Greenwich Police Detective Justin Rivera Promoted to Sergeant

Greenwich Police Dept marked the promotion of Detective Justin Rivera to the rank of Sergeant on Thursday afternoon in the Cone Room among colleagues, family, assistant director of Human Resources Eric Mahoney, and elected officials including State Rep Steve Meskers (D-150) and State Rep Hector Arzeno (D-151).

Deputy Chief Jim Bonney was the master of ceremonies for the event, starting with the honor guard presenting the colors.

“I’ve been watching your career as you progressed,” Police Chief Heavey said. “You’ve always been an officer who initiates action. You’ve always been the first one out of the car to back up other officers and will be an outstanding asset as supervisor to  the patrol division.”

Heavey said he would look to Sergeant Rivera as the police dept develops their mentoring program.

First Selectman Fred Camillo, who is also the police commissioner, said, “This is not just an occasion to congratulate you and wish you the best in your new position, but also to thank you for all the good work you’ve done.”

Deputy Chief Bonney shared Sergeant Rivera’s biography, noting he grew up in the Bronx and later graduated from Iona College in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Rivera became a Greenwich Police officer in 2012. He was promoted to Master Police officer in 2018, and was promoted to detective in 2023 and has been a field training officer and a member of the Emergency Services unit since 2016.

Rivera has also been a recipient of numerous letters and thanks of appreciation from the community, as well as letters of recognition and commendation from the department and other organizations. He has participated in events like the annual Special Olympics Torch Run and has worked on presidential details.

In 2021 Rivera was recognized along with other officers  for a save and respond to a call about an unconscious person on the sidewalk.

In 2023 he was recognized as Officer of the Month for his response to an armed robbery where almost $200,000 in stolen goods was recovered. That same weekend he responded to a burglary of a high end store in central Greenwich.

Rivera has also been a recipient of the Dr. John A Clarke Award.

“Service to community runs in the Rivera family, and both of Detective Rivera’s parents served in the US Army National Guard his father is a retired New York City corrections officer,” Bonney said.

First Selectman Camillo gave the oath to Sergeant Rivera and Chief Heavey placed his new uniform hat on his head, joking it was large enough to fit a chief.

Rivera thanked his family, peers, co-workers and friends for attending the event and everyone who reached out to wish him well.

“It’s important that we all know as police officers the sacrifices we make for the community and our family are only possible because of the people that fill the room,” Rivera said. “As a reminder, it is good to have these events so we can look left and right, and look around, and know what is important and know our values.”