Please check back often, as we will post current department news and events here.
Sheriff: "Safe Ride" Proves to be Success1/6/2010
"Quiet" Night for New Year Patrol1/1/2010
Safe Rides in Rensselaer and Bennington Counties12/30/2009
Deputies to Offer Rides on New Year’s Eve12/11/2009
Schmidt making an impression Sheriff balances job, politics10/30/2009
Schmidt Sworn in as Sheriff9/30/2009
A deputy appointed earlier this month by Gov. James Douglas to replace longtime Bennington County Sheriff Gary Forrest was sworn in Wednesday and is assuming the office’s duties today.
Chad Schmidt, 33, officially became sheriff at midnight. He will fill the remainder of Forrest’s four-year term and plans to run for re-election in November 2010.
Schmidt was sworn in by Assistant Judge Wesley Mook in Bennington Superior Court Wednesday, reciting the lengthy oath and promising to uphold both the Vermont and U.S. constitutions. His wife, Jaime-Lynn, and their twin 10-week-old babies were present, along with other family members, Forrest and law enforcement officials.
No big changes
After taking the oath of office, Schmidt said he was looking forward to starting a new role with the department he’s spent several years with. No big changes are on the horizon, though, he said.
"It’s pretty much status quo," he said. "I’m not looking to make any major immediate changes."
Douglas picked Schmidt to be sheriff on Sept. 14 because Forrest had accepted a retirement incentive offered to state employees earlier this year. Winhall Police Officer Thomas Crowe was also considered for the post, but Forrest recommended Schmidt for the job in his July retirement letter.
Douglas was expected to name Forrest’s replacement last month but the process of finding a replacement unfolded slowly. The governor
asked the Bennington County Republican Committee to forward him three options, but the committee did not meet until late August. Because of the delay, Forrest agreed to stay on the job an extra month to allow Douglas more time to reach a decision.
Schmidt said his early focus will be to make sure all of the deputies have everything they need to perform their duties. The deputies were set to be sworn in again Monday evening because there will be a new sheriff. Schmidt said he will also attend select board meetings around the county to introduce himself to the community.
Forrest, meanwhile, was preparing Monday to walk away from a job he’s held for two-and-a-half decades. He said he’s spent the past few weeks planning for a smooth transition.
"He’s all set to go," Forrest said.
Forrest said he will be available if needed to advise Schmidt during the early period of Schmidt’s tenure as sheriff.
Schmidt said he is excited to take over the department, but also sad to see his mentor stepping away. "I think it’s bittersweet for (Forrest). I can only imagine what it’s like walking out the for the last time as sheriff after 24 years," Schmidt said. "But I think he’s excited for me."
Bennington Police Chief Richard Gauthier, who attended the ceremony, said he expects the strong relationship between the two police agencies to continue without a hitch under Schmidt’s leadership.
"The police department had a great relationship with the sheriff’s department and I’ve been friends with Gary for a long time," Gauthier said. "I fully anticipate we’ll follow in the same mode. He’s a big believer in inter-agency cooperation."
Bennington Police Lt. Paul Doucette said local police are confident in Schmidt’s abilities. "If Gary Forrest ... says that Chad Schmidt is the man, then he’s the man," Doucette said.
Featured in The Bennington Banner on 9/30/2009
