Killington names first police chief

By Josh O’Gorman
STAFF WRITER | June 10,2013

Rutland Herald
 

KILLINGTON — Whit Montgomery is the first chief of police of the newly formed Killington Police Department.

“Whit is highly regarded by Vermont law enforcement, and his experience as constable and knowledge of Killington made him the obvious choice,” said Town Manager Seth Webb. “We are fortunate to have him at the helm of our new department.”

Webb, along with Selectwoman Patty McGrath and Richard Gauthier, executive director of the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council, served on a search committee that reviewed applications from four candidates. After background checks and personal interviews, Montgomery was the unanimous choice of the committee.

“I’m honored to accept this important job, in this community that I love,” said Montgomery. “My roots and my future are here in Killington, and I am totally committed to working with town officials, businesses, citizens, and the resort to make our new police department successful and well respected.”

A 14-year law enforcement veteran, Montgomery started his career in his hometown of Killington in 1999 after graduating from the Vermont Police Academy. He served as second constable until his election to first constable in March. He also co-founded Killington Search and Rescue, a nonprofit organization that specializes in back-country rescues.

In his new role as chief of police, Montgomery will work under Webb’s supervision and be responsible for managing a department consisting of up to two part-time special officers, and overseeing contractual services for animal control and other special details as needed. The job is effective immediately.

The job calls for Montgomery to work 32 hours a week with an annual salary of $35,000 a year.

Montgomery is the first chief of a police force that was created in February, following a vote by the Select Board.

“We wanted to create a police department that better prepares our officers and increases their effectiveness by giving them increased access to criminal history and information sharing with other law enforcement,” said Chris Bianchi, chairman of the Select Board.

Montgomery is the town’s only police officer. Currently, the town contracts for additional police protection from the Rutland County Sheriff’s Department. Webb said the town will soon begin advertising for a part-time special officer.