Obituaries
William Oberdorster, Retired Greenwich Police Detective, Union President
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Jan. 9, with the funeral scheduled for Fri., Jan. 10.
Veteran Greenwich Police Detective William J. Oberdorster, who also served as president of the Silver Shield Association police union for a decade, has died.
Mr. Oberdorster passed away Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014 in Florida.
He was hired by the Greenwich Police Department in June 1969. He was appointed to the post of juvenile/youth officer in October 1978 and promoted to detective in 1980.
In 1983, he was elected president of the Silver Shield Association, the union representing the rank-and-file of the department. "He fought the food fight and was a staunch supporter of the union and the officers of the department," said retired Lt. Tom Keegan, the Silver Shield's community liaison.
Det. Oberdorster was president of the union from 1983 until 1992 when he retired in August of that year after more than 23 years of service.
"He started the campaign to raise money in the community," Keegan said. "First we hired a fund-raising agency and then we hired the guy from the agency to do what I do now. He (Oberdorster) really strengthened the police union financially."
Police Chief James Heavey said, "His personnel file is full of letters of appreciation from grateful citizens. He also had a number of commendations including investigator's ribbons for excellent detective work, a commendation for disarming an assailant who was threatening another officer and a number of awards for first aid."
Heavey added, "Det. (Oberdorster) also had many thank you and commendations in his file for his efforts to educate youth and parents about the dangers of drugs and while a youth officer was often called upon as a subject matter expert in drug prevention education. ... (he) was also one of the longest serving presidents of the Silver Shield Association (10 years) and lead many efforts in support of all the members of the Greenwich Police Department. He will be missed."
Det. Oberdorster's wake will be held from 3 to 8 p.m.,, Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Castiglione Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Ave., Greenwich. The funeral will be held at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10. Burial will follow at Kensico Cemetery, Hartsdale, NY.
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