South Burlington Chief of Police Trevor Whipple has announced his plans to retire from the Police Department in January 2019. Whipple has served as Chief for 12 years and has ushered in many modern and innovative approaches to law enforcement and public engagement.
“It is with mixed emotion that I announce my intent to retire on January 11, 2019. It has been an absolute honor to lead a group of some of the finest sworn and civilian members of Vermont law enforcement. I will forever be thankful for the opportunity to serve the citizens of South Burlington during the past years. I thank the City Council, City Manager and citizens of South Burlington for your unwavering support of our department and of me, while I have served as your chief” said Whipple.
Whipple began his career in law enforcement in 1984 serving as a Juvenile Officer in the City of Barre. Moving up through the ranks, Whipple became Barre City Chief of Police in 1999. In 2006 he joined the South Burlington Police Department as Chief and has served the people of South Burlington in that capacity ever since.
In addition to his job leading the South Burlington Police Department Whipple has been an instructor in various law enforcement educational programs and serves on a multitude of boards and commissions both statewide and nationally. Whipple is a 1994 graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy.
Among many other accomplishments during his tenure in South Burlington, Whipple worked as part of a team that developed and guided the construction of the new police facility, developed the Department as a leader in Human Trafficking Investigations, facilitated the creation of the South Burlington Community Justice Center, collaborated to develop and implement a Community Outreach Mental Health Program, began an Employee Wellness and Peer Support Program, developed the Human Trafficking Victim Services Case Manager position and was one of four departments that began the voluntary collection and analysis of traffic race data in 2008, six years before it was mandate by legislature. Whipple also worked with the South Burlington Rotary to develop an annual Awards and Recognition Banquet recognizing accomplishments and exemplary service within the Department, re-established the K9 program and, perhaps most importantly, led a Department-wide effort to maintain a low crime rate and low serious crash rate.
“I think the greatest thing you can say about someone who chooses public service as a career is that he or she made a difference,” said Kevin Dorn, City Manager. “There is no question that Trevor has made a huge difference in our community and he leaves a great legacy.” “And, reflective of his commitment to the people of South Burlington, Trevor has given us ample notice of his plans to retire allowing us time to find a qualified replacement and for that I am most appreciative” continued Dorn.
“As the saying goes, Trevor leaves big shoes to fill but he has helped to build a highly regarded Department and the Chief’s position will attract the finest applicants” said Dorn. “That is just further testament to Trevor’s legacy.