Deputy Chief James Bonney retired from the Greenwich Police Department on Tuesday, Sept. 1, after a 36-year career. He was first sworn in as a patrol officer on Sept. 18, 1990.

Bonney held supervisory roles in every division of the department, rising from sergeant in 1999 to patrol lieutenant in 2012, detective lieutenant in 2014 and captain in 2020. He was promoted to deputy chief in January 2025, taking charge of Support Services, General Services and Parking Services.

The department credited Bonney with managing the build-out of a new Emergency Dispatch Center, completed in 2024, the Greenwich Police Department said on Instagram. His grant-writing secured the department's first drone and funded upgrades to marine patrol vessels that help cover roughly 30 miles of Greenwich coastline.

The rescue stood out.

In 2002, Bonney earned the Silver Shield Association's Officer of the Year award after swimming out to an unresponsive boater, bringing the vessel to shore, calling 911 and performing CPR until medics arrived. He also received commendations for apprehending bank robbery suspects, additional water rescues and serious traffic accident investigations, according to Patch.

Beyond policing, Bonney coordinated the department's Honor Guard and became a sought-after bagpiper at community events.

In one of his final public appearances before retiring, Bonney presented proposed parking permit fee increases to the Board of Selectmen in August. The increases, the first in five years, were projected to generate an additional $220,950 in revenue in 2027.

First Selectman Fred Camillo, who also serves as Greenwich's police commissioner, praised Bonney on Facebook on Sept. 2: "Solid career, great guy, and even better person! Best of luck in the new role, Chief, and thank you!"

Camillo's post referenced a "new role" for Bonney, but neither the department nor Bonney has publicly confirmed details about what comes next.

Bonney's retirement comes as the Greenwich Police Department marks its 130th anniversary in 2026.