U.S. Army Vet from Stamford Sworn in As New Greenwich Police Officer

By Barbara Heins

In a ceremony at Greenwich Town Hall on Thursday, Keith Rilett, 29, was sworn in by First Selectman Peter Tesei, who's also the town's Police Commissioner.

Rilett, a native of Cedar Rapids, IA who now lives in Stamford, served two deployments in the Army. He was a supply sergeant with the 230th Infantry Battalion of the 410 Mountain Division.

"I'm very excited to start a new career in the New Year," said Rilett who deferred completing his senior year of study at the University of Connecticut to accept the patrol officer post in Greenwich.

Rilett will receive his training at the Connecticut Police Academy in Meriden, according to Police Chief James Heavey. Before he was hired, Rilett also worked as a personal trainer at Infinity Fitness of Darien. 

Heavey said that even with Rilett's hiring, the department is still three officers shy of the authorized strength of 155. "We're still soliciting candidates and partnering with the state, Milford Police Department and the New Britain Police Department for placement in their academies," Heavey said.

Heavey said he expects more vacancies with officers retiring this year. "We average about seven retirements a year. Over a third of the department is eligible to retire," Heavey said.

To retire, veteran officers must have at least 20 years service. Under terms of the contract with the Silver Shield Association, new recruits hired over the last two years must work 25 years before retirement eligibility.

The department also is preparing for a series of promotions created by the retirements in December of Capt. Timothy Berry and Officer Liza Zack. One of the department's five eligible lieutenants will be promoted, creating a vacancy in that rank and subsequent vacancies for a sergeant and an officer.

According to Heavey, the department also is preparing to administer a "lateral transfer" exam designed for trained police officers working in other departments seeking to move to Greenwich, and a new recruit exam 

Heavey said, "There will be a triple promotion ceremony at headquarters in February."