For Christopher Palmer and Linda Rosenberg becoming police officers is carrying on a family tradition.
And that tradition was evident Monday when the pair took their oaths of office administered by Greenwich First Selectman and Police Commissioner Peter Tesei in Greenwich Town Hall.
With his family watching, Palmer was presented his badge by his step-father, Meriden Police Officer David D'Onofrio. Palmer, of upstate Northford, graduated from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
Rosenberg's fraternal twin, retired Mount Vernon, NY Police Officer Neil Rosenberg, presented her with badge number 125—the same number he wore during his 25-year career.
"It's always an honor to serve any community," said Linda Rosenberg, a White Plains, NY resident. "I look forward to a strong relationship with fellow officers and the residents of Greenwich. It's an honor to be following in his (Neil's) footsteps."
Rosenberg earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and legal studies from SUNY Purchase and previously worked as a Community Service Officer at the New Rochelle Police Department and as an equities trader.
Rosenberg said she decided upon a different career path, pursuing law enforcement after she began her work with the New Rochelle Police Department four years ago. However, she discovered New York State has an age limit for police applicants—35 years old. So, she applied to Greenwich where just 11 days shy of her 47th birthday she was sworn in as a police recruit.
Before administering the oath of office, Tesei told the recruits and their families, "Life safety is something we cannot take lightly. Greenwich is often misperceived ... I grew up here with the belief that we are 'Mayberry,' the small town that Andy Griffith remembered. But we see the issues everyday of violence, criminal malfeasance, domestic violence."
Tesei said the two recruits "exemplify those characteristics" found in Mayberry..."we welcome you with open arms."
Deputy Police Chief Mark Marino said, "It is truly a special day when you add to the family of the Greenwich Police Department. ... You will be facing many challenges ... and have demanding and extremely satisfying careers."
Marino said the process to become a Greenwich officer began a year ago with the pair surviving the arduous testing and interviewing process.
They will begin a 26-week training program at the Connecticut Police Academy in Meriden on Friday, as part of their 18-month probationary period, according to the department's training Sgt. Debora Vesciglio.
