By Richard Kaufman
Sentinel Reporter
In trying times, the Greenwich community steps up, and that was certainly made clear in town on Tuesday.
The Greenwich Police Department responded to the Transportation Association of Greenwich (TAG) on Tuesday morning on a report of damage to numerous TAG vehicles.
It was subsequently discovered that at some point, either overnight or over the weekend, catalytic converters from nine buses — eight TAG buses, and a bus that serves Hill House — were stolen, rendering the vehicles inoperable.
TAG is a not-for-profit organization which serves seniors over the age of 60, and people any age who are disabled, by providing specialized transportation. They also participate in the Feed Greenwich program in partnership with Neighbor to Neighbor, to deliver food to over 2,000 Greenwich residents who are struggling with food insecurity during the COVID crisis.
Due to the inoperable buses, it seemed as if food delivery operations were crippled on Tuesday, but the GPD lent a helping hand and three vehicles to assist TAG and Neighbor to Neighbor to get food out to 118 client households.
“It’s a wonderful relief to have them with us to help us get through the day,” said TAG Executive Director, Debbie Vetromile. “It was definitely a shock this morning when we came into work.”
Once an insurance adjuster has handled the incident, the process can begin to get the TAG vehicles fixed. The incident has temporarily hampered the ability for TAG to get clients to their medical appointments.
“We’re just not going to be able to do that until we get one or two of the other vans fixed,” Vetromile said.
For Executive Director of Neighbor to Neighbor, Margaret Goldberg, Tuesday was a prime example of what community is all about.
Goldberg recalled that a few months ago, Sgt. John Thorme, supervisor of the Community Impact Office within the GPD, told her that if she ever needed anything, to reach out.
“We’re always available. Just give me a call,” Goldberg remembered him saying.
On Tuesday, after learning of what happened at TAG, Goldberg picked up the phone.
“It’s almost as if the cavalry arrived. It was such a great feeling of support from such a giving community,” Goldberg said, noting that the gesture was even more heartfelt because of the ongoing pandemic.
“It’s sometimes beyond words, especially during this backdrop of a pandemic that is really testing so many of us in terms of our patience. To have this kind of resolve is just incredible. It’s an incredible example of humanity,” Goldberg added. “The police department is considered one of those pillars within a community that’s just so vital. You can see with a simple phone call, they were there. I’m extremely grateful.”
The GPD will assist with deliveries again on Wednesday, Goldberg said.
“Sgt. Thorme is going to be bringing his vehicles on Wednesday, and they’ll be able to help us out and get us through. We’ll be alright by the end of the week,” Goldberg said. “We’re all sort of focused on the same considerations. You look for a trusted partner, and miracles happen.”
An investigation into the theft of the catalytic converters has been launched by the GPD. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detective Division at (203) 622-8054, or the tip line at (203) 622-3333 or toll free at (800) 372-1176. Tips may also be emailed to tips@greenwichct.org.
For more information on TAG, go to ridetag.org. For more information on Neighbor to Neighbor, go to ntngreenwich.org.
