Community Corner

2 Greenwich Detectives Receive Promotions During Ceremony

The event marked the last promotional ceremony First Selectman Peter Tesei will attend as the town's police commissioner.

GREENWICH, CT — Two Greenwich Police officers received promotions during a ceremony Thursday evening. Craig Zottola and James Ruszkowski Jr. were promoted to the rank of sergeant after years of diligent service as detectives.

Capt. Robert Berry, Police Chief James Heavey and First Selectman Peter Tesei were all present for the event, which marked the last promotional ceremony Tesei will attend as the town's police commissioner.

"There's been no greater honor for me in my lifetime than to serve as the town's chief elected official, but specifically no greater honor and privilege than to be the commissioner of the Greenwich Police Department," Tesei said during the ceremony. "I love the men and women of the department. I have learned tremendously from each and every one of you about matters I would never have imagined I'd learn about in my lifetime."

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Family members of Zottola and Ruszkowski were in attendance as the two former detectives received their promotions.

"I want to especially thank and welcome all the family members...of those that are being promoted today," Heavey said during the ceremony. "I truly appreciate the fact that you lend your loved one to the department to help make Greenwich safe."

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Zottola grew up in Pawling, N.Y., and is married with two children. He is a graduate of Pace University and served as a member of the United States Navy.

He joined the Greenwich Police Department on Feb. 16, 2010, where he has been a patrol officer, master police officer, detective and a member of the department's special response unit.

"The Greenwich Police Department is a very special department," Zottola said to Patch. "It's a fantastic department to work for. Our command staff, under the chief's direction, does a great job, and I'm just glad to be here to help this community."

Zottola cited how embracing residents are of the department as one of his favorite things about the community.

"They're always there to lend a hand with us anytime we need one," Zottola said, "They appreciate everything we do for them, which is a great testimony to the type of people that are in the town."

Ruszkowski grew up in Orange and is married with two children. A graduate of Central Connecticut State University, he joined the department on July 24, 2004.

Over the past 15 years, has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, master police officer and detective. He has been recognized a number of times by the state chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving for his DWI enforcement, in addition to other departmental recognitions.

"It's very exciting to have worked hard and reaped the fruits of that labor," Ruszkowski said. "This is the next step in my career, and I'm looking forward to it."

He noted that it was a good feeling to see his loved ones in attendance as he received his promotion.

"It's really because of them," Ruszkowski said. "They have to deal with the long hours and the studying for the exams, but they support me all the way, so it's really nice to have them here."

In his remarks, Tesei noted Greenwich Police officers' commitment to excellence, command of their area of expertise and compassion for the town's diverse community.

"You're always united in your commitment to your mission and, as is often said, you've got each other's backs," Tesei said. "As a community, we're very proud of all of you and what you do, and I wish you continued success and safety as you go forth and serve us for many more years."


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