HARDWICK POLICE DEPARTMENT
20 Church Street. P.O. Box 447. Hardwick, Vermont. 05843
Phone (802)472-5475 Fax (802)472-6865
POLICE CHIEF’S REPORT
It was a milestone year for the Hardwick Police Department.
In early 2009, the Hardwick Police Department received a $12,550 Homeland Security
grant to acquire two mobile laptop computers. The computers, mounted in the police
cruisers, will allow the officers to create and upload police reports into the database
system. The mobile computer terminals will provide officers with information without the
need of going to the police station.
During 2009, the department hired two veteran officers from outside agencies to
compliment it’s staff. In June the Department hired K-9 Officer Michael Glodgett. Officer
Glodgett brings 13 years of police experience from Newport PD and the Orleans County
Sheriff’s Department. In October, Officer Kevin LaPlante joined the Department as a
part-time officer. Previously, Officer LaPlante worked as an Environmental Police Officer
in Northern Massachusetts since 1996. In December, Officer LaPlante received a full-
time waiver from the Vermont Criminal Justice Council.
In late July, the Hardwick Police Department obtained a COPS grant in the amount of
$214, 256. These funds are earmarked to pay for the salary and benefits of a new full-
time police officer for the next three years. HPD was in the process of selecting a new
officer to attend the February 2010 police academy when this report went to press.
The Hardwick Police Department also received a $29,651 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
from the federal government. These funds are to be utilized for additional training and
equipment. Some of the items the department has agreed to purchase include new
computers, cell phones, and tasers. Nearly $3,000 has been set aside to implement a
Police Athletic League program with students from Hazen Union High School. The Town
was able to use JAG funds to purchase Atos, a 3 year old German shepherd. Atos is the
first HPD canine and is state certified in narcotics detection and tracking.
We continue to maintain an excellent working relationship with the local agencies that
provide social service to our community members. Anna Pirie and the staff at AWARE do
an outstanding job. They are diligent in their efforts to educate the community and
provide support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Residents who need
help are encouraged to contact AWARE at 472-6463.
It has been a pleasure to work with Erica Baker and her staff at the Hardwick Area
Community Coalition. The Coalition has been very instrumental in providing substance
abuse education, awareness and prevention to the children and young adults within the
community. HPD, in partnership with the Coalition, hosted the “Not So Fast” program,
aimed at educating teenagers on safe driving. The Coalition also coordinated monthly
meetings on a variety of educational topics affecting the quality of life in the Hardwick-
Greensboro area. Erica and her staff can be reached at 472-8010.
Carol Plante is the Director of the Hardwick-Greensboro Restorative Justice Program.
The program is in its sixth year supported by a team of volunteers who serve the
community by working with the victims of crime and those responsible for crime to find
ways to make amends for the harm caused to individuals and the community. The
program continues to be a success.
Wishing everyone a healthy and safe 2010.
Sincerely,
Joe LaPorte,
Police Chief
20 Church Street. P.O. Box 447. Hardwick, Vermont. 05843
Phone (802)472-5475 Fax (802)472-6865
POLICE CHIEF’S REPORT
It was a milestone year for the Hardwick Police Department.
In early 2009, the Hardwick Police Department received a $12,550 Homeland Security
grant to acquire two mobile laptop computers. The computers, mounted in the police
cruisers, will allow the officers to create and upload police reports into the database
system. The mobile computer terminals will provide officers with information without the
need of going to the police station.
During 2009, the department hired two veteran officers from outside agencies to
compliment it’s staff. In June the Department hired K-9 Officer Michael Glodgett. Officer
Glodgett brings 13 years of police experience from Newport PD and the Orleans County
Sheriff’s Department. In October, Officer Kevin LaPlante joined the Department as a
part-time officer. Previously, Officer LaPlante worked as an Environmental Police Officer
in Northern Massachusetts since 1996. In December, Officer LaPlante received a full-
time waiver from the Vermont Criminal Justice Council.
In late July, the Hardwick Police Department obtained a COPS grant in the amount of
$214, 256. These funds are earmarked to pay for the salary and benefits of a new full-
time police officer for the next three years. HPD was in the process of selecting a new
officer to attend the February 2010 police academy when this report went to press.
The Hardwick Police Department also received a $29,651 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
from the federal government. These funds are to be utilized for additional training and
equipment. Some of the items the department has agreed to purchase include new
computers, cell phones, and tasers. Nearly $3,000 has been set aside to implement a
Police Athletic League program with students from Hazen Union High School. The Town
was able to use JAG funds to purchase Atos, a 3 year old German shepherd. Atos is the
first HPD canine and is state certified in narcotics detection and tracking.
We continue to maintain an excellent working relationship with the local agencies that
provide social service to our community members. Anna Pirie and the staff at AWARE do
an outstanding job. They are diligent in their efforts to educate the community and
provide support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Residents who need
help are encouraged to contact AWARE at 472-6463.
It has been a pleasure to work with Erica Baker and her staff at the Hardwick Area
Community Coalition. The Coalition has been very instrumental in providing substance
abuse education, awareness and prevention to the children and young adults within the
community. HPD, in partnership with the Coalition, hosted the “Not So Fast” program,
aimed at educating teenagers on safe driving. The Coalition also coordinated monthly
meetings on a variety of educational topics affecting the quality of life in the Hardwick-
Greensboro area. Erica and her staff can be reached at 472-8010.
Carol Plante is the Director of the Hardwick-Greensboro Restorative Justice Program.
The program is in its sixth year supported by a team of volunteers who serve the
community by working with the victims of crime and those responsible for crime to find
ways to make amends for the harm caused to individuals and the community. The
program continues to be a success.
Wishing everyone a healthy and safe 2010.
Sincerely,
Joe LaPorte,
Police Chief
