Retired Greenwich Police Detective Dies At 49

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich police announced this week the death of Robert McKiernan, a retired detective who previously served with the department for 23 years. He was 49 years old.

In a Facebook post, Chief James Heavey said McKiernan began his decades-long career with the department on April 14, 1997, and retired in February of this year. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

In addition to serving as a detective, McKiernan's career included assignments as a patrol officer, accident car investigator and neighborhood resource officer, Heavey said. In 2012, he was cross-deputized as a federal agent and assigned as a task force officer for an FBI financial crimes task force in New Haven.

He also received the chief's commendation five times, was named the department's officer of the month three times and received a Medal for Outstanding Service from the Connecticut State Police.

In 2007, he was awarded the Greenwich Lions Club's Dr. John Clarke Police Officer of the Year award. He also received four awards of recognition from the Connecticut U.S. Attorney's Office and was designated the Task Force Officer of the Year in 2016.

"Detective McKernan's passion for seeking out the truth for victims of crime was second to none," Heavey said on Facebook. "Detective McKiernan exemplified the core values of the Greenwich Police Department with his dedication, diligence, service, fairness and respect to everyone he encountered."

According to his obituary, McKiernan attended Windham High School in Willimantic and later graduated from Western Connecticut State University in Danbury with a degree in justice and law.

He enjoyed spending summers on Cape Cod with his family, soaking up "every second of love and togetherness." A fantastic storyteller with a warm and witty sense of humor, McKiernan was known to the department as not only a great detective, but also as a great friend.

He is survived by his wife and three sons.

"We join all members of the department in extending our sincere sympathy to the McKiernan family," Heavey said.

To read the full obituary, and for information regarding funeral and burial services, visit the Green Funeral Home website.