Burlington Police Deputy Chief of Administration Brian LaBarge has accepted a conditional offer of employment to become the Town of Williston’s next Chief of Police.

The selection of Chief LaBarge to lead concludes a national search that occurred over several months with the assistance of Vermont-based law enforcement executive search consultant J.W. Leadership Consulting. Chief LaBarge will step into the leadership role in August to assume the top Department rank from retiring Chief Patrick T. Foley.

“Williston is immensely fortunate to have Chief LaBarge join our Leadership Team to guide our law enforcement services,” said Town Manager Erik Wells. “The search process yielded several high-caliber and qualified candidates for the position. Through a rigorous process Chief LaBarge emerged as the pick for the position because of his experience; focus on modern, community focused policing practices; and his understanding of the needs for Williston and the department now and into the future.”

Chief LaBarge was selected from a pool of over two dozen applicants. Four candidates were invited for first round interviews following a pre-screening process. The first-round interview was a community stakeholder panel that included town and state officials, and representatives from the police department, Williston schools, local business and a community-based housing non-profit. Three candidates were then invited for a second-round process that included an interview with the Town Manager, conversation with members of the Town Leadership Team, and panel discussion with law enforcement leaders.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to have been selected to serve as the next Chief of Police for the Town of Williston, Chief LaBarge said. “It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to lead this department. I want to thank the Town’s leadership for the confidence they have placed in me and I am excited to become a part of this community. I also want to recognize the dedicated men and women of the Williston Police Department, whose professionalism and commitment to public service are the foundation of this organization. I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to provide exceptional service to the community. I am committed to building strong relationships, listening to your concerns, and working collaboratively to ensure the town remains a safe, welcoming place for everyone.”

Chief LaBarge is a 21-year member of the Burlington Police Department. As Deputy Chief of Administration he currently oversees the Department’s Detective and Administrative Services Bureaus, as the second-highest ranking member in the largest municipal police department in Vermont. He has also overseen the Uniformed Services Bureau. Chief LaBarge was promoted several times in the Department to reach his current rank, serving as an officer, detective, sergeant, and lieutenant across bureaus of the department. Chief LaBarge also led the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigation (CUSI) for two-years during his tenure at Burlington PD. He served in the United States Air Force holding the rank of Staff Sergeant prior to beginning his local law enforcement career.

It is anticipated Chief LaBarge will begin in his role on Monday, August 3^rd.