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[A]t an annual awards ceremony Thursday, the Vermont State Police honored more than a dozen officers for exceptional service in the past year.
“You’re heroes on the road, you’re heroes in your jobs, and you’re heroes to Vermonters,” Gov. Peter Shumlin told the officers and families packed into the House Chamber at the Statehouse.
Shumlin also recognized the tactical team that assisted in the three-week search for two escaped prisoners in northern New York last month.
The ceremony was postponed from its original date in mid-June because of the involvement of the Vermont State Police in the effort to track Richard Matt and David Sweat.
The 18 troopers, and one canine, assisted the New York State Police in the search for the two escapees. Shumlin said that he “slept better” knowing that Vermont troopers were on the job.
Former Burlington Police Chief Michael Schirling, who retired at the end of June after more than two decades with the Burlington Police Department, was on hand. Schirling received the Director’s Award, along with Public Safety Deputy Commissioner Paco Aumand.
Aumand is leaving the department to head the Central Vermont Public Safety Authority.
Shumlin, Lt. Gov. Phil Scott and Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn honored Col. Tom L’Esperance, who has been with the State Police for nearly three decades.
L’Esperance, who will be retiring from the department in August, said after the ceremony that he decided it’s time to retire “after 28 years of doing what I think is the best job in the world.”
