Greenwich police marine unit gets federal funds for upgrade
GREENWICH — The Marine Unit of the Greenwich Police Department will receive $135,782 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to upgrade and maintain specialized equipment for three police boats and the departmental dive squad.
U.S. Rep. Jim Himes met with police commanders and other emergency service supervisors on Thursday at the Marine Division’s dock to announce the federal grant and highlight efforts to maintain safe and secure waterways in the region, calling it “a partnership between the town, the state and federal government.”
Himes said the emergency service workers have been working in “difficult and risky” situations during the coronavirus pandemic. “This is a wonderful moment to say ‘thank you’ to the uniformed services, and there’s no better way to say thank than to give them the resources and assets they need,” he said.
Fred Selectman Fred Camillo said the town appreciated the
grant. “Not only will it enhance our great police department, it will protect the people,” he said.
Police Capt. James Bonney, who worked on the grant application, said maintaining and equipping a high-quality marine unit does not come without significant expenses. Pointing to the equipment that that the dollars from Washington have acquired in previous years, Bonney said, “We would never be able to afford this without federal funds.”
The marine unit, for instance, has an underwater drone acquired with federal funds that can inspect the hull of a ship underwater, or comb the seafloor for evidence. The unit also has two “hard-hat” dive helmets that allow divers to go deeper in the water and stay longer.
The latest federal funds will be used for new pumps, batteries and lighting on the police boats, as well as additional training for the 11 members of the dive squad. The boats need extensive yearround maintenance, said Bonney, “and the money adds up quickly, especially with training.”
Himes noted, “Connecticut sends a lot of money to Washington, D.C., so we get to celebrate when we get money back for missions as critical as the ones this grant helps support.”
The upgrades in resources allow Greenwich police to serve other communities beyond its borders — the marine unit recently assisted operations to quell a major fire in Stamford harbor. The goal of the Homeland Security grants is to create specialized units that can work across town and state lines in a regional capacity, also reducing redundancy in the public-safety sector.
“It makes the community a lot safer,” Police Chief James Heavey said. “And it’s making sure people well beyond the town of Greenwich are safe and secure.”
The briefing was attended by state Sen. Alex Kasser and state Reps. Livvy Floren and Stephen Meskers.
The recent round of Homeland Security grants also gave emergency services in Norwalk a total of $393,287; Fairfield, $48,228; and Stamford, $20,650.