Updated at 12:46 p.m.
William Breault, a police chief in New Hampshire, has been chosen to lead the South Burlington police department starting in October.
“Chief Breault represents the best of modern 21st century policing,” City Manager Jessie Baker wrote in a Tuesday press release. “His commitment to implementing best practices, leading an accredited department, and ensuring all neighbors feel welcome receiving public safety services stood out throughout the extensive process.”
Breault has 26 years of experience in public safety and has been head of the Dover Police Department for seven years, where he oversees 54 officers, according to the release.
He is filling the spot vacated by former Chief Shawn Burke, who resigned in March to become interim chief in the neighboring Burlington Police Department. Burke joined the South Burlington Police Department in 2018, becoming chief in 2019 when Police Chief Trevor Whipple retired.
Breault joined the New Hampshire seacoast region city of more than 33,000 in 1998. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, a Master of Public Administration and graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in 2018, according to the release.
South Burlington — Vermont’s second largest city — has a population of more than 20,000. The police department has a budget of $8.3 million and employs 53 people, including 40 police officers, according to the recruitment brochure shared.
Breault was chosen by Baker after a nationwide search drew 14 applicants. He is set to receive a salary of $160,000.
“The rigor of the selection process for our new chief was thorough and inclusive. Chief Breault was impressive throughout,” City Councilor Elizabeth Fitzgerald, who was part of the advisory team created for the hiring process, said in the release.
Breault is set to join the department on Oct. 6. Deputy Chief Sean Briscoe, who has been serving as interim chief since February, plans to return to his deputy role at that time, according to the release.
