New police recruit sworn in by Tesei
GREENWICH — The Greenwich Police Department’s latest recruit has a background in journalism, broadcasting and social media.
A Greenwich native, Andrew Mitchell was sworn in Tuesday afternoon at Town Hall.
Police Chief James Heavey said the department was looking for new recruits with a wide range of skills and life experience before joining its ranks, and Mitchell was an example of that goal. “The more diverse our agency, the better,” he said.
Mitchell is a 2013 graduate of Greenwich High School and of the University of Connecticut. He did broadcast work for the UConn sports network, covering hockey and football.
In recent years, he has been the director of digital platform communications for Hunt Scanlon Media, located in Greenwich. That company provides analysis, publications and media services for the talent-management industry.
The new recruit’s parents, Bill and Irene, are active volunteers in the community. Bill Mitchell has been a volunteer firefighter, and Irene Mitchell is a nurse who volunteered with an ambulance company in town.
The new officer also coached and umpired in the town’s recreational sports leagues.
“It’s always been in my blood, public service, giving back,” Mitchell said.
First Selectman Peter Tesei administered the oath of office, his final ceremony as Greenwich’s top elected official and police commissioner. Tesei said it was a special pleasure to swear in a Greenwich native and UConn graduate, like himself.
“Mr. Tesei, it’s an honor to be your last swornin officer. I won’t let you down,” Mitchell responded.
Saying he would carry a lifelong admiration for the department, Tesei acknowledged his successor in office, Fred Camillo, who won election to the office last week. Tesei will leave office Nov. 30.
“I can rest easy on Dec. 1, knowing the strength of the life safety (services) will continue,” Tesei said.
Mitchell will begin police training later this week. “I’m so grateful and honored to give back to my community,” he said.
The department, which has a staff of about 155 members, has been averaging about seven retirements a year, Heavey said.