An announcement posted Monday, Feb. 20,
James Winn, retired Darien police lieutenant, passed away on Feb. 20, 2015 at the age of 73.
on the Darien Police Department Facebook page:
It is with sadness that the Department informs you of the passing of retired Darien Police Lieutenant James Winn. Jim passed away just before noon today at the Westchester County Medical Center in Valhalla, NY after a long period of medical struggles. He was 73 years old.
Jim, or “Pat” to many of his friends, was born in Stamford on Oct. 24, 1941, a son of the late James O. Winn and Elizabeth Winn. A standout athlete, Jim received numerous awards throughout high school for achievements in baseball, football, track, and swimming.
Jim was a member of the 1957 Stamford Police Babe Ruth team, a team that won the Connecticut State Championship, the New England States Championship, and the Regional Championship. The team then traveled to Ann Arbor, Michigan where they lost the World Championship to Pensacola, Florida. As a member of this team, Jim pitched a no-hitter.
Also in 1957, Jim was the recipient of the Richard Dorion Memorial Trophy as the outstanding Junior on the Stamford High Varsity football team, where Jim played tackle. He was captain of the 1959 Stamford High State Champion football team. Jim never moved far away from sports; when he wasn’t playing, he was umpiring or coaching.
Jim was appointed to the Darien Police Department on May 24, 1970. Jim had the distinction of being the first African-American police officer in the history of the Darien Police Department.
He received a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Iona College in 1976. He was promoted to sergeant on Feb. 9, 1980 and lieutenant on Sept. 16, 1983. He retired from the Darien Police Department on June 18, 2000.
During his tenure Jim wore many hats; training officer, youth officer, Explorer advisor, shooting team member, firearms instructor, and SWAT operator. Jim has left us with some expressions and sayings that remain in use today. He was a good man, a good friend, and a good police officer.
He is survived by his son, retired Darien Police Sergeant Kane Winn; daughter-in-law, Susan; grandson, Carsen; granddaughter, Olivia; daughter, Tracy; and a brother, Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Carseina, his sister, Barbara Schmidt and his brother Ralph “Butchie” Winn. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Dolores Burgess.
Arrangements will be forwarded as they are received. The Department extends its deepest sympathy on the passing of a man who truly was “a chapter in the book.”