By Nelson Oliveira
The News-Times
NEWTOWN, Conn. — Authorities are investigating the untimely death of a Westport police officer and member of the Newtown police commission.
Robert Myer, 48, was found dead at his Elizabeth Street home at about 6:40 a.m. Wednesday, police said. He was taken to the state Office of Chief Medical Examiner, which will determine the cause of death.
Myer had been promoted to the rank of sergeant at the Westport Police Department just five months ago and was serving a four-year term on the Board of Police Commissioners in Newtown.
“On behalf of Chief James Viadero and the Newtown Police Department, this day is a tragic loss for the family, friends and community of Newtown,” police said in a news release.
In Westport, First Selectman Jim Marpe also released a statement praising Myer for his service.
“It was with profound sadness that I learned of Sergeant Myer’s passing,” Marpe wrote. “He represented the police department and the Town of Westport with utmost professionalism and honor.
“Our focus now is to support his fellow police officers at this difficult time,” Marpe continued. “And I respectfully request that all Westporters do the same.”
Myer joined Westport police as an intern in 1991 and was hired as a full-time officer the following year. He was promoted to the rank of corporal in 2014 and became a sergeant in 2015. The Westport native supervised his department’s patrol division.
In addition, Myer served as a member of the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team as a crisis negotiator and was a member of the Westport Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team, Marine Division, and Honor Guard.
He received many awards throughout his career, including his department’s Honorable Police Service Award in 2013.
“Regardless of his assignment, Sgt. Myer always served our community to the best of his abilities,” Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas said in a statement. “Bob will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and we again ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.”
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