Greenwich police prepare for 125th anniversary events
GREENWICH — The Greenwich Police Department is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, lining up a number of events and community partnerships.
“We are proud that the Town of Greenwich Police Department has earned the reputation of being a well-trained and responsive professional organization over the past 125 years,” Chief of Police James Heavey said in a recent statement.
“We strive for excellence and have demonstrated a sustained commitment of service to the public. I am very appreciative to be a member of this family – past and present – and I am equally pleased that we can celebrate this milestone together,” he said. “We look forward to the history we will write together in the years ahead.”
The town is ready for a celebration, after dealing with the COVID-19 crisis for the past year.
“As a police department, it’s important for us to celebrate, especially now. It’s been a different year due to COVID-19 and the many other stressors police officers are dealing with every day,” Heavey said. “We want the residents of Greenwich to join us in paying tribute and recognizing our officers and staff who strive to keep Greenwich safe for everyone.”
According to the department, in 1896, the town appointed “Watchmen” after residents realized there was a need for more efficient police protection in the community. They were tasked with watching the stores along Greenwich Avenue at night.
The Greenwich Police Department was officially formed in 1906, and 11 years later, on June 1, 1917, Joseph J. Cornelius was sworn in as the first fulltime Greenwich police officer. The department received its first patrol car in 1922, and the first police station opened in 1939.
In 1960, the underwater rescue unit formed, and three years later Marine Division was officially created. In 1967, the Youth Division was formed. Currently, there are 152 sworn officers in the police department.
The department is holding a number of events and organizing partnerships for the anniversary.
A number of local stores and restaurants will be working with the department to benefit the scholarship fund, including NicholsMD, a skin-care center, as well as Miku Sushi and Vineyard Vines.
A car show is planned for Aug. 28, and a benefit dinner ball scheduled for Oct. 16.
The Funky Monkey store 86 Greenwich Ave. will donate 10 percent of sales of baskets and bundles to the Greenwich Police Department Scholarship Fund.
“Since our opening in 2019, the residents of Greenwich have welcomed us with their support and encouragement. Being able to in turn support the children of the police force of Greenwich is just our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the town and to the Greenwich Police Department,” said Jared Greenman, owner of Funky Monkey.