Greenwich Cops Take Ice Bucket Challenge, Dare Rest of Fairfield Co. Departments

By Barbara Heins (Patch Staff)

The social media phenomenon of accepting the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge continued in Greenwich on Monday as members of the Greenwich Police Department and their Chief, James Heavey, took one for a member of their team.

In honor of the late Sgt. Roger Petrone, who passed away Feb. 20 after suffering from ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease for seven years, nearly 20 officers and support staff were doused with 600 gallons of ice water dropped from a bucket loader in front of Greenwich Police headquarters. Also participating was Petrone’s daughter Sydney, 11.

But before the the group challenge, Sydney poured a bucket over Heavey, with the help of Lt. Richard Cochran, a close friend of the late sergeant. Heavey issued a challenge to Fairfield County police departments — except Fairfield where Chief Gary MacNamara took the challenge Aug. 18. He also challenged the support staff of the Greenwich Emergency Medical Service.

The Monday afternoon challenge was issued by Cochran who on Aug. 22 sat in front of police headquarters for his ice bucket drenching. Cochran, who participates in the annual ALS Tri-State Trek bike ride to raise money for research for a cure to the fatal disease, said, “I’m glad this has reached the forefront of awareness not because it’s the in thing on social media but that people realize how devastating this disease is. It’s a death sentence.”

“We’re honoring one of our own in the name of Sgt. Roger Petrone. It was always Roger’s wish that money be donated to find a cure,” Cochran said.

Heavey had nothing but praise for the officers who participated. “The best part is that all of these officers showed up on their own time or a day off. It’s a testament to the dedication of the memory of Roger. We want donations made to ALS/TDI (a research facility) that dedicates 80% of the donations to finding a cure, it was one of Roger’s causes,” said a dripping wet Heavey.

Wrapped in a towel, Sydney Petrone said “It was an honor” to douse the chief. Her mother Denise added, “It’s so nice of everyone to support Roger and they’re always keeping Sydney involved and close.”

(To make a donation in honor of Sgt. Roger Petrone, go to the ALS/TDI Tri State Trek Team Greenwich Police. https://tst.als.net/Donate/TeamGreenwichPolice.)

A video of Heavey’s and the officers’ dousing is attached to this article.