Policeman’s Ball marks department’s 125th anniversary

Greenwich police celebrated its 125th anniversary as a department with a Policeman’s Ball last month at the Riverside Yacht Club.

The gala event, held Oct. 16, acknowledged the past, present and future officers who have served in Greenwich.

“As a community, we are fortunate to have such a talented and diverse police force whose 153 sworn officers and 33 special officers are dedicated to protect and serve,” First Selectmen and Police Commissioner Fred Camillo told the crowd.

More than 150 guests, including the members of the Board of Selectmen, state and federal elected officials, Greenwich Police command staff and members of the public attended along with several multi-generational police families.

Proceeds will go to the Greenwich Police Department Scholarship Fund, a nonprofit that awards college scholarships to officers’ children who qualify by ability and character.

State Reps. Kimberly Fiorello and Harry Arora along with state Sen. Ryan Fazio presented Chief of Police Jim Heavey with a state proclamation recognizing the anniversary.

“The Greenwich Police Department’s history is filled with significant events and challenges, and this past year has been no exception. Our success in maintaining a safe and orderly town would never have been possible without our community standing behind us,” said Heavey, who served as host and master of ceremonies.

Heavey also recognized the officers in attendance who received scholarships.

“These scholarships are a powerful way for us to demonstrate our gratitude to the families of our members who selflessly share their husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters with us so they can keep our town safe,” he said. “A testament to this effort is that several current members of the GPD were beneficiaries of the Greenwich Police Department Scholarship Fund while their parents were active members of the department.”

A highlight of the evening was a live auction that featured bidding for a ride on the department’s police boat, as well as an opportunity to be chief of police for a day.

The department dates to 1896, when watchmen were appointed after residents wanted more police protection. They were tasked with watching the stores along Greenwich Avenue at night.

The Greenwich Police Department was officially formed in 1906. On June 1, 1918, Joseph J. Cornelius was sworn in as the first full-time officer. The first patrol car came in 1922, and the first police station opened in 1939.

The first woman police officer was hired in 1947, and the first Black officer in 1951. In 1960, the underwater rescue unit was formed and three years later the Marine Division was officially created. In 1967, the Youth Division was formed.

To make a donation to the Scholarship Fund, visit http://bit.ly/GPDSFdonate.