New Deputy Police Chief Appointed In Greenwich

GREENWICH, CT — A new deputy police chief has been appointed within the Greenwich Police Department, filling the vacancy left by James Bonney, who recently retired.

Chief of Police James Heavey went before the Board of Selectmen last week to announce that Capt. Eric Scorca will be promoted into the role of deputy chief. It was not immediately clear when Scorca would be sworn in.

Scorca thanked Heavey and the Board of Selectmen during brief comments.

"I really appreciate the opportunity to fulfill a higher rank and to serve and protect the citizens of Greenwich as I have been doing faithfully for the last 24 years. I'm looking forward to the next endeavor," he said.

Scorca is a 24-year veteran of the department and currently commands the patrol division, the largest division in the department, and also leads the GPD SWAT unit.

He's a past recipient of the Dr. John Clarke Award, which is the GPD's highest honor given to an officer, and has numerous commendations and letters of appreciation from the public, Heavey said.

"Capt. Scorca has been a problem solver, and a person that the staff, our rank and file, go to to get things done," Heavey said. "It's without any reservation that I recommend him for the position of deputy chief."

Heavey noted Scorca vied for the position two years ago, but he was ultimately not chosen.

"He took to heart some recommendations," Heavey said.

Scorca just completed his master's degree in public administration at Western Connecticut State University and recently finished his thesis.

"That initiative has certainly put him a little bit ahead of the others," Heavey said of the other candidates for the job, noting it was a hard decision to pick amongst so many qualified officers.

"It's a great problem to have. It's a struggle because I have three outstanding captains who all applied. They all do great work, but only one of them can make deputy chief. I think it's a testament to the department that we have a good bench and that we have a succession plan," Heavey added.

First Selectman Fred Camillo, who also serves as the town's police commissioner and sat in on the interviews for deputy chief, praised the candidates who applied. But he said, "It lined up perfectly for Capt. Scorca, who really has put the time in."

"He's one of those self-starters; he's full of ideas. I think he's got Red Bull running through his veins. He's on the go all the time, and you really don't hear a bad word about him," Camillo said. "We're really, really excited to welcome him to the ranks of deputy chief."