During 2021 National Police Week, we want to honor the memory of three Greenwich Police Officers who died in the line of duty. The flag of the Greenwich Police Department and the uniforms of our Honor Guard are emblazed with three stars. These stars represent Officer William Robbins, Officer Joseph McCormack and Det. James Butler. These members of the Greenwich Police family died while serving the community of Greenwich.
Officer William J. Robbins- End of watch 05-17-1929
During the early morning of May 14, 1929, Officer Robbins was on routine motorcycle patrol on the Post Road. A resident operating a motor vehicle struck Officer Robbins while he was on patrol. He suffered a severe concussion and a broken femur in one leg as a result of the accident. Rushed to the hospital, he remained in an unconscious state for three days until his death from the traumatic head injury on May 17, 1929.
Officer Joseph P. McCormack – End of Watch 01-01-1944
On May 17, 1927, Officer McCormack was on duty with another officer when they made a routine motor vehicle stop. The three men in the car jumped out and ran. The officers caught one suspect, and the two others fled. While Officer McCormack stood guard of the arrested man at the scene, his partner walked to a call box a few blocks away to call Headquarters for assistance. While guarding the prisoner, a stolen vehicle drove to Officer McCormack. Two men jumped out, shot McCormack in the back. The prisoner and his cohorts sped away in the car they initially were driving. The bullet penetrated McCormack’s spine and left him paralyzed from the waist down until he died of his injuries. The three men were subsequently identified as members of a notorious gang of bandits out of Boston, Massachusetts, and were eventually arrested and sent to prison for their crimes.
Detective James J. Butler – End of Watch 04-18-1954
On Sunday, January 16, 1950, Greenwich Police Detective James Butler and his partner, Detective Thomas Burke, responded to an address in the back-country of town on the report of theft. Shortly after beginning their investigation, the suspect in the case brandished a seven-shot .22 caliber pistol. He fired four shots, one hitting Detective Burke in the side, grazing his stomach, and two penetrating Detective Butler’s stomach and intestines. As Detective Butler lay on the ground, he saw the assailant turning the gun back towards Detective Burke, preparing to fire again. Detective Butler drew his .38 pistol, getting off one shot at the assailant, which struck him in the neck and head, and killed him instantly. Detective Butler died on April 18, 1954, as a direct result of the injuries he sustained during this incident.
