The Vermont State Police has promoted Lts. John-Paul Schmidt and Ashley "Skip" Barnes to the rank of captain in the criminal division, effective Jan. 26.
Schmidt, who joined the State Police in 1999, will serve as commander of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations. He succeeds Capt. Scott Dunlap, who is retiring after a distinguished 21-year career.
Barnes, who began his career with the force in 2009, will serve as commander Special Investigations. He succeeds Maj. Shawn Loan, who was promoted to criminal division commander late last year.
The Criminal Division, one of three divisions within the state police, handles investigations of major crimes including homicides, drugs and other specialized matters. Within the division are the Major Crime Unit, the Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Special Investigations.