Large Crowd Welcomes New Middlebury Police Chief at Swearing in Ceremony

Police Chief James Viadero’s swearing in ceremony attracted a large crowd Tuesday night, the Republican-American reports.

Local officials, state dignitaries, police officers and firefighters were among those present in the crowd at Westover School Auditorium.

According to the paper, after interviewing 31 candidates for the job, the police commission chose Viadero, an officer of 29 years, based on his resume full of career achievements and degrees that stood out above the rest.

First Selectman Edward B. St. John told the paper he was initially concerned that the job would not attract the right candidate because of how small the town is. Viadero said it would be quite a change going from a police force of 450 to a force of just 11, but he welcomed the change and was impressed by Middlebury’s officers.

St. John told the paper that updating department regulations and working toward being accredited would be some of the responsibilities on Viadero’s plate.

Read the full story at the Republican-American.

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