Community Rallies To Support Greenwich Police Detective Who Is In ICU

GREENWICH, CT — The community has been rallying to support a Greenwich police detective who was in a coma in the Intensive Care Unit.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was started by Greenwich Police Silver Shield Association President Peter Schmitt to support Det. 1st Grade Mike Rooney. As of Saturday evening, over $105,000 had been raised.

According to Schmitt, Rooney recently entered Yale New Haven Hospital to have a brain tumor removed, but following the procedure, Rooney's brain "endured a tremendous amount of swelling" and he was in a coma.

In an update posted on Friday, Schmitt said Rooney opened his eyes on the morning of Oct. 8 and is now responding to painful stimuli and simple commands.

Schmitt noted that Rooney's health situation is "delicate," and he's currently on a ventilator as the swelling and draining continues to be managed.

"Your thoughts, prayers, and generous donations are overwhelming and graciously appreciated and most definitely got Mike over the hump on his first step to recovery," Schmitt wrote in the update. "Friends, family, co-workers, brother and sister officers/firefighters/EMS, and complete strangers from far and wide have come together to provide a substantial cushion for the Rooney family, as Mike will have a long road to recovery and will miss a significant amount of time from work."

Rooney is a former United States Marine and a 21-year veteran of the Greenwich Police Department, Schmitt noted. He's currently assigned to the Special Victims Section investigating crimes against the community's most vulnerable population.

Additionally, Rooney has been assigned to the FBI task force targeting online sexual predators and violent crimes against children. In February 2022, Rooney was awarded with the GPD's Award of Merit for his work on an internet crimes against children case.

"GPD and the Silver Shield Association would like to thank the community for coming together for a noble and worthy cause that will help the Rooney family focus on rest and recovery during these challenging times.," Schmitt added.

All proceeds will be used to support Rooney's wife and two young children.

View the GoFundMe fundraiser here.