Rich Greene, a 2020 graduate of West Haven High School, has never strayed far from the place that shaped him. A captain of the WHHS hockey team during his senior year, Rich credits much of his personal growth and leadership development to the experiences and mentors he had throughout his four years as a Blue Devil—both on and off the ice.
Looking back, Rich says the coaches he played under left a lasting impression. “Coach Morrell, Pacapelli, Harris, and Perno all taught me what it meant to be part of a team and the deeper meaning of what being a leader really is,” he shared. “Those four years with the hockey team helped shape me into who I am today.”
When it comes to advice for current WHHS students, Rich encourages a calm and steady mindset. “Don’t stress too much about the future,” he said. “Back in high school, I only had a vague idea of what I wanted to do with my life. Once I graduated and matured, I realized what I really wanted and set my mind to it.”
If he could go back and talk to his high school self, the message would be simple but important: slow down and enjoy it. “I’d tell myself not to stress so much about things that are temporary, like sports. High school goes by quickly, and it’s important to just enjoy the ride while you’re in it.”
Today, Rich is a Police Officer with the West Haven Police Department. Choosing a path in public service felt natural to him, especially with the influence of those around him growing up. “I had a lot of role models in my life—police officers and firefighters—who inspired me to take this route,” he said. “And I chose to work in West Haven because there’s no community I’d rather serve than the one I come from.”
A mindset Rich carries with him is mental fortitude. “I try not to let things get to my head,” he said. “It’s important to remember who you are and where you come from, especially in this line of work.”
From wearing the Blue Devil jersey to proudly wearing a West Haven police badge, Rich Greene continues to represent his hometown with pride. His story is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen overnight—but with strong roots, the right mentors, and belief in your path, you can end up exactly where you’re meant to be.