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Vergennes Police Department Honors Evening Establishes Tradition

photo provided Joining together with all assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance, Chief Merkel and his officers open the evening awards gathering.

photo provided Vergennes Police Officers present for the award ceremony and seen here renewing their oaths as police officers were Chief George Merkel , Sergeant Patrick Greenslet, Officer Jason Ouellette, Officer Brent Newton, Officer Bill Wager, Officer Rejean LaFleche, Officer Robert Worley, Officer Neil Mogerly, Chaplain, Father Yvon Royer.

photo provided Chief George Merkel presenting a certificate of appreciation to one of the many organizations and individuals that works in partnership with Vergennes PD.

Tuesday February 1, 2011

By Cookie Steponaitis

   The crowd assembled at the Vergennes Fire Department on Tuesday, January 25th represented all branches of the law enforcement community, their families and the civic organizations that interface with the police on a daily basis. They came together to begin a tradition honoring not only the Vergennes Police Department, but the connection among the VPD, their families and those supporting the goals and actions of the law enforcement officers.

   “The great thing about Addison County,” expressed Vergennes Police Chief Merkel, “is the tremendous brotherhood/sisterhood between those who serve the community. When the chips are down; when we need one another, we work together to take care of one another. The spirit of cooperation is the way we do business in Addison County.” After thanking the assembled group for coming, the Chief began a formal but joyous celebration of the officers in his department and their professionalism and devotion to their jobs.

    Joining Chief Merkel in the formal presentations was Vergennes City Manager Mel Hawley who led the entire VPD in a recitation and renewal of their oath as police officers.  Chief Merkel presented chevrons to officers Jason Ouellette for four years of service and Bill Wager for six years of service in a celebration known as the Wedding of the Stripes that honored the milestones in the careers of these officers.

   Openly thanking and honoring the families and loved ones of each officer, Chief Merkel read a letter written to each family and cited, “…not only the great pride in each family members,” but the realization that, “…the professional law enforcement presents unique challenges to not only the officers but his family.”  The support and pride that officers feel extends to the families as well. “As each of our officers serves as guardians of what is right in the communities they serve,” remarked Chief Merkel, “their family’s support them, stay strong and make sacrifices of time to the career their loved ones have chosen.”

   Chief Merkel then honored his officers with the traditional presentation of blue roses symbolizing the relationship between the law, the men and the professional manner in which their carry out their duties. Seated in the crowd were also representatives of law enforcement at all levels including Addison County’s States Attorney, Vermont State Police, Addison County Sheriff’s Department and local officers who provide training in marksmanship to VPD. Chief Merkel read and awarded certificates of appreciation to several of the assembled different representatives of law enforcement agencies.

    Following a moment of silence honoring those officers who have given their lives in the line of duty, both Chief Merkel and Vergennes City Manager Mel Hawley honored Mrs. Merkel for her unwavering support of Chief Merkel and her wonderful culinary skills that have sent VPD officers out on many occasions with full stomachs and the remembrances of gatherings of the men.

  “I think it is important that we go back to our roots,” concluded Chief Merkel. “I have great pride in our police force, our law enforcement community and plan to establish this gathering as an annual event to honor our commitment and professionalism of the Vergennes Police Department.” The Valley Voice salutes all who serve in law enforcement and their continued devotion to the law and the safety of the people who call Addison County their home.

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