Both officers and civilian staffs extended their well wishes and deep appreciation to Deputy Chief James Bonney, who retired from the Greenwich Police Department on September 1, after 36 years of service.
Deputy Chief Jim Bonney. Photo: Greenwich Police Dept
Deputy Chief Bonney, who was sworn in as a Patrol Officer on September 18, 1990, leaves a legacy that has touched so many areas of the Department. Among his accomplishments:
• He managed the implementation of a state-of-the-art Emergency Dispatch Center, which was completed in 2024.
• His expertise in writing grant proposals helped the Department procure its first drone. The Department is now using this technology to keep the community and officers safe.
• Another winning grant proposal, written by Deputy Chief Bonney, enabled the Department to enhance its marine operations, including updates to the patrol vessels that help to protect boaters and some 30 miles of coastline.
• While coordinating many of the Department’s Honor Guard activities, he became a much sought-after Honor Guard bagpiper for special community events.
• Deputy Chief Bonney’s enthusiasm, knowledge, and professionalism enabled him to excel in many different assignments during his career. When he was sworn in as Deputy Chief in 2025, he assumed responsibility for several civilian staffs, including Support Services, General Services Section, and Parking Services. He has had supervisory roles in every division of the Police Department: He become a Captain in 2020, was named a Patrol Lieutenant in 2012, a Detective Lieutenant in 2014, and a Sergeant in 1999.
• During his career, Deputy Chief Bonney received numerous awards and commendations for exceptional police duty and medical service. These included recognition for apprehending suspects in several bank robberies, water rescues, responses to medical distress calls, and serious traffic accident investigations. He was named the Silver Shield Association Officer of the Year in 2002, for swimming out to a boater who was unresponsive, bringing the boat to shore, activating 911, and administering CPR until medics could arrive.
Greenwich Police Dept extended heartfelt appreciation and thanks to DC Bonney for his unwavering dedication, years of service, and a job well done.