boardwalk nature trails in a wildlife sanctuary of with a nature center Fairfield Museum and History Center – displays on local history, art and decorative arts, and a library on local history Gallery of Contemporary Art at Sacred Heart University – holds five exhibitions each year Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University Government The town government consists of the three-member Board of Selectmen, a Representative Town Meeting (RTM), a Board of Finance, a Board of Education, a Town Planning and Zoning Commission (TPZ), and many other politically appointed commissions, boards, and committees. The current First Selectman is Brenda Kupchick (R). Makeup of notable governmental bodies As of November 22, 2021 Board of Selectmen Republican controlled 2–1 Representative Town Meeting Democrat Controlled 23–17 Board of Finance Democrat Controlled 5–4 *Special Election held in 2021 to replace the seat left vacant by Ed Bateson on 5/17/21 Board of Education Democrat Controlled 5–4 The town has no criminal or civil court system and all trials are held and handled by the Bridgeport Superior Court system. However, the town does also offer access to a Juvenile Review Board (JRB) for certain juvenile cases outlined by the Fairfield Police Department. In the Connecticut General Assembly, Fairfield is represented by one Republican, Sen. Tony Hwang, and three Democrats, Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey, Rep. Jennifer Leeper, and Rep. Sarah Keitt. Emergency services Police Department The Fairfield Police Department was created in 1926, approximately 287 years after the town was founded. Fire Department The town of Fairfield is protected by the 95 career firefighters of the Fairfield Fire Department (FFD), and volunteer firefighters of the Southport Volunteer Fire Department and Stratfield Volunteer Fire Department. The career Fairfield Fire Department operates five fire stations, located throughout the town, and uses a fire apparatus fleet of five engine companies, one ladder company, one rescue company, three fireboats, and 1 Shift Commander's Unit, as well as many special support, and reserve units. The Southport Volunteer Fire Department has served the community since 1895. The Stratfield Volunteer Fire Department has several stations and has served the community since 1920. Education Fairfield has two public high schools, Fairfield Warde and Fairfield Ludlowe; three public middle schools, Roger Ludlowe, Tomlinson, and Fairfield Woods Middle School; and eleven public elementary schools. Fairfield has several Catholic schools, including two high schools, Fairfield Prep and Notre Dame, and two primary schools, St. Thomas