Rutland police report busy July, overdose and welfare concerns at Cortina property

Town Police Chief Ed Dumas reported at the select board meeting that July saw 156 cases and unusually heavy patrol time concentrated in the town’s southern end. Dumas said the department is operating with two officers covering much of the work and noted recent pursuits and lodging incidents.

Dumas described a response to a drug overdose at the Cortina residential site in which a person suffered a seizure after ingesting what Dumas characterized as a bad batch of crack. He said state health inspectors were on site that day performing room‑by‑room checks, taking photographs and speaking with residents. Dumas reported the property owner was out of town and expressed concern about apparent gaps in on‑site management.

Board members raised additional welfare and safety concerns from visits to Cortina, including reports of black mold, leaking pipes and a separate domestic assault involving a woman and her three children; DCF was called and engaged to assist the family. Chief Dumas said CFACC and state resources coordinated with local officers to respond and that helping the family was the priority.

The chief also gave updates on K9 work and on recruitment for a school resource officer and a CFACC position; he said one applicant is in the pipeline for the school role but likely will not be in place before the school year begins. Board members asked staff to follow up with state officials and town council as needed on inspections and complaints.

The board did not take formal action in this segment but asked staff to follow up with state contacts and to report back.