David Covell, the former head of the Vermont State Police Detective Bureau, will take over leadership of Rutland City’s police department next month.
Meanwhile, city officials and local residents have been publicly thanking the outgoing chief, James Baker, for his efforts to reduce crime and fight drugs in the city.
The Rutland South Rotary Club announced they’ll set up a summer camp scholarship program in Baker’s name to provide positive activities for children when school is not in session.
Members of Project Vision gave Baker a standing ovation when he came to speak at their most recent meeting .
Baker helped create the grassroots group, which has brought together members of local law enforcement, social services, drug treatment providers and other community activists.
Baker told the crowd that when he came to Rutland three years ago, the community had lost faith in its police department. He said some officers had made bad choices and that Rutland was two steps away from being another Ferguson, Missouri.
Many in the city credit Baker with turning that around, something Baker says he did not do alone. “I urge you to continue doing the work you’re doing. We have to stay focused on the goal which is making Rutland one of the best places in the world to live and play,” said Baker, who was visibly moved by the crowd.
Before coming to Rutland, Baker headed the state police and served as director for the Vermont Police Academy. Next month, he’ll take a new job as Director of Law Enforcement and Support for the International Association of Chiefs of Police in Alexandria, Virginia.
