COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS

The Bennington County Sheriff’s Department is deeply committed to community engagement and support through a variety of community-based programs.

The department proudly offers a Youth Explorers Program, which provides young people with opportunities to learn about law enforcement, leadership, and civic responsibility. 

The Secret Santa program is a community-driven initiative led by the Bennington County Sheriff’s Department. Each holiday season, the department partners with local institutions, volunteer organizations, businesses, and generous members of the public to raise funds that directly support children and families throughout Bennington County. Through these collaborative efforts and the generosity of the community, the program provides holiday meals and gifts to families and children, bringing comfort and support during the holiday season.

The Sheriff’s Department partners with Casella Waste Management on the Wheels for Warmth program. Founded in 2005 by then-Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott, Wheels for Warmth provides low-cost tires to Vermonters before winter while keeping discarded tires off roadways and out of waterways. All funds raised through this initiative are used to provide heating fuel assistance to Vermonters in need through BROC Community Action, Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO), and Capstone Community Action.

The Bennington County Sheriff’s Department proudly collaborates with the Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless on the annual Soctober program. Each year, the Soctober drive collects new socks and essential cold-weather gear for neighbors in need who are experiencing homelessness in our community. These donations help provide warmth, dignity, and comfort during the colder months.

The Bennington County Sheriff’s Department proudly partners with Bennington County Neighborhood Watch programs to strengthen community safety. Neighborhood Watch programs play a vital role in increasing awareness, deterring crime by promoting visibility, and fostering strong connections among neighbors. By working closely with law enforcement, these programs build community trust while helping prevent theft, vandalism, and other criminal activity through education and timely reporting of suspicious behavior. Empowering residents to look out for one another not only reduces the fear of crime but also improves overall safety and builds resilient communities prepared to respond to emergencies.

The Bennington County Sheriff’s Department proudly hosts and manages the Vermont SkillsUSA Criminal Justice and Crime Scene Investigation competitions. The Sheriff’s Department recognizes the vital role Vermont SkillsUSA plays in bridging education and industry. Through hands-on training, industry connections, and competitive events, SkillsUSA transforms Career & Technical Education (CTE) students into world-class workers, leaders, and citizens. Students preparing for and participating in the Criminal Justice and Crime Scene Investigation competitions, specifically, develop the personal, professional, and technical skills essential for their successful transition into law enforcement as confident, capable, and career-ready professionals.

The Bennington County Sheriff’s Department proudly collaborates each year with Vermont Special Olympics by participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run. This annual event is more than a tradition; it is a powerful commitment to community connection and inclusion. By taking part in the Torch Run, the Sheriff’s Department helps build trust within the community, promotes acceptance and inclusion for individuals with cognitive disabilities, and raises critical funds and awareness for Special Olympics programs. For deputies, the Torch Run offers meaningful personal and professional growth beyond the badge. It creates opportunities to connect with athletes as champions, not spectators, fostering compassion, understanding, and advocacy. Through this partnership, deputies become ambassadors for acceptance while strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the community.

The Bennington County Sheriff’s Department is proud to offer VSACscholarship opportunities to students pursuing post-secondary education in law enforcement. These scholarships are designed to support students financially as they work toward careers in public safety. The department offers the $1,000 Wallace Mattison Scholarship to eligible students. In addition, the Bennington County Sheriff’s Department partners with the Vermont Sheriffs’ Association to provide two additional $1,000 scholarships: Vermont Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship and the Vermont Sheriffs’ Association – Bill Graham Scholarship. These scholarships provide valuable educational opportunities, help reduce student loan debt, and offer financial assistance to students who may otherwise face barriers to higher education.

The Bennington County Sheriff’s Department is committed to being an active and engaged part of the community. Many deputies belong to and participate in local fraternal and charitable organizations. Others volunteer their time coaching youth sports teams or supporting community organizations. By contributing their time and talents, deputies build positive relationships, strengthen community partnerships, and foster trust with the residents they serve.