Greenwich Welcomes 3 Experienced Police Officers Into The Ranks

GREENWICH, CT — On Monday afternoon inside the Public Safety Complex, the Greenwich Police Department welcomed three new officers into the ranks.

Unlike most recruits, the new officers come to Greenwich with years of experience with other agencies.

Andrew Buzzetta and Chester Indiviglio come to town from the New York City Police Department. Amanda Cavaseno spent the last several years as an officer in Arlington, Texas.

"They all bring a vast amount of experience in law enforcement prior to coming to Greenwich," said GPD Chief James Heavey during a small swearing-in ceremony inside the Margenot Atrium of the Public Safety Complex.

Buzzetta was born and raised in Queens, N.Y. and attended Archbishop Molloy High School, and later Iona College where he received a bachelor's degree.

Buzzetta served for five years with the NYPD in the 115th precinct, where he worked in patrol services and special operations. Buzzetta received a letter of recognition from the District Attorney for a high profile arrest during his tenure.

Indiviglio spent 21 years with the NYPD as an officer, detective and sergeant, working mainly out of Brooklyn. He spent time in all three bureaus: transit, housing, and narcotics, where he has extensive training. Indiviglio earned medals for meritorious police duty and exceptional police duty. He also received commanding officer recognition for outstanding and dedicated service.

Cavaseno grew up in Mahopac, N.Y. in Westchester County, and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2016. From 2017 to 2020, she worked as a police officer in Arlington, Texas, and was named as Officer of the Month in 2018 for self-initiated activity that led to multiple arrests.

Cavaseno is also a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, and serves as a specialist within the transportation corps.

Heavey said the officers went through a "rigorous selection process." They took a written test, physical/agility assessment, a departmental interview, psychological testing and a polygraph exam before they could be considered.

"It takes quite a bit to get through," Heavey said.

The GPD has partnered with Elliot Spector, an attorney in the state of Connecticut who trains officers in what's called "Comparative Training."

Because the officers already have several years of experience, their training to be certified in Connecticut will be individually tailored to what they need.

Heavey said this training is more cost effective, saves the officers from going through a full, one-size-fits all police academy again, and also gets the officers out on the road quicker.

The officers will also go through medical response training, since all GPD officers respond to EMS calls. After their training is complete, they will undergo a 12-week field training program to get familiar with the town and the department's policies and procedures.

Heavey highlighted Greenwich as a desirous place to work, with good benefits and the opportunity to work overtime. He also said the community strongly supports its officers, which is appealing to possible recruits.

With the addition of Buzzetta, Indiviglio and Cavaseno, the department now stands at 153 officers. Full capacity is 160, according to Heavey, who said there have been more retirements over the past two years than normal.

Heavey hopes the department can close the gap over the next year.

First Selectman Fred Camillo, who also serves as the town's police commissioner, administered the oaths to the three new officers.

"When you see the breadth of experience they have, I think it's a good thing for our town. They're going to hit the ground running, they just have to learn our town and they certainly will do that," Camillo said. "They're eager and ready to go."