the Town of Greenwich by Frank Trotta

Officer of the Month
April 2014
Officer Jeremy Bussell

Local Law enforcement works with partners at the State and Federal level in protecting the American people from terrorist threats. A secure and resilient nation that effectively prevents terrorism in ways that preserve our freedom and prosperity is an important goal of all law enforcement officers.

Terrorist tactics continue to evolve, and we must keep pace. “If You See Something, Say Something™” is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness of indicators of terrorism and violent crime, and to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement authorities.

Serious improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in America are relatively rare, with the majority of incidents related to criminal activities and mischief; however significant plots are thwarted more frequently than commonly thought. We must be vigilant and not apathetic in the belief that it can’t happen here.

On March 26, 2014, an observant citizen saw something suspicious and called the Greenwich Police. Officer Jeremy Bussell was the first officer on scene and used his training and experience to evaluate the situation with the best interest of public safety in mind. He noted the presence of specific possible indicators of an IED and found it prudent to activate a full suspicious package protocol. This protocol requires a methodical and time consuming investigation into the items and the situation. Investigation by subject matter experts in explosive devices and terrorist activities also responded. Ultimately it was determined the bag was harmless.

“I commend Officer Bussell for his dedication to duty and professionalism. Police officers are so often called out to evaluate different situations that often are not nearly as severe as first reported. Officers must investigate to determine the truth of the matter. These false alarms can lull the less disciplined amongst us into taking on an indifferent attitude and not treat each incident as a potentially serious issue. Officer Bussell resisted that all too human response and acted decisively with the best interest of the Greenwich citizens in mind. It’s just this type of diligence that we hope other Fist Responders and citizens will emulate in keeping our community safe.”

Chief James Heavey

On May 3rd at 0800hrs members of the Greenwich Citizens Emergency Response team took part in a massive training exercise at the Westchester Airport. The mock training exercise was a large airliner that crashed near the airport causing multiple casualties from the plane and citizens on the ground from the crash. This exercise was to test both CT, NY, and Federal emergency response workers in case this scenario ever did happen. The CERT members played casualties and victims of the crash. Attached is a photo taken of the CERT members partaking in the exercise.

Please spread the word…

This coming weekend (May 10 – 11) the Greenwich Police Explorers are trying to raise money for an important trip to the National Police Explorers meeting. Buy your mom or your wife (or YOURSELF) a car wash as part of your Mother’s Day celebration.
SPREAD THE WORD!

The Police Explorers is a terrific program. Indeed, the latest GPD officer is a former Greenwich Police Explorer. Help our future.