By Anne White
The Riverside Yacht Club in Greenwich was the scene of a grand celebration on Saturday, April 27, as community leaders and residents gathered to support the Red Cross. At the event chief of police James J. Heavey was honored for his 50 years of service to the American Red Cross.
Chief Heavey has served not only in roles with the Greenwich Police Department and the Glenville Volunteer Fire Company but also has a longstanding commitment to the Boy Scouts. His service extends deeply into the community, influenced by a family tradition of looking beyond oneself to give back.
Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter Stephanie Dunn Ashley, presiding over the festivities, lauded Chief Heavey for his multifaceted service to the community and particularly highlighted his long tenure with the Red Cross. In his fifty years as a volunteer, Chief Heavey has donated over 100 pints of blood, continuing a family legacy of vital contributions. His roles as a water safety, CPR/AED, and first aid instructor have allowed him to train thousands, potentially saving countless lives through his commitment to education and safety.
Chief Heavey’s outstanding dedication has been recognized with the Outstanding Person Action Award not once, but twice, a testament to his direct impact on lifesaving activities. The evening included a video tribute that provided a narrative of Chief Heavey’s extensive contributions, filled with testimonials from individuals whose lives have been touched by his work.
The highlight of the evening came as Chief Heavey was presented with the 2024 Lifetime Service Award. This prestigious accolade was given in recognition of his unwavering commitment and enduring impact on the Red Cross and the community at large. The presentation was met with enthusiastic applause and was a poignant moment of the evening, reinforcing the deep appreciation felt by all present.
Please look for our full coverage of the Red Cross event in next week’s issue.
