Lt. Richard S. Cochran, a Dr. John A. Clarke Award winner, who has completed 35 years of service with the Greenwich Police Department has retired.
Lt. Richard (Rick) Cochran was sworn in as Greenwich Police Officer in 1981 and graduated from the 161st Connecticut Municipal Police Training Council’s Basic Police Academy.
Lt. Cochran was promoted through the ranks and held positions within several of the department’s specialty units to include the Special Response Team (SRU), K-9 Officer, Police Instructor and Honor Guard. He has received numerous departmental commendations for excellent police work and actions exemplifying the best traditions of police service. They range from administrative awards to true acts of heroism. He was the Greenwich Police Departments first K-9 Officer and has received more awards and honors than can be quickly mentioned.
At the Boys and Girls Club pool, Lt. Cochran and Camryn Ferrara, Feb. 20, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
As a K-9 Officer, he is one of the most highly decorated K9 teams in the history of Connecticut Law Enforcement. They were recognized as a National Hero K-9 Team and traveled to Georgia to receive that award.
Upon promotion to the supervisory ranks, Lt. Cochran was a significant contributor to the creation and implementation of some of the departments’ most important victims programs. Lt. Cochran invested an enormous amount of time and energy into the creation of the GPD’s Domestic Violence Unit and Crisis Intervention Teams. Lt. Cochran more than just set these program into motion, he fully committed himself to their success. Lt. Cochran’s efforts were recognized around the region as exemplary, and he was awarded the highly prestigious Dr. John A. Clarke Officer of the Year Award in 2010.
Boys & Girls Club honor guard and the GHS football team with Lt. Cochran Photo courtesy Camryn Ferrara
Front and center, Camryn Ferrara among the Boys & Girls Club Honor Guard, with Don Palmer (back, left) and Lt. Rick Cochran (back, center).
Lt. Cochran has consistently demonstrated a true charitable spirit, giving back to the community at every opportunity especially for those most in need. Lt. Cochran has volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club as their Honor Guard Commander for many years. He has organized and participated in the annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run and the “Ride for Roger to End ALS.”
“Rick has proven himself time and time again to be a highly successful supervisor dedicated to caring and helping our community. Rick has been a regular participant in many charity events around town. Rick’s dedication to the fight against ALS in Roger Petrone’s memory is humbling. Rick’s absolute drive to excel in everything he does always places him at the front of the pack. I am very proud to have served with Rick, and I hope he can slow down a bit and enjoy the next stage of his life, I wish him the best of luck.” Chief James Heavey
Upon his retirement Lt. Cochran was appointed to the position of Special Police Officer.
See also:
Camryn Ferrara: Full Circle at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich