PHOTOS: Greenwich Police Honor Two Officers at Promotional Ceremony

By James Bonney

The Greenwich Police Department formally recognized the achievements and dedication of two of its own during a promotional ceremony that celebrated careers defined by service, sacrifice and commitment to the community.

 

Family members, fellow officers, town officials, and residents gathered to witness Sergeant Richard Stook’s promotion to lieutenant and Court Technician John Browne’s promotion to sergeant, marking important milestones in each officer’s professional journey.

The ceremony opened with the Greenwich Police Honor Guard marching into position, posting the colors, and leading attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. The formal traditions set the tone for an afternoon focused on respect for the profession and appreciation for those who serve.

Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey and Greenwich Police Commissioner Fred Camillo served as hosts for the event, welcoming guests and emphasizing the importance of recognizing excellence within the department. Chief Heavey noted that promotions represent more than rank changes. They reflect years of dedication, countless hours of training, and a demonstrated ability to lead others with integrity. Camillo echoed those sentiments, highlighting the strong partnership between the department and the community and praising the honorees for embodying the values of public service.

The invocation was delivered by Greenwich Police Chaplain Father Richard Murphy, who offered words of reflection and gratitude for the officers’ service and for the families who support them.

Lieutenant Richard Stook
Sergeant Richard Stook was the first officer called forward to be recognized. As he walked to center stage, the master of ceremonies read his biography and acknowledged the family members in attendance.

Stook began his career with the Greenwich Police Department on September 15, 1997. Over nearly three decades of service, he has held a wide range of assignments, including work with the GPD Bike Team, as a Master Police Officer in accident car, as a Field Training Officer, and as part of the Community Impact Office. In 2009, he joined the Detective Division and primarily worked in the Narcotics Section. In March 2013, he was assigned to work with the Drug Enforcement Administration, serving in undercover operations targeting narcotics trafficking.

Stook was promoted to sergeant in 2017 and has spent the past eight years working the midnight shift in both first-line supervisory roles and as a shift commander. He also devoted 17 years to the Honor Guard and currently serves with the GPD Drone Unit and the Special Response Unit.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Detective Richard Stook of the Newtown Police Department, Lieutenant Stook has built a career marked by professionalism and extensive training. His education includes coursework in urban street gangs, undercover operations, SWAT and high-risk entry, homicide investigations, money laundering, crime scene investigation, and police bike training, among many others.

Throughout his career, Stook has received numerous letters of appreciation and commendation, Silver Shield Awards, and has been named Officer of the Month multiple times. He also received the Connecticut State Police Medal for Outstanding Service and the United States Attorney’s Office Award in 2016 for his role in a high-level heroin trafficking case.

Stook was joined on stage by his wife, Mary Anne, and his children, Heidi and CJ. Mary Anne pinned his new lieutenant’s badge, followed by his children, a moment met with sustained applause from the audience. Chief Heavey then placed the lieutenant’s hat on Stook’s head, formally signifying his new rank.

Sergeant John Browne
Court Technician John Browne was next to be recognized for promotion to sergeant.

Browne grew up in Bridgeport and is the son of Lillian Browne and the late Donald Browne. He is married to Karen Browne, and together they have two children, Owen and Maxwell. He earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Justice and Law Administration from Western Connecticut State University.

Before joining Greenwich, Browne spent 26 years with the Danbury Police Department, including 13 years in the Community Policing Unit. He became a Greenwich Police Officer on November 10, 2014, and has spent the past five years assigned as a court technician. In preparation for his new supervisory role, Browne completed extensive training in areas such as DWI enforcement, accident investigation, crime scene investigation, crisis negotiation, legal issues for first-line supervisors, critical incident management, and advanced interview and interrogation.

Browne has said he was inspired to pursue law enforcement by his late father, who spent more than 25 years as the State’s Attorney for Fairfield County.

During the ceremony, Browne’s wife, Karen, pinned his new sergeant’s badge and insignia. Chief Heavey then placed the sergeant’s hat on Browne, officially welcoming him into the department’s supervisory ranks.

A Moment of Unity
Following both promotions, current and former members of the Greenwich Police Department were invited to stand and render the first salute to the newly promoted officers. The moment symbolized the bond shared among officers and the collective respect for leadership earned through service.

The ceremony also included the swearing-in of Special Officer Carlos Franco, who recently retired as a detective after more than 28 years of service to the Greenwich community. Many in the community are familiar with Franco from his 11 years as school resource officer at Greenwich High School.

 

Police Chaplain Thomas Ninz delivered the benediction, offering closing words of thanks and reflection.

As the ceremony concluded, Chief Heavey and Commissioner Camillo expressed appreciation to the families, friends, and community members who continue to support the Greenwich Police Department.

The promotions of Lieutenant Richard Stook and Sergeant John Browne serve as a reminder of the dedication required to advance in law enforcement and the pride the department takes in recognizing those who exemplify professionalism, leadership, and service to others.