By James Bonney
The Greenwich Police Department recognized four officers advancing into new leadership positions on Thursday during a swearing-in ceremony that also marked the continued service of two retired law enforcement veterans.
Eric Scorca was promoted to Deputy Chief, James Ruszkowski to Captain, Michael O’Connor Jr. to Lieutenant, and Sebastian Arenas to Sergeant.
Retired Deputy Chief Jim Bonney and former Patrol Officer George Backiel were also sworn in as Special Officers, continuing their service to the department in new capacities.
The promotions represent changes across several levels of the department’s command structure, with each officer assuming additional responsibilities in the supervision and administration of police operations.
Honor guard at Greenwich Police promotion ceremony at the Greenwich High School performing arts center. Nov 12, 2026 Photo: James Bonney
Eric Scorca being sworn in by First Selectman Fred Camillo. Photo By: James Bonney. Nov 12, 2026.
Eric Scorca was sworn in by First Selectman Fred Camillo. Photo By: James Bonney. Nov 12, 2026.
Eric Scorca was sworn in as Deputy Chief, taking on one of the highest-ranking positions within the Greenwich Police Department.
Scorca’s promotion was approved by the Board of Selectmen on September 24, 2026, following a recommendation from Police Chief James Heavey. At the time of his promotion, Scorca had served 24 years with the department.
As Deputy Chief, Scorca joins the department’s senior command staff, assisting in overseeing departmental operations, administrative functions, and personnel.
James Ruszkowski’s pins being placed on his collar by his family. Photo By: James Bonney. Nov 12, 2026.
James Ruszkowski was promoted to Captain, advancing into a senior command position within the department.
The rank of Captain carries responsibility for supervising assigned divisions and personnel, coordinating police operations, and implementing departmental policies and procedures.
Michael O’Connor Jr being sworn in. Photo By: James Bonney. Nov 12, 2026.
Michael O’Connor Jr. was sworn in as Lieutenant, continuing a family history of service within the Greenwich Police Department.
The O’Connor family has longstanding ties to Greenwich law enforcement, with multiple family members having served as officers in the department. O’Connor Jr.’s promotion continues that tradition, following in his father’s footsteps and carrying forward the family’s history of service to the community.
In his new position, O’Connor Jr. assumes additional supervisory responsibilities, including overseeing officers, coordinating assigned operations, and supporting the department’s command structure.
Sebastian Arenas being sworn in. Photo By: James Bonney. Nov 12, 2026.
Sebastian Arenas was promoted to Sergeant, taking on a first-line supervisory position within the department.
Sergeants supervise officers during daily police operations, respond to incidents, and ensure that departmental procedures are followed.
Arenas’ promotion places him in a position responsible for supervising personnel and supporting the department’s day-to-day law enforcement activities.
Jim Bonney and George Backiel being sworn in as Specials. Photo By: James Bonney. Nov 12, 2026.
Jim Bonney, pictured with Greenwich Police Chief Jim Heavey and Deputy Chief Mark Zuccerella, was sworn in as a Special Officer, following his retirement from the Greenwich Police Department as Deputy Chief. Nov 12, 2026. Photo: James Bonney
The ceremony also included the swearing-in of Jim Bonney as a Special Officer, following his retirement from the Greenwich Police Department as Deputy Chief.
Bonney retired on September 1, 2026, following 36 years of service with the department. During his career, he held a number of leadership responsibilities, including overseeing Parking Services, assisting with the implementation of the department’s emergency dispatch center, and securing grants for police technology and marine operations.
His appointment as a Special Officer marks a continuation of his involvement with the department following his retirement from full-time service.
George Backiel was also sworn in as a Special Officer, following a law enforcement career spanning more than four decades.
Backiel previously served as a Patrol Officer with the Greenwich Police Department and also served with the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
Across his service with the two departments, Backiel accumulated more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement.
His appointment as a Special Officer allows him to continue serving the Greenwich community following his previous work as a patrol officer.
Sebastian Arenas, Michael O’Connor Jr, James Ruszkowski and Eric Scorca. Nov 12, 2026 Photo: James Bonney
The ceremony recognized both the advancement of current officers and the continued service of former members of the department.
With the promotions of Scorca, Ruszkowski, O’Connor Jr., and Arenas, the Greenwich Police Department has filled leadership positions at the Deputy Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, and Sergeant ranks, respectively, while welcoming Bonney and Backiel into their new roles as Special Officers.
