By Richard Kaufman
The Town of Greenwich welcomed one of its own into the ranks of the police department on last week.
Andrew Mitchell, who grew up in town and graduated from Greenwich High School in 2013, was sworn-in by First Selectman Peter Tesei in front of family and friends during a ceremony at Town Hall. Mitchell will now head off to the Connecticut Police Academy in Meriden, Conn., for six months, before coming back to Greenwich for 12 weeks of field training.
“It takes nearly a year for us to have an officer from the day they get sworn in to the day they can work by themselves. It’s a long road, and not an easy one, but we expect with all the support you have from your family you’re going to do well,” said Greenwich Police Chief, James Heavey, to Mitchell.
Even the road to get sworn-in is long, Heavey added. “Greenwich does not accept just anyone. We’re pretty selective in our selection process.”
Potential candidates must first go through various interviews, written tests and physical tests before joining the department. Greenwich will open up testing again in February for those interested in becoming a police officer. For more information, go to greenwichct.gov.
Mitchell is the 58th and final recruit to be sworn-in by Tesei, who is leaving office in the coming weeks. First Selectman-elect, Fred Camillo, was also in attendance for the ceremony.
“There’s nothing more important that municipal government provides than life safety for our inhabitants. We’ve had the very best in life safety services, with GEMS, Greenwich Fire, and our Greenwich Police Department and the men and women who serve it,” Tesei remarked. “I am most overjoyed and relieved that the reigns are being turned over to someone who believes deeply in support for our emergency services, and that’s First Selectman-elect, Fred Camillo.”
Tesei went on to say that while Greenwich is an extremely safe place to live, “bad things do happen here inevitably.”
“That’s why it’s so important we have fully staffed, well trained men and women in our police department. Andrew, you’re going to be an integral part of that more many years,” Tesei concluded.
After graduating from GHS, Mitchell attended the University of Connecticut (Storrs) where he received a degree in communications and journalism. Out of college, he worked as the Director of Digital Platforms at Greenwich-based Hunt Scanlon Media. He also worked at John Mackey’s Service Station, and for the Town of Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation as an umpire and coach.
Heavey believes Mitchell’s ability to handle and interact with people — skills he picked up through studying communications and journalism — can help him in his newfound law enforcement career.
“You have to take care of people in their worst possible time, and be a happy, welcoming face,” Heavey said.
After being sworn-in, Mitchell spoke and thanked his family and friends for their support. He said he was “grateful and honored” to give back to the community that raised him.
“It’s been a tremendous honor to live in such a beautiful and safe town. I know this police department really gave me that opportunity,” Mitchell added. “I won’t let you down, and I’m going to make this worthwhile for myself. I’m really excited to get through the Academy and get back, and work under a highly decorated department and leaders. I’m willing to learn, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Being a first responder isn’t new to Andrew Mitchell’s family. His mother, Irene, was a volunteer for the ambulance corps. in the Byram Volunteer Fire Department, and his father volunteered for the Glenville Fire Department. Mitchell’s father’s cousin, Louis Pannone, is a lieutenant in the GPD.
Camillo has known the Mitchell family years. He used to umpire for Mitchell when he played baseball in town.
“He’s very respectful, and an all-around good guy. He’s certainly going to be a big asset to the Greenwich Police Department and the Town of Greenwich,” Camillo said. “I’m sure I’ll see Andrew when he’s around working his shifts.”
But Mitchell almost never became a police officer. He recalled when after one of his first fitness tests for the department last fall, he called his girlfriend, Madison, whom he met at UConn, to tell her he wanted to quit.
“I told her I couldn’t do it, and I wanted to back out right there. She pushed me to try my best, and I think that’s what got me here,” Mitchell said. “I never let go, I gave it 100 percent, and now I’m standing where I am today with help from everyone.”
