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NORWALK, Conn. – Lights were flashing red and blue behind Norwalk Police headquarters Friday but there was no trouble – other than a veteran community policing officer going on his way, feeling "anxious, nervous, a little bit of everything" as he faced retirement after 30 years on the job.
Officer Ed Schwartz figures he'll do some projects at home now that he doesn't have to come to Norwalk five days a week. His fellow officers made his last day memorable.
About 25 of his friends and colleagues joined Schwartz in a breakfast paid for by Police Union Local 1727, said Sgt. Thomas Roncinske, union president. Schwartz was taken for a last drive around Norwalk by Lt. Shawn Wong Won, his supervisor, and their patrol car was escorted back to the station by the motorcycle unit. There, officers including Chief Thomas Kulhawik and Deputy Chief David Wrinn, lined up next to the police cars sitting in a line with their lights on.
"When Ed got out of the car we were called to attention by Cpt. (Ernest) Vitarbo and threw him a final salute," Roncinske said in an email.
Schwartz said he had worked patrol, mainly on the midnight shift. He was awarded a meritorious commendation certificate last week, in part for the record $11,000 raised by the annual Tip-A-Cop fundraiser, which he organized, according to Kulhawik. Schwartz also coordinated the Special Olympics torch run for many years.
Other details were hard to come by.
"I could tell you stories but you can't print them," said Ray Moerler, a retired officer who came for the send-off.
Officer Mike Silva said, "He may be Eddie but he's our Eddie."
Updated, 9 p.m. Aug. 5
Comments (6)
Thank you for letting it be, that I could sleep my nights safer. I didn't know him, but I'm sure he did a fine job cuz I've slept like a baby since 1977.
Interetsting I'm not hearing negative words from people that resent Out-of-towners. It simply goes to show, people can do wondeful work at their profession without living amongst us.
Again my sincere thanks Officer Ed Schwartz
Officer Ed Schwartz is the exception to the rule. Percentage of the time when a cop who does not live in town and have a vested interest in the town they are a failure.. I also find it disgraceful that our chief doesn't think enough of Norwalk to live here..We need to have a residency requirement for all police and fire...current and new hires.Give them a year to find a place In Norwalk or fire them...
All the good ones are leaving or have left due to the disaster the NPD is,,We are left with a bunch of children and failures
Truly one of the best guys who ever put a uniform on,we all wish him well enjoy your time you gave us more than words could describe.
Have to feel sorry for the three rookies replacing him his shoes were so big the hole they fill is more than a shift.
Thank you again Eddie you became familiy the day we all met you.The family are those you served and made feel safe.
What will Columbus Magnet do without him? He has been an amazing, supportive, and friendly fixture there for the past year.
Your humor will be missed most of all amongst the adults and children.
Best of everything in your retirement.
You will be tremendously missed!
Please remember to visit~
God Speed Officer Schwartz
Christa Bray
Have had the opportunity to work with Officer Schwartz over the years when he did traffic for us and he is one of the nicest officers I have met. He will be missed, but I wish him all the best on his retirement. And thank you for your 30 years of service to the community!