First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker has announced three internal promotions in the Westport Police Department. Effective May 23, 2025, Captain David Wolf will be promoted to Deputy Chief, joining Deputy Chief Ryan Paulsson in that role. Lieutenant Eric Woods and Lieutenant Jillian Cabana will be promoted to Captain.
First Selectwoman Tooker stated, “With the appointment of Dave Farrell as the Police Chief, it was a natural progression for the command staff to be promoted to these positions. As with Chief Farrell, I am honored to make these appointments. Each of them has an excellent reputation in the community. They are dedicated and experienced law enforcement professionals who will work as a team to make the department, and most importantly, the residents and visitors of Westport their priority.”
She continued, “These promotions reflect the extraordinary talent we are fortunate to have within our Police Department, and I am excited about the future of public safety leadership in Westport. Please join me in offering heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to these outstanding individuals as they embark on this next chapter of professional growth within the Westport Police Department.”
Deputy Chief David Wolf’s Bio:
David Wolf joined the Westport Police Department in 2001. He was a DARE officer, field training officer, emergency medical technician, and certified telecommunicator. Deputy Chief Wolf is a law enforcement instructor and has taught classes in search and seizure, landlord/tenant law, eyewitness identification, in addition to others. He was one of the department’s first crisis intervention officers and in that position helped improve the police response to those struggling with mental health issues. Additionally, Deputy Chief Wolf was a crisis/hostage negotiator and a team leader with the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team. Deputy Chief Wolf spent many years on the Union’s executive board holding the positions of secretary, treasurer, and vice president.
In 2014, Deputy Chief Wolf was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and worked in the Patrol Division. In 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and served as a shift commander until 2021. Deputy Chief Wolf then moved to the position of Administrative Lieutenant. In that role, he served as the department’s Public Information Officer. In 2022, he was promoted to the rank of Captain, overseeing the Professional Standards Division. His primary responsibility in that position was to conduct internal affairs investigations, where he worked closely with Westport’s Civilian Public Safety Departments Review Board.
Throughout his distinguished career, Deputy Chief Wolf has been awarded the Chief’s Commendation along with many unit citations. He has consistently maintained a positive, professional approach to law enforcement, and will continue to do so with pride as he takes on the additional responsibility with this new role in the Westport Police Department.
Deputy Chief Wolf graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Franklin and Marshall College and received his Juris Doctor from UCONN Law. He is married and has five children, as well as a one-year-old granddaughter.
Eric Woods began his career with the Westport Police Department in 2001.
In 2009, after demonstrating exemplary leadership and tactical skills, Captain Woods was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In this role, he supervised patrol operations and played a role in mentoring younger officers and maintaining operational readiness. His continued growth and strong performance led to his promotion to Lieutenant in 2013.
In 2017, Captain Woods was assigned to the Detective Bureau, where he oversaw complex investigations and worked with local, state, and federal partners. His work in this capacity earned him a reputation for thoroughness, strategic thinking, and a steadfast commitment to justice.
In 2022, he was appointed Administrative Lieutenant, where he took on the responsibility for the internal operations of the department. In this role, he managed departmental logistics, advanced the digital footprint of Westport Police Department records requests, and oversaw critical administrative functions.
Over the past two decades, Captain Woods has remained a dedicated public servant, known for his professionalism, leadership, and connection to the Westport community. He has served the department and Westport with unwavering dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to public safety.
Captain Woods graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. He lives in Milford with his wife, Sarah, and their three children.
Captain Jillian Cabana’s Bio:
Jillian Cabana is a 19-year veteran of the department, joining in 2006. Captain Cabana was promoted to detective in August 2009, to sergeant in January 2013, and to lieutenant in 2014. Since her promotion to lieutenant, she has served in several key roles, including Administrative Lieutenant, Patrol Shift Commander, and most recently, Commander of the Detective Bureau. Captain Cabana also served as an executive board member of the Westport PBA and Westport Police Union.
During her career, Captain Cabana has received several awards, including the Meritorious Service Award, Honorable Police Service, Investigator’s Award, Community Service Award, and multiple Unit Citations. She has also been recognized with awards from the DEA, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, where she served on the Board of Directors.
Captain Cabana has displayed leadership, compassion, and integrity throughout her law enforcement career. She is a committed law enforcement professional, continually demonstrating steadfast dedication and caring for the public she is entrusted to protect.
Captain Cabana is a graduate of the University of New Haven with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She holds a master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Justice Studies, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration. She resides in Trumbull with her two children.