Gov. Phil Scott has appointed Jennifer Harlow, a Newport City police officer, to take over as sheriff of Orleans County.
Harlow will be sworn in later this month, according to an announcement from the governor’s office Wednesday. She will fill a vacancy left by Kirk Martin, who resigned from the post in December to retire.
“I’m confident Jennifer will bring an innovative and dynamic approach towards leading the department,” Scott said in the release. “Her long career in law enforcement and her commitment to her community will serve her well as sheriff.”
Harlow, who ran for the post in 2018 and narrowly lost to Martin, has lived in Orleans County for 16 years. She’s worked for the Newport Police Department since 2004, according to the release, focusing on crimes against children, school safety, opioids and domestic violence.
“I am honored Governor Scott has appointed me sheriff,” Harlow said in a statement. “I take great pride in my work and serving my community. The Sheriff’s Department is comprised of many hard-working men and women, and I look forward to working with them to continue to serve the people of Orleans County and expand upon the services the Sheriff’s Department provides.”
Her appointment will make Harlow the only female sheriff in Vermont.
Because Martin was elected as a Republican, Scott took nominations from the county GOP committee to fill the vacancy.
According to the Caledonian Record, the committee nominated both Harlow and Orleans County Chief Deputy Sheriff Phil Brooks, an 11-year veteran of the department.
“The committee recommended that Scott chose Brooks, but it was up to the governor,” the paper reported.
Brooks, who was endorsed by Martin, won 15 votes from the committee to Harlow’s nine, the paper reported.