Heather Simons, the first woman to lead the Vermont Police Academy, has announced she will step down from her position on June 7. Simons was appointed executive director of the academy in 2021 after leading the Vermont Correctional Academy for nine years.

Deputy Director Christopher Brickell will assume the duties of executive director. He served Vermont law enforcement for 36 years before joining the Vermont Criminal Justice Council in 2022.

The Vermont State Police has announced the promotion of Sgt. Thomas Howard to lieutenant and station commander at the Berlin Barracks, which provides police coverage throughout Washington County and portions of Orange County. Howard was appointed to the position in an acting capacity earlier this year.

Field station commanders are the local representatives of the Vermont State Police to the communities they serve and work with local officials and residents to address public safety and law enforcement concerns in their service area.