Norwalk Police Officer Retires After 27 years Of Service

NORWALK, CT — A Norwalk police officer retired last week after "proudly and faithfully" serving the department for 27 years.

In a Facebook post, Police Chief James Walsh said Officer Christopher Holms officially retired Aug. 30 from "a very successful career" with the department.

Holms was sworn in as a member of the Norwalk Police Department in January 1997 and served in several departments, including the patrol division and Special Victims Unit, as well as a school resource officer where he helped to establish the police explorers program.

Holms was an integral part of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program taught to fifth graders in the Norwalk Public Schools. Prior to working for the department, her served in the United States Air Force, according to Walsh.

Holms received many honors during his long career with the department. He was recognized with a unit citation, an officer of the month award and a letter of recognition for his coordination and organization of the DARE camp, Walsh said.

"He was recognized for his outstanding work in planning this very important outreach program for the youth in the city of Norwalk," Walsh said on Facebook.

Holms received a meritorious commendation for his attention to detail in helping to check prime burglary targets with aggressive patrol in an area where several commercial burglaries were reported, through which he was able to identify the suspected car and find loose cash on the front seat.

The driver was identified as the burglar and was linked to four other burglary cases, according to Walsh.

Holms has also been very involved in the city's annual Memorial Day parade over the years, and has also volunteered his time in helping out at the Norwalk Police Annual Tip-A-Cop event to benefit Special Olympics to support local Special Olympic athletes, according to Walsh.

Holms was part of the Norwalk Mentor Program through the Human Services Council in partnership with Norwalk Public Schools. He also "always had a positive impact on the youth of the city of Norwalk," Walsh said.

"Officer Holms received numerous letters from the citizens of Norwalk, the mayor [and] outside organizations for his professionalism, dedication and compassion during his career," Walsh said. "We want to thank Chris for his loyal service which helped to make our department and the city of Norwalk a better place for us all."

The post can be read in full here.