Veteran Greenwich Police Officer Retires

Veteran Greenwich Police Officer David Stewart, a familiar face on Greenwich waters as a member of the department’s Marine Section, has retired.

Police Chief James Heavey announced the retirement of Stewart, who served 27 years with the department, on Thursday.

A Greenwich native, Stewart graduated from Greenwich High School. Before joining the department on Aug. 24, 1987, Stewart was a Greenwich Police Department Special Officer. After graduating in the 205th Class of the Connecticut Municipal Police Training Council’s Basic Police Academy, Stewart served the department’s Patrol Division and the Marine Section.

Stewart received numerous commendations for excellent police work for the apprehension of burglars and wanted felons, according to the department. “As a Patrol Officer, he was recognized for his team efforts in narcotics investigations, the apprehension of burglary suspects, and his professionalism during Dignity Protection Details,” according to a department statement.

While assigned to the Marine Section, Stewart participated in numerous marine rescue operations including ice rescues, sinking boats and many Mayday calls in Greenwich and across Long Island Sound. In August 2005, Stewart was recognized as the Officer of the Month after he and his crew mates, were detailed on a mutual aid call for boat accident in Stamford waters in which helped save the lives of the victims involved, according to the department.

Stewart’s extensive marine knowledge and dedication resulted in commendations from several federal agencies including the United States Coast Guard, the U.S. Custom and Border Protection, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as many ‘thank you’ letters from residents, according to the department.

“I have known Dave a long time and he and I share many commonalities. We were both Scouts and Special Police Officers, to name just two,” Heavey said in a statement. “People come to police work for different reasons all of which are valid in their own right. I highly respect Dave’s motivation for becoming a police officer which was always clear to me; Dave was here to help.”

In retirement, Stewart continue to serve the Town of Greenwich as a volunteer Special Police Officer.

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Photos: #1: Officer David Stewart. #2: Stewart on patrol in the Marine Section. Credits: Greenwich Police.