By Emma Barhydt
The Greenwich Police Department held a special ceremony at the Bruce Museum this past Tuesday to honor five of their own for their promotion to positions of increased authority and responsibilities, marking a new chapter in their careers.
Deputy Chief Craig Gray, the master of ceremonies, was joined on stage by Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey and Town of Greenwich Police Commissioner Fred Camillo.
“We are proud to welcome these officers into positions of increased authority and responsibility,” said Gray. He commended the officers for their dedication, expertise, and commitment to public service, emphasizing the magnitude of their contributions to the community.
Chief Heavey thanked the families of the officers for their unwavering support. “We truly appreciate you lending your loved ones to us so that they can keep the town of Greenwich safe,” Heavey said, “All of these officers are very loyal to both of their families, the one at home and the one here at GPD.”
He noted that the promoted officers, with a combined total service of 106 years, had demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership, saving lives and earning numerous commendations over the course of their careers. “During the course of their careers, they’ve all been recognized for going above and beyond what is expected… that’s part of the reason they’re getting promoted,” remarked Heavey.
Chief Heavey closed his opening remarks with a challenge and a reminder to the newly promoted officers, “To those about to be promoted, I want to challenge you to develop your leadership skills and teach the craft of being an excellent police officer, the ones that you’ve already demonstrated to us that you are… I want you always to remember that it’s an honor to lead officers, especially at the Greenwich Police Department. It’s your actions, not your rank that make you a leader, so I congratulate you. “
First Selectman Fred Camillo echoed Heavey’s sentiments, calling the GPD “the best police force in the state of Connecticut.” He warmly welcomed the two new officers and congratulated the promoted ones, saying, “You make us all very proud.”
Promoted officers included Mark Zuccarella, who was sworn in as Deputy Chief, and John Slusarz, Edward Isidro, Shane Geary, and Alan Pesce, who were promoted to the ranks of Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, and Sergeant, respectively.
Zuccarella, a Greenwich native with over 23 years of service, has held numerous roles within the GPD, including patrol officer, community impact officer, detective, and public information officer. His exceptional dedication to the department and community has earned him numerous awards and commendations, including Officer of the Year.
Slusarz, a Greenwich High School graduate with over 30 years of service, has worked in multiple divisions of the GPD, including Patrol, Detective, and Traffic. He has received numerous awards for his remarkable work, including the Officer of the Month and Medal of Merit.
Isidro, a Stamford native and U.S. Air Force veteran, has served the GPD for 31 years. He was named Officer of the Year in 2000 for his heroic actions during a highway accident where he saved two individuals from a burning vehicle.
Geary, a Norwalk native and an associate of the GPD since 2014, is a member of multiple special units, including the Dive Team, Honor Guard, and Crisis Negotiation Team. He was commended for his extensive training and expertise in various areas.
Pesce, another Greenwich native, has served the GPD since 2012. He received the Officer of the Month award in 2016 and the Samuel Luciano Award during his time in the police academy.
First Selectman Fred Camillo swore in the promoted officers, who then had their new badges and ranks pinned on by their families. The promotion ceremony concluded with the newly promoted officers receiving their first salute from current and past members of the GPD and other law enforcement agencies.
“I feel very happy, very proud. I’m glad I was able to have the trust from the chief, the police commission, and the men and women of the department,” said Zuccarella of his new position, “I will, as I have in my previous positions, I will continue to serve the town with courage, respect, diligence, and fairness as I always have.”
