Posted by Nancy Danforth on Sep 28, 2022
Chief Michael Thomas gave us an update on staffing and other issues facing the Shelburne Police Department.
 

Chief of Shelburne Police Michael Thomas is our guest today.  

 

Dan called the meeting to order at 7:30.

 

Ric led us in the four way test.

 

Dan welcomed Police chief Michael Thomas.

 

We have two weekends left for The Farmer’s Market set up and take down.  This week is the Rotary Tent!  Volunteers are needed 9:00 to 1:00.  Carrie and Chris will cover the first shift.  Dan will see if he can cover the second shift. 

 

October 22, Wood 4 Good Chittenden County Rotary event, CSH Rotary is signed up for the 9:00 to 11:00 shift. Seven Rotarians or so have signed up. 

 

Jim shared the various locations for the Hinesburg crocus project.  The town is confirming these locations. 

 

Carrie shared the idea for the project “Pints for Polio” to be potentially held Monday, October 24. Nancy is attempting to contact the establishments in all three towns to see if this is possible. Rotary International asks each club to donate $1500.  At a certain threshold, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will double the donation.   

 

Per Ric, October 14 is Non Car raffle; seventeen of the balls are unsold.   Ric will share the names of the sold balls so we are not repeating requests to buy a ball.  Ten-dollar raffle sales for a free ball will be pushed at the Farmer’s Market this weekend.  Ric asked a few members if they would fill the roles at the event as they have in the past. Twenty five to twenty seven door prizes are needed, we have about twelve.  First prize is $12,000.  

 

Erika gave a run down on shortages of volunteers for the Halloween parade.

 

Denis collected the happy fines.

 

 Diana introduced Chief Michael Thomas.  He started as an officer in Stamford VT in 1991; from there he worked as Security at The University of Vermont.  In 1995 he became full time in Shelburne, becoming the interim and then permanent Chief in September 2021.  Chief Thomas lives in Vergennes with his wife and three children.

 

Chief Thomas indicated staffing is the key issue as it is all over the country, and that remains the primary focus in the coming few years.  Shelburne has ten officers, two in patrol daily.  Chief Thomas believes that the officers he has are among the best.  They continue to pull in officers from the past, other cities and towns, the Vermont State Police and retired officers.  He is slowly rebuilding the police force to full capacity.  A full roster goal is thirteen, plus himself but seventeen would be the most desirable.  He also would love to have a Detective and a canine unit.

 

In response to some questions the members asked, yes, Chittenden County Chiefs do collaborate. Currently, the department is working with Richmond and Hinesburg in this context.

 

Community outreach plays a pivotal role in mental health situations, of which there are many!  The pandemic really created a mental health crisis, in greater depth than it was pre pandemic, in all towns

 

Recent budget approval did make a big difference in hiring from a salary and benefits perspective.  Starting pay is about $27 per hour.  

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The department also works with the local schools on various projects throughout the year.  Crossing guards are very much in demand.  

 

Jim presented Michael with the book: “Police Officers on Patrol” by Kersten Hamilton, which will be donated in Chief Thomas’ name to the Shelburne Pierson Library.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30.