Retired Greenwich Youth Officer Dies At 75

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich police announced this week that Joseph Gavin, a retired police officer who worked for the Greenwich Police Department for over two decades, died Monday at the age of 75.

In a Facebook post Wednesday, Police Chief James Heavey said Gavin began his 23-year-long career with the department on July 6, 1970. He retired on March 1, 1993.

According to Heavey, Gavin served in the department's patrol division and was later appointed as a youth officer in the detective division on Dec. 31, 1987. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Gavin was the recipient of the John A. Clarke Award in 1975 for apprehending a bank robbery suspect within minutes of the robbery. Heavey credited Gavin for his "keen observation and decisive actions" while working that case.

Heavey also noted another instance in which Gavin, while off-duty, caught three suspects who had just committed a burglary and "were wanted felons."

Gavin was the recipient of the Silver Shield Association Ribbon of Commendation and the Silver Shield Association Meritorious Police Duty Medal.

"Officer Gavin's file contains numerous letters from citizens and departmental commendations signifying his dedication and many services to the town," the post reads. "We join all members of the department in extending our sincere sympathy to the Gavin family."