Over a dozen police and sheriff’s departments, along with some state entities, are picking up shifts throughout the holiday season.
Over a dozen police and sheriff’s departments, along with some state entities, are picking up shifts throughout the holiday season.
Over a dozen police and sheriff’s departments, along with some state entities, are picking up shifts throughout the holiday season.
Law enforcement agencies across the state are coming together this holiday season for the St. Johnsbury Police Department a few weeks after its captain, Jason Gray, was shot after responding to reports of a domestic violence incident.
It led to weekendlong manhunt, during which the suspect, Scott Mason, was eventually arrested.
Over a dozen police and sheriff’s departments, along with some state entities, are picking up shifts throughout the holiday season to give St. Johnsbury police some time to spend with their families in light of the traumatic event that unfolded on Dec. 13.
Those volunteering span from all over the state and range from Brattleboro to Essex, along with the Department of Motor Vehicles and Vermont State Police.
Two officers per shift will be from other departments and can use St. Johnsbury’s cruisers and equipment or their own, so if you are in the area and see police from different parts of Vermont, that’s why.
Those helping out said this is a very unique situation, but when the call for help was put out, it was met with an overwhelming response from the law enforcement community to help provide those St. Johnsbury officers with some extra time off this holiday season.
“The situation is a testament to the strength of small-town policing, where officers will take care of one another regardless of the patch or the uniform color. In Vermont, we understand policing is not just about enforcing laws, but it’s about supporting one another in a time of crisis. We’re all a part of a larger family,” said Jennifer Frank, the Windsor police chief.
Others volunteering, like the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department, said thankfully, officers don’t get shot at very often in Vermont and they are honored to help out and do whatever they can.
Scott Mason pleaded not guilty to attempted first-degree murder and is being held without bail.
Gray returned home to his family last week.
This article will be updated.
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