They are Deputy Chief David Heinmiller, Sgt. Anthony Giunta, Jr. and Officer Richard Honorowski.

Heinmiller, with 32 years of service, has stuck around long enough to see his son Marc join the force. When Giunta joined the department 34 years and eight months ago, he was a young, single 26-year-old. Today, he's the "oldest guy there" and married with two children.

With Heinmiller, Giunta and Honorowski only a couple of weeks from retirement, promotions within the department are not far behind. While 30-plus-year police veterans have a great deal of knowledge about Westport -- especially those who grew up in town, like Giunta -- that the younger officers don't have, "you've also got to give these other guys a chance to grow," said Giunta.

He added, "If you don't create a void there's no chance for growth."

The three retirements were approved last week by the Westport Police Pension Board.

"With the retirement of these officers and several of their colleagues in recent years, we are seeing the passing of an era," said First Selectman Gordon Joseloff.

"I'm sorry to see them go," said Westport Police Chief Alfred Fiore, who worked closely with all three men during different points in his career. "They had a wealth of experience and knowledge. And while someone will replace them, it will take those people a while to get to the point where these guys were at."

Heinmiller, who is on vacation this week, is not only a deputy chief of the Police Department but also the director of Westport EMS. Joseloff, who was a member of Westport Volunteer EMS before becoming first selectman and continues to remain a member, has seen Heinmiller's leadership skills up close and personal.

Heinmiller has been director of EMS since Ed Audley retired about 10 years ago, according to Joseloff.

"He's done a tremendous job," said Joseloff. "He's always looked out for not only the interests of the corps but individual members. He's always available for help and any kind of assistance when necessary. He was and is a hands-on administrator."

Joseloff, citing an example of what kind of guy Heinmiller, is, told the Westport News that Heinmiller has frequently volunteered to work on the ambulance during his off hours "which showed his commitment to the service."

Joseloff also has a connection to Giunta. His daughter, Anna-Liisa, and Giunta's son, David, were classmates. Giunta's service to his community extends beyond the Westport Police Department.

"He's very active in the Scouting movement," said Joseloff. "He and his wife, Frances, together have devoted countless hours to community service." Giunta is presently an adviser for the Eagle Scouts of Troop 39. He is also a member of the Westport Kiwanis Club, which raises funds for various organizations and provides scholarships for students. Giunta has had less free time since he was promoted to sergeant from detective a few years ago. Retirement will give him leisure time that he has been missing. His last day is May 31. Asked if he and his wife have any post-retirement vacation plans, Giunta responded, "We haven't talked about it."

While vacation plans still need to be worked out, Giunta is going to Boy Scout camp in Rhode Island this summer. While some fathers end their relationship with Boy Scouts when their sons leave Scouting, Giunta has remained involved.

"I believe in the Scouting program. It's a good program for kids," said Giunta, who has been a volunteer since 1990.

Honorowski is not as visible in the community as Giunta or Heinmiller. That's because he's a desk officer who prefers to work the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift.

"It's a tough position," said Fiore. Honorowski did not a return a call to the Westport News for this story.

Fiore, who has been on the force for 28 years, said, "As long as I can remember, Rich has been doing the midnight shift, Some people prefer it." Honorowski will wrap up 32 years of service when he retires May 31. Heinmiller's last day is May 22.

There will be tests for the three positions May 16, according to Fiore. In addition, there will be a swearing-in ceremony for a couple of officers Monday, May 15, at 2 p.m. Even with those hires, and the retirees' positions not filled yet, the department will be about three officers short. Fiore hopes the department will be at full manpower by this summer.

While Fiore is losing three experienced men he has known since he joined the Police Department in the late 1970s, he noted that it's good to get some "new blood."

"Everybody always says change is good and I think that true," he said.