Vermont Town Gets New Police Chief

The Vermont town of Williston has a new police chief.

Chief Todd Shepard was sworn in Monday as the chief in the Chittenden County town of about 7,650 people. The police department has an authorized strength of 15 officers.

Williston is one of the commercial centers of northwestern Vermont.

The 48-year-old Shepard from Milton had been the deputy police chief in neighboring South Burlington.

Shepard succeeded interim police chief Douglas Hoyt, the retired chief of the Montpelier Police Department.

Former Williston Chief Roy Nelson resigned in January due to health problems.

The Burlington Free Press reports Shepard was chosen from 70 applicants.

Shepard says his immediate plans are to get to know the town and the workings of the police department.

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