Greenwich Police Mourn The Loss Of Retired Detective

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Police Department is mourning the loss of retired Det. Michael McDermott. He was 83.

McDermott served in the GPD for 22 years, from Sept. 19, 1966 to Dec. 30, 1988. He was born in Long Island City, N.Y., on April 24, 1938, and was a graduate of Power Memorial Academy in New York, N.Y., the GPD said in a Facebook post last week.

Before becoming a Greenwich police officer, 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, 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 Oct. 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, the GPD said.

McDermott received many commendations and "thank you" letters from the public throughout his career, the GPD noted.

"He was often complimented on his speedy response and calming, professional demeanor on calls for service," the GPD added on Facebook. "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."

McDermott was the father-in-law of Det. Michael Rooney of the GPD

"We join all members of the Department in extending our sincere sympathy to the McDermott and Rooney families," the GPD said.