As we are one week away from Father’s Day we continue to honor the Father’s of Fairfield and this week is no stranger to the community. As a 21 year police officer here in town and now the Captain how can you not know Captain Robert Kalamaras. What we don’t know from his day to day on the force is how much a family man this great guy really is! His thankless job daily is helping keep Fairfield safe and we could not be here without him and the team.
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in the area?
I am originally from Long Island, but I have also lived in North Carolina before I moved here to Connecticut 21 years ago.
Marin: Age 14 and Elyssa: Age 13
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I was raised with six siblings, all boys and one girl. I was in the middle. My sister was the oldest, and for the majority of my brothers, we were all about a year apart. It was an undertaking for my parents. I realized that all of the things they made me do then, shaped, defined, and strengthened my character as I got older. They taught me a lot about parenting without saying a word.
One thing you wish someone would have told you about being a Dad?
Favorite local things to do in Fairfield?
Sometimes the four of us just drive downtown and get some ice-cream. After we will walk the sidewalks and window shop. There are always new businesses popping up in Fairfield, and the girls like to check-out the downtown.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
Fairfield has everything to offer. Beaches, trails, lakes, restaurants, a bustling downtown, with such a variety of things, it never gets old. We like to stay active, so all these things are on our to-do list.
Do you have a favorite family friendly restaurant? Date night?
As a family we like to go the The Local. When the bride and I do “date-night”, we like Sinclair, Paci, or Barcelona.
What is your go-to activity for your family? For yourself?
Surfing…we go all over the place. Rhode Island, Outer Banks, Charleston SC, we’ve even been as far as Costa Rica. I love the fact that you have to be disconnected out there. It’s just us and Mother Nature, and we have so many good laughs and memories from it.
Funniest part that you’ve learned about parenthood?
These kids get smarter than us real quick!! I can no longer help them with their homework, and I can’t even tell you what they’re doing on their computers. It’s funny and scary at the same time.
Best dad hack that makes your life easier?
My wife and I are ALWAYS supportive of each other’s decisions with the kids. It was something we talked about (BC), and we have held true with it. They can never plot against us and they know that if they try, they are definitely not getting what they want.
Tell us about your work with the Fairfield Police Department. How long have you been working in the field and in Fairfield?
I am in my 21st year with the Fairfield Police Department. I currently hold the rank of Captain and I am currently the commander of the field services bureau.
What do you love about your job? Challenges you face?
Being a police officer these days is challenging, but very rewarding. Like most people who love their jobs, overcoming those challenges is what makes your job meaningful. I love that I am able to help people, problem solve, and work within the community. Being able to make a difference is why I chose to be a police officer.
If you weren’t working for the Fairfield Police Department, what do you think you would be doing today?
I would probably be building houses. I enjoy working and building with my hands.
Best advice for dads who experience the inevitable guilt handling a career and helping support a family?
I think what has always worked for me when I need to get in some QT with the girls is I ask them what “they” want to do. Even if its not my favorite to braid hair, paint nails, or make a Tik-Tok… I’ll do it because I want them to be happy. BTW… I can pull off a mean braid!
Who has most influenced you to be the father that you are today?
My wife Nicole has been my biggest influence hands down. She is a great mom and she handles EVERYTHING! She is so supportive of my career and gives me the “eye” when I am too stressed and it starts affecting my home life. Without her, I would have never accomplished my career goals. She has helped and supported me with so much and I love her with everything.
What advice would you share with a new dad or other dads?
Make time for the kids. It’s hard with a career, but you don’t want to have any regrets later. I have seen some horribly sad things during the course of my career, and I always think to myself…. I don’t ever want to regret not getting that time with my girls.
