Chief James Heavey announced the recent death of retired Greenwich Police Detective Michael McDermott. He was 83 years old. Detective McDermott began his twenty-two-year career with the Greenwich Police Department on September 19, 1966, and retired on December 30, 1988. Detective McDermott was the father-in-law of Detective Michael Rooney.
Detective McDermott was born in Long Island City, NY, on April 24, 1938, and was a graduate of Power Memorial Academy in New York, NY. Before becoming a Greenwich Police Officer, Detective McDermott served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps from 1956 to 1959. He also worked for the Post Office at Morgan Station in New York City.
On April 14, 1981, Detective McDermott was awarded the prestigious John A. Clarke Award for founding the Greenwich Police Department Emerald Society. The first official meeting of the Emerald Society was held on October 10, 1977, with 23 members in attendance. By 1981, the Emerald Society had over 200 members, including a Pipe Band of 30 men and women. The Pipe Band marched in numerous parades and even performed for President Ronald Reagan.
Detective McDermott received many commendations and thank you letters from the public throughout his career. He was often complimented on his speedy response and calming, professional demeanor on calls for service. As a Detective, he investigated many burglaries in the Town of Greenwich. In one investigation, Detective McDermott was commended for his excellent investigative skills when he successfully identified a burglary suspect connected to multiple other burglaries.
We join the GPD in extending our sincere sympathy to the McDermott and Rooney families.
