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Vergennes Police Chief Takes On Role As President Of Vermont Police Association

photo by provided VPA President Merkel is passionate about law enforcement and takes each role he has with determination, dedication and commitment.

Tuesday May 17, 2016

By Cookie Steponaitis

When spending time with VPD Chief George Merkel it quickly becomes evident that Chief Merkel’s passion for law enforcement extends far beyond the business day and his role at the helm of the Little City Police Department. Merkel is serving as the 2016 President of the Vermont Police Association leading and representing 850 law enforcement officers from municipal, county, state, Fish and Game and federal levels. The Vermont Police Association was founded in 1949 to represent the law enforcement community relations and establish a commitment of excellence for all citizens of the State of Vermont.
    Central to Merkel’s role as president has been the involvement of the association in the current legislation in Montpelier related to the legalization of marijuana and other opiate related issues. When he is not providing testimony for the House Committees Merkel and the association is hard at work putting in time on the Vermont Criminal Justice Counsel and the Governor’s Commission on Opiate Addiction. “The opiate problem is far worse than most people realize,” shared Merkel. “Not only does it impact Vermonters from the dangers of people functioning under the influence of drugs; there are not enough treatment programs available to meet the growing addiction issues.” During his year at the helm of the VPA, Merkel’s three goals include not only making clear the VPA position against the legalization of marijuana in the state but to increase membership in the VPA and help the group to be more known in communities around the state.
    The VPA is not a union and does not become involved in labor disputes but focuses time and energy on training for law enforcement and strengthening the bond among all levels of law enforcement and the community.  “It would probably surprise the Valley Voice readers to know that the VPA is very active in community work,” shared VPA President Merkel. “Whether it is the hundreds of hours involved with the Special Olympics or going into schools or student clubs, our officers are meeting people on a number of levels and supporting their communities in immeasurable ways. I can’t say enough about the commitment of these young men and women. The time spent, the risks taken and the chunks of their own personal lives that get put on hold to serve are immense commitments to keeping Vermonters safe.”
    Merkel feels blessed to serve both in the Little City and at the helm of the VPA and looks to his own past for the heroes and people who gave him the drive for service to others. “My personal heroes were my father George, Vince Lombardi and General George Patton,” explained Chief Merkel. “My father was the hardest working man I know and one tough individual. He stressed commitment, loyalty and service to others. When he passed away on this very day in 2012 I was astonished by the people who came up to me and shared stories of the ways he had intervened and helped them in their lives. General Patton was a tough leader and got the very best out of his people. He definitely led from the front. Vince Lombardi was one of the toughest coaches in football but many of his approaches translated into life lessons for all of us. I guess it really boils down to what my father always used to say, ‘If you are not a part of the process, don’t complain.’”
    Standing guard at the corner of the desk Chief Merkel’s sidekick and now retired police dog Aikido pranced in place as the interview drew to a close. Both Aikido and his master are both scheduled to be on Fox Television as part of a special on handlers and their dogs. And with a grin at his sidekick Chief Merkel brings the interview to a close and moves into the next phase of his day well past the time assigned on the clock. Vermonters looking to learn more about the Vermont Police Association can check them out online, Facebook or through other social media outlets. Or better yet, if you get a chance stop by and ask President Merkel and see that what his hero Vince Lombardi remarked is very true indeed. Lombardi stated, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up. The harder you work, and the harder it is to surrender.” The Valley Voice salutes all levels of law enforcement and thanks them for all they do on and off the clock to keep Vermont a safe and wonderful place to call home.

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