Crime & Safety

Weston's Police Force Grows from Within

Weston native, Jason Greenfield, is sworn in as the town's 10th patrol officer.

Public safety agencies have always been part of Jason Greenfield's life, while growing up in Weston. Police Det. Carl Filsinger was his D.A.R.E. instructor in the fifth grade and, while attending Weston High School, Greenfield joined the Weston Volunteer Fire Department at age 16.

On Thursday morning, Greenfield, 26, was sworn in as Weston's 10th patrol officer in a ceremony in the Meeting Room of Weston Town Hall. Town police officers, firefighters, Emergency Medical Service personnel and police commissioners shared in his moment.

Before First Selectman Gayle Weinstein did the honors, she turned to Police Chief John Troxell and said, "Chief, I think you made a great selection and I want to recognize the Police Commission, who had the ultimate say.

"Jason, I think you're a lucky man today, because I think you're joining the best police department that there is in this state — and I truly mean that. In a small town like Weston, I've had the opportunity to work hand-to-hand with each and every one of these guys. I am so incredibly proud of the job that they do and I think you should count yourself lucky to be among them."

The first selectman also recognized members of Greenfield's family, who were among the audience, including his parents, Cheryl and David, and sister, Melissa. Greenfield's brother, Aaron, a student at UConn, could not attend.

Weinstein said, "I think it's very exciting that today we're actually swearing in a hometown boy, who knows and understands our town and has been part of our community and really wants to step up and join our community in an even greater way, so it does my heart proud, especially as a mom."

Badge No. 14

Greenfield passed two agility tests, a psychological test, a polygraph and a medical physical, according to Troxell.

"The grueling part is not over yet," the chief said with a grin. "That was the easy part. Now you have to deal with us directly, because once Gayle swears you in, you become town property — specifically my property." The room erupted into laughter.

On a serious note, Troxell mentioned Greenfield's experience as a firefighter and said, "We're kind of proud of the fact that we're bringing both departments together."

The order for Greenfield's badge has not come in yet, so in the meantime, Troxell gave the rookie his own badge, number 14. He also shook his hand and gave Greenfield an official Weston Police Department coin with the old Weston Police Department logo on one side and the town seal on the other.

Thanks to All

Greenfield thanked all of the members of the Police Commission for giving him the opportunity to be a town police officer.

"I want to assure them that I will not let you guys down or the town of Weston," he said, "and I will certainly do everything I can to serve this town as diligently and faithfully as possible."

Greenfield spoke of the strong support he has gotten from his family, friends and members of the fire department. 

Of the town's firefighters, Greenfield said, "Growing up in this town, they have been a huge inspiration and a way for me to grow as an individual and become to where I am today. Thank you everyone, I certainly wouldn't be standing here without all of you."

Cheryl Greenfield said her son had wanted to become a police officer for a long time.

"He's been working hard at this," she said. "I'm extremely proud of him, extremely, extremely proud. He couldn't be with a better group of guys."

Hometown Roots

The last time a new police officer was sworn in was on July of 2011. Greenfield will now be going to the Police Academy.

Police Commission Chairman Bill Brady said, "All of our officers do well at the academy. We have a very intelligent police force here."

Brady said Greenfield's first day will not be until October, adding then the rookie will be paired with a sergeant for a while as he learns on the job.

"He's got something that works in his favor, because he's a fireman and he knows the town well," Brady said.

Like Greenfield, Chief Troxell and Dann McInnis are officers with hometown roots. When Troxell first joined the department, he said fellow Weston native David Studwell, who is now retired, was also an officer on the force.

"It makes it very special for me, because it gives me the chance to give someone else the same opportunity I had in 1981 — to be an officer in my hometown," Troxell said. "I feel like I'm paying a debt back to the community by giving another local individual the same opportunity someone gave me 30-plus years ago."


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