Police Chief Heavey prefaced his introductions of Michael Hall and Michael O’Connor with a list of hurdles the recruits pass through.
Selected from hundreds of applicants, the new officers underwent written tests, physical agility tests, psychological tests, and lie detector tests. The process also includes physicals, interviews, and extensive background checks.
Chief Heavey introduced Peter Tesei who serves as Police Commissioner in addition to his role as First Selectman.
“We rely upon you in all sorts of situations, in some cases dire, in certain cases very pleasant,” Tesei said before administering the oath to the two newest officers.
Newly sworn in Greenwich Police officer Michael Hall. Credit: Leslie Yager
Michael Hall resides in Queens, NY with his wife Samantha and 3-month old baby boy, who is also named Michael.
Hall graduated from Francis Lewis High School in Fresh Meadows, NY and St. John’s University with a BS in Criminal Justice. He served in the US Army for 6-1/2 years, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant.
“As a fellow soldier I welcome you,” Chief Heavey said. “Although you were a combat engineer, not in the military policeman, I think highly of your wartime service — both a tour in Iraq and a tour in Afghanistan,” added Heavey who went on to mention that Hall had received received numerous decorations, awards and certifications.
Hall’s sister Laverne Greene, a police officer in the city of New York in the 77th precinct, presented her brother with his badge.
Michael B. O’Connor, Jr resides in Old Greenwich. He graduated from Greenwich High School cum laude from Marist College in 2010 with a BS in Business Administration and Marketing and a minor in psychology. He was previously employed by MBI Inc. in Norwalk as a marketing assistant and also worked as an assistant manager at Bruce Park Sports.
Officer O’Connor’s father is Sergeant Mike O’Connor, who serves on the Greenwich Police force. His brother Patrick is an officer in Naugatuck Police Dept.
Also, Chief Heavey said the Michael Jr’s his youngest brother, Bill, just completed an internship with the Greenwich Police Dept, noting that the O’Connor family have a long history of service to the town.
Mary Ann O’Connor is a nurse at Greenwich High school, and, Chief Heavey mentioned that she and her husband Mike met as volunteers with the Cos Cob volunteer department in 1984.
Related stories:
New Greenwich Police Swearing in Fills Town Hall Meeting Room
Newest Member of Greenwich Police Arrives with 26 Years on Danbury Police Force