This commentary is by Thomas D. Anderson, former Vermont public safety commissioner and former U.S. attorney for Vermont. He now lives in Wilmington, N.C.
This week, Maj. Ingrid Jonas will end her illustrious 23-year career with the Vermont State Police. During a time when people are quick to condemn the police, shout for their defunding, and generally paint all police as culturally insensitive, it is worth pausing and reminding folks that being a police officer is noble, honorable, extremely hard, and a critical public service.
Maj. Jonas typifies these qualities, is an exemplary public servant, and reminds us of all of what good cops are made of.
As the former commissioner of public safety and former U.S. attorney, I had the privilege of working closely with Maj. Jonas on cases and matters big and small. What always struck me was her thoroughness, compassion for victims (and criminals) and her professionalism regardless of the matter under investigation or consideration. During extremely stressful moments, she was always steady, calm, and focused. Her counsel was invaluable.
For me, the decision to promote her to the leadership of the Vermont State Police as major was an easy one. The fact that she is the first female to hold such a position in the Vermont State Police, which was historically male-dominated, is a testament to her abilities, fortitude, and drive to excel.
Among Maj. Jonas’ many skills is her ability to build bridges and forge lasting consensus and understanding among diverse groups and peoples. Nowhere is this more evident than in her leadership of the Office of Fair and Impartial Policing. For over a decade, the Vermont State Police has embraced impartial policing policies in order to build relationships of trust with communities of color and other minority communities. During Maj. Jonas’ tenure, this office became a national model and was uniformly praised.
Maj. Jonas said it best: “To effect real change, it often start[s] with real conversations with people, trying to build commonality, treating people with dignity even when that’s hard, and then doors would open up, and cases would move ahead. Being able to communicate on a real basis with people makes all the difference. Bringing your humanity, it actually strengthens you.”
Vermont is fortunate. Cops like Maj. Jonas are the rule and not the exception. The vast majority of police in Vermont, both state and federal, conduct themselves with the highest degree of professionalism.
This does not happen by accident. Rather, it is the result of the hard work and dedication of law enforcement leaders like Maj. Jonas and the hundreds of police officers who put their life on the line each day they go to work. In these challenging times, all Vermonters should remember the dedication, service and sacrifices made daily by police officers like Maj. Jonas.
So, thank you for your service, Maj. Jonas, and best wishes for a long and rewarding retirement. You have earned it.
