The Clarke Award is one of the Lions Club’s premier honors. The Greenwich Lions were chartered over 100 years ago and are named after Dr. John Clarke, a founder and the first president of the Greenwich Lions. Dr. Clarke served as a medical adviser to the Greenwich Police Department during his distinguished career. The award pays tribute to him as it recognizes the outstanding service of a member of the Greenwich Police Department. The Chief of Police makes the selection each year.
Due to Det. Rooney recovering from a recent medical issue, the award was accepted by his wife, Colleen, on his behalf. Photo: Courtesy Greenwich Police
The 2025 recipient is Detective First Grade Michael Rooney. Detective First Grade Rooney has demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill throughout his 21-year careerwith the Greenwich Police Department, including 11 years as a detective.
His commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, particularly through his work in the Special Victims Section (SVS), has set a standard of excellence for his peers. Rooney’s initiative in catching online child predators has been groundbreaking, as he taught himself the intricacies of social media platforms, predator jargon, and teenage communication styles to conduct undercover operations. His efforts have led to the arrest and conviction of numerous predators, including high-profile cases involving educators, attorneys, and other professionals. Rooney’s work has earned praise from prosecutors, the FBI Child Exploitation Unit, and federal agents, culminating in his appointment as an FBI Task Force Officer in 2022. He has also mentored fellow detectives, inspiring them to conduct similar operations and strengthening the department’s protocols for predator stings. This commitment to mentoring and excellence in policing led to his being appointed as Detective First Grade in 2024.
Detective Rooney’s tireless dedication, innovative approach, and ability to collaborate across agencies have made him a true asset to law enforcement. His work has not only removed dangerous predators from society but has also safeguarded countless children.
For more information about the Greenwich Lions Club and their philanthropic efforts, visit their website at Greenwich Lions Club.