GREENWICH, CT — There was a celebratory mood inside the lobby of the Greenwich Public Safety Complex on Tuesday afternoon, as the police department welcomed a new animal control officer and two police recruits.
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First Selectman Fred Camillo administered the oaths to Animal Control Officer Carolyn Smith and new police officers Ronald Santana and Jason Guach.
Additionally, veteran Greenwich police officers Joel Berry and Shawn Fox were sworn in as special police officers.
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Smith, a New Jersey native who graduated from Penn State University, comes to Greenwich after working for over 10 years as an animal keeper at the Bronx Zoo, where she handled large carnivores and primates, such as bears, tigers, leopards, African wild dogs and gorillas.
“I think you’ll be well-suited to handle some of the wildlife here in Greenwich,” said Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey while recounting her experience.
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Smith’s love for animals was sparked when she was a child. Growing up, she always had pets in the house, and she volunteered during her free time at animal shelters. Her favorite wild animal is the snow leopard, and she currently has two calico cats who were strays in New York City.
“My dad always encouraged me as a little kid that it’s ok to be muddy, it’s ok to be dirty and be outside with the animals, and look where it’s led me,” Smith said. “I’m really proud to be able to serve the town of Greenwich.”
The Greenwich Animal Control Division enforces local laws on keeping dogs, cats and other animals. It also supervises animal adoptions when a pet is not claimed by its owner.
“I think they sometimes don’t get recognized enough for going above and beyond to take care of animal concerns,” Heavey said.
Following training at the police academy, Smith will join longtime Greenwich Animal Control Officer Suzanne Ondreicka, who has handled animal control duties on her own since last November when her partner, Stacy Rameor, accepted a job in Fairfield.
New Police Recruits
Both of Greenwich’s new police recruits come to town with previous experience in law enforcement, something Heavey said will serve them will as they embark on new chapters in town.
Heavey said the selection process for recruits is extensive.
“It starts with a written test and a physical agility test. It requires the candidate to go through multiple background checks, a polygraph exam, a psychological exam, a physical exam. It really takes a long period of time to get through the process,” he said.
Santana was raised in the Bronx, N.Y., and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Old Westbury on Long Island, according to Heavey.
He was a member of the U.S. Army National Guard, 107th Military Police Company, and received training as a military police officer at Fort Leonard Wood.
“Without my family, I wouldn’t be here today. There’s only so much you can do as an individual, but you need a village behind you,” Santana said following his swearing-in. “I’m proud to be a part of this new family.”
Guach was also raised in the Bronx, and graduated with an associate’s degree in computer network administration from Westchester Community College, Heavey said. Guach serve for four years in the U.S. Marine Corps., and is a retired New York City police sergeant.
Past law enforcement experience for Guach includes six years as a patrol officer, five years as a patrol supervisor and three years in professional standards. Guach is a graduate of the New York City Police Academy, and his two brothers are also NYPD.
“I look forward to working with the Greenwich community, and I also look forward to working with the Greenwich Police Department. From joining the military to joining the NYPD, my goal has always been to help the community and my family. I’m always looking out for the little guy and making sure that everybody is treated equally,” Guach said.
A rarity for Greenwich, the GPD is now at full force with 152 sworn officers, but Heavey said he expects some retirements to be announced in the future.
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