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Police chief reports on Buckle Up program, $5,000 donation and hires Sommers
Summary
Winhall Police Chief Derrick Tienken briefed the Select Board on safety programs and arrests, noted a $5,000 donation for a handheld radio, and the board unanimously approved hiring Shawn Sommers with a July 14, 2026 start date to replace a departing officer.
Winhall Police Chief Derrick Tienken updated the Select Board on department activity, including the local Buckle Up traffic-safety program and ongoing investigations stemming from a March shooting. He told the board a $5,000 donation had been received to fund a hand-held radio for the department.
Chief Tienken recommended hiring Shawn Sommers to replace an officer identified as Greg, proposing a July 14, 2026 start date. Select Board member Beth Grant moved to hire Sommers and Christie Boswell seconded; the motion passed unanimously. Teresa Ameden offered the police leads on an unrelated motorcycle disturbance and agreed to pass those reports to Tienken.
The board did not set additional conditions for the hire in public session. The Select Board's approval authorizes the chief to coordinate onboarding and a planned swearing-in once administrative details are complete.
