City of Groton Says Goodbye to Decorated Officer

In 1984, the price of gas was $1.10, movie tickets were $2.50, Apple sold its first Mac, Magnum P.I. was a popular show on TV and while people were paying to see Police Academy in the theatres, Ron Jenkins lived it. And now, Lt. Ron Jenkins has announced his retirement.

Officer Ron Jenkins has been a dedicated member of the City of Groton Police Department and an active member of this community since April 23, 1984, wrote Lt. Harry Merritt in a press release. 

Merritt said Jenkins spent a great deal of his career as Community Service Officer and School Resource Officer and was a D.A.R.E. and GREAT instructor. He also volunteered his time to mentor in the schools. Jenkins has been awarded The City of Groton Police Department’s Officer of the Year & has received the City of Groton Police Department’s medal for Life Saving. Jenkins served on the Statewide Narcotics Task Force as a Crisis Intervention Team member. 

Officer Jenkins held many State of Connecticut Police Officer Standards certifications including: Police Mountain Bike, Cooper Fitness Test Administrator, Field Training Officer, PR-24 Instructor, Child Safety Seat inspector/installer and many other areas of expertise. 

Jenkins was Marine Patrol certified and a former member of the City of Groton SWAT and Dive Teams. While on the Dive Team, Jenkins helped save a giant sea turtle which had become entangled in a fishing line and was in danger of dying. 

Jenkins was recognized for his tireless efforts of DUI Enforcement and for many years led the department in DUI arrests. For the last 10 years Officer Jenkins has volunteered and organized the Southeastern Connecticut leg of the Connecticut Special Olympics Torch Run as well as the “Tip-A-Cop” fundraisers in the City of Groton.

In the aftermath of the 9-11 terror attacks, Officer Jenkins made several trips to Ground Zero volunteering his time. Jenkins also volunteered to transport supplies and aid in the relief efforts to New Jersey following Super Storm Sandy. 

Jenkins has served as Union President and was the Police Department’s representative on the City of Groton Safety Committee. 

Ron Jenkins has served Groton City tirelessly in and out of uniform.