The Greenwich Police welcome the public to join the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Dept on Saturday, October 16, 2021, for an unforgettable evening of dinner and dancing at the Riverside Yacht Club that will include an Honor Guard Procession, Bagpipes, Awards, Silent and Live Auctions, and Live Music by ETA.
This evening will be a special acknowledgment of the past, present, and future of our brave men and women in Greenwich law enforcement, keeping our families and Town safe for everyone. Proceeds will go to the Greenwich Police Department Scholarship Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), awarding scholarships to Police Officers’ college students who qualify by ability and character.
“As a police department, it’s important for us to celebrate this Anniversary, especially now. It’s been a different year due to COVID-19 and the many other stressors police officers are dealing with every day,” said Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey in a release. “We want the residents of Greenwich to join us in paying tribute and recognizing our Officers and staff who strive to keep Greenwich safe for everyone.”
Guest tickets start at $500, and there is an opportunity to underwrite an Officer’s ticket for $250. Sponsorships are available for businesses who wish to participate. To reserve your tickets or become a sponsor, click here.
Covid protocols at the time of the event will be followed.
To date, sponsors of the 125th Anniversary Policeman’s Ball include Greenwich Magazine/Moffly Media and Greenwich Sentinel as Co-Media Sponsors, McArdle’s Floral and Garden Design, and SEBASS Events and Entertainment. B+E Events and Communications produce all GPD 125th Anniversary Events.
Chief James Heavey and the Department are marking the Anniversary with the theme of ‘Honoring Our Past and Embracing Our Future.’ “We are proud that the Town of Greenwich Police Department has earned the reputation of being a well-trained and responsive professional organization over the past 125 years,” said Chief of Police James Heavey. “We strive for excellence and have demonstrated a sustained commitment of service to the public. I am very appreciative to be a member of this family – past and present – and I am equally pleased that we can celebrate this milestone together. We look forward to the history we will write together in the years ahead.”
History of the Greenwich Police Dept.
In 1896 “Watchmen” were appointed after residents realized the need for more efficient police protection in Town. They were tasked with watching the stores along Greenwich Avenue at night. The Greenwich Police Department was officially formed in 1906. Some eleven years later, on June 1, 1918, Joseph J. Cornelius was sworn in as the first full-time Greenwich police officer. The Department received its first patrol car in 1922, and the first Police Station opened in 1939. In its early days, the Department was almost entirely composed of native Irishmen or Irish American men. The first woman police officer was hired in 1947, and the first Black officer in 1951. In 1960, the underwater rescue unit was formed, and three years later Marine Division was officially created. In 1967, the Youth Division was formed. Currently, there are 152 sworn officers in the Department.
For more information about the GPD: https://www.greenwichct.gov/345/Police.
About the Greenwich Police Department’s Scholarship Fund
The Greenwich Police Department is asking for the community’s support of the Greenwich Police Department’s Scholarship Fund. Every contribution, however big or small, is so valuable for the future of our children. The Greenwich Police Department Scholarship Fund, incorporated in December of 1962, was granted tax-exempt status under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code in November 1963. To donate, http://bit.ly/GPDSFdonate.
In 1963, three scholarships were awarded, which represented 80% of the fund’s available resources at that time. Now almost 60 years later, there are approximately 20 applicants each year, supporting both college boarders and half scholarships to college commuters. They must be enrolled as full-time students and maintain an academic GPA of 2.75 or better.
The fund is governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of four individuals whose roles in the community ensure the Board’s self-perpetuation. These individuals are the Chief of Police, the Greenwich High School Principal, a Town Attorney, and a highly reputable and concerned volunteer from Greenwich’s business community. The Office of the Chief of Police is responsible for the day-to-day administration of its activities. Scholarship awards, however, are awarded after review and a vote by the Board.