader impact on public safety.

"Joseph Gaudett's appointment as Director of the FCRD is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety in Fairfield and across the region," Gerber said. "His experience and leadership will benefit not only Fairfield but also our partner communities, ensuring that our first responders have the support and resources they need to keep our residents and community safe."

The Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center was designed with future expansion to other communities in mind, ensuring that it can accommodate growth and provide even more comprehensive services across the region, according to officials. Gaudett's extensive experience in emergency communications and public safety leadership "will play a pivotal role in realizing this vision, helping the FCRD to expand its capabilities and enhance service delivery to additional communities in the future."

In the future, the center will become its own town department, outside the umbrella of the police department, according to officials.

"Joseph Gaudett’s leadership will be crucial as we look to the future of the FCRD," Chief Kalamaras added. "With his guidance, we’re not just maintaining our high standards—we're setting the stage for further growth and collaboration across Fairfield County."