Lions Club Gives Greenwich Police Chief Top Award

No police chief has ever been given the Lions Club's Dr. John A. Clark Award, so Greenwich Police Chief David Ridberg received a big surprise Thursday when he walked into the Hyatt Regency Greenwich. Ridberg thought Detective Mark Solomon, the Silver Shield Officer of the Year, would be receiving the Lions Club award. Usually the chief of police picks the award recipient, but this year the department’s four captains chose Ridberg.

“There was no one above the rank of lieutenant in a staff of 154 officers when he was appointed deputy chief,” said Capt. Tim Berry, speaking on behalf of all the captains, adding that Ridberg led the department into a “renaissance.” Ridberg joined the department 27 years ago and became chief in 2007. He is slated to retire in November.

The Dr. John A. Clarke Award was established in 1947 by the Greenwich Lions Club in honor of its first president to commend an officer of the Greenwich Police Department who shows meritorious service in the line of duty.

“You've done something others have tried to do, but you've pulled it off,” said Griffith Harris, a Lions Club Member. “It’s an amazing tribute to your passion and dedication.”

State Rep. Fred Camillo gave the chief a General Assembly commendation on behalf of state Sen. L. Scott Frantz and state Reps. Livvy Floren and Lile Gibbons and himself.

Do you know Chief David Ridberg? Share your stories about him below or email ahelhoski@mainstreetconnect.us.

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