GPD Promotes Two Detectives to Sergeant

gpdpromotions
From left to right: Sgt. Craig Zottola, Sgt. James Ruszkowski, GPD Chief James Heavey, First Selectman Peter Tesei. (Richard Kaufman photo)

The Special Response Unit garage at the Public Safety Complex was transformed into a ceremonial hall last Thursday, as the Greenwich Police Department promoted Detectives Craig Zottola and James Ruszkowski to the rank of Sergeant.

“These two sergeants, having distinguished themselves amongst their peers, are now going to accept the challenge of what I think is the most important and most significant supervisory position in the police department,” said GPD Chief, James Heavey, in his opening remarks.

Zottola and Ruszkowski each received the oath from first selectman and police commissioner, Peter Tesei, who attended his last promotional ceremony; he’s not seeking reelection this November.

Tesei, in his record-setting sixth term as Greenwich’s chief elected official, has sworn-in nearly half the department’s current officers, according to Heavey.

Heavey presented Tesei with his soon-to-be retired commissioner ID card, saying his “unflinching support for the GPD is second to none.”

Tesei thanked the department for the support over the years, and said he’s learned a lot from the men and women in uniform. He then mentioned that Zottola and Ruszkowski exhibit commitment, dedication and excellence.

“I know they will continue to provide the excellent service we’re all so proud of,” he said.

Before joining the GPD in February of 2010, Zottola served as a member of the United States Navy, where he carved out a decorated career as a Lieutenant Commander.

Zottola was deployed to the Middle East twice, and received the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Iraqi Campaign Medal.

As a member of the GPD, Zottola has served as a patrol officer and master police officer before becoming a detective in 2017. He’s a part of the department’s Special Response Unit, and has completed advanced training in SWAT operations, traffic collision investigations, DWI investigations and criminal intelligence. He has also been awarded with two investigator ribbons, and numerous unit citations.

“This is very special for me,” said Zottola after the ceremony, noting that his late father-in-law, Frank Creamer, was a sergeant with the GPD. “It’s special for me to become a sergeant, especially since he worked here.”

Ruszkowski came to the department in July of 2004, and worked as a patrol officer, field training officer, master police and detective. He has attended numerous advanced courses on being a field training officer, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), search and seizure law, DWI investigations, death investigations and advanced interview and interrogation.

Ruszkowski has been recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for his DWI enforcement. He has also received department recognition for various investigations, arrests and lifesaving efforts.

“This is very exciting. [It’s been] a lot of hard work, and this is the outcome of that. It’s the next step in building my career,” Ruszkowski said after he was officially promoted.

Zottola and Ruszkowski will now take the place of recently retired Sergeants Joe Ryan and Debora Vesciglio.

The GPD also recognized officer Joseph Havranek, who recently retired from the department after 43 years of combined service as a special police officer, also known as auxiliary, and a regular police officer.

The GPD retired Havranek’s badge No. 309, and presented it to him as a gift.

“It was a privilege to work with the Greenwich Police Department,” Havranek told the crowd. “I enjoyed the time together. I miss the job and the people.”

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