Hibernians Name Greenwich Chief Heavey Parade Grand Marshal

Greenwich Police Chief James J. Heavey will be installed as the Grand Marshal of the 38th annual Greenwich St. Patrick’s Parade by the Greenwich Hibernian Association on Saturday, March 3, at the organization’s annual St. Patrick’s dinner dance. The parade will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 25. 

Heavey was promoted to police chief in 2011 after serving the Greenwich Police Department since 1981 when he started as a communications operator and special police officer. He then rose through the ranks, being appointed a police officer in 1986, promoted to sergeant in 1999, lieutenant in 2003 and captain in 2010.

Heavey served more than 20 years as a military police officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. He is a former Commander of the 812th Military Police Company and Headquarters Company 3rd Brigade 98th Division. He also served as Battalion Executive Officer for the 2nd Military Police 98th Division. He is a Desert Storm veteran.

Heavey received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice Administration from Northeastern University. Last year he earned a master's degree in public administration from Bellevue University.  His police training includes the Connecticut State Municipal Police Academy, the Police Command Institute at Roger Williams University, the FBI-LEEDA (Law Enforcement Executive Development Association)  Command Institute,  and The Institute of Police Technology and Management.

Heavey is an Executive Board Member of the Greenwich Council of the Boy Scouts of America and is Cubmaster of Pack 35. He serves on the executive board of the Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross; a member of the Connecticut Critical Incident Stress Management Team, and the Greenwich Police Emerald Society. He also is past chief of the Glenville Volunteer Fire Company.

Heavey’s parents were both born in Ireland, his father in Roosky, County Roscommon and his mother in Edgeworthstown, County Longford. His parents have been married for more than 50 years and have made their home in Greenwich since moving to America. Chief Heavey is the oldest of five children, his siblings being: Debra, Michael, Martin (deceased) and Brian. The Heavey family has been active in Irish Dance and in Gaelic football. All of the Heavey siblings attended Greenwich Catholic School and St. Mary High School.