Police chief announces April 2026 retirement; commission to begin promotional testing

Randall, the police chief, told the Vermont Civil Service Commission on June 23 that his projected retirement date is April 10, 2026, and said he intends to oversee a transition to a new administration if possible. "My projected retirement is 04/10/2026," he said, adding that private-sector offers and election outcomes could accelerate that timetable.

Randall said an immediate staffing pressure is the retirement of his administrative assistant, whom he described as "the single most important person in the police department" and said will retire about four months before he does. He urged the commission to move forward with promotional testing so the department can identify who will make key personnel selections and ensure the incoming chief inherits an organized operation.

The chief described the promotional-testing process used previously by an outside vendor: Clancy handled written exams and an oral board, the department provides a reading and study list, and background checks and panel interviews follow. He cited past exam scoring examples: sergeant promotions at 50/50 (written/oral), captain 60/40 and chief 70/30.

Commissioners discussed timing. Randall said the best-case swearing-in for a successor is April 10, 2026, but he may leave earlier (between December and April) depending on external factors; he emphasized a desire to "shadow" the new chief to transfer institutional knowledge. He also noted that, per the commission's statutory obligations, the vacancy must be filled within 90 days of the position opening.

Commission members agreed they need a formal letter from the mayor's office or the testing administrator to begin the formal process. The commission noted written test results are typically valid for one year and can be extended to two years if necessary. The meeting concluded with commissioners saying they will schedule follow-up once the required letter arrives.