On July 19, 2023

Swanson named new police chief in Woodstock

 

The Woodstock municipal manager and the Village Board of Trustees have selected Joseph Swanson as the next police chief for the Woodstock Village, serving 900 residents. 

Swanson, who was sworn in July 14, grew up in Woodstock and currently serves as the sergeant for the Woodstock Village Police. He originally joined the Woodstock Police Dept. in 2000 as a part-time officer where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science. 

In 2007, he became a full-time officer and was promoted to corporal in 2013,  before being promoted again to sergeant in 2014.  

In addition to his work with the Woodstock Village Police, Swanson served in the Vermont Army National Guard from 2005-2012 including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2010. Swanson holds an MBA from Franklin Pierce University and serves  on the boards of The Homestead, the Windsor County Special Investigations Unit and the Woodstock Select Board.  

Swanson, the son of the long-serving town manager, Phil Swanson, who died in 2019, is taking Chief Robbie Blish’s position, who is retiring after 12 years in Woodstock.

Swanson was hired from nine applicants. He’ll be paid $102,000 for his new role.

“I am honored to  be chosen as the next chief of police and am excited to lead the department and continue to work  with the community,” Swanson said.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

How Killington became the Beast: Part 4

April 2, 2025
By Karen D. Lorentz Last week, I wrote that State Forester Perry Merrill initially envisioned developing Killington Mountain for skiing to benefit the state. However, it wasn’t until he met the young Preston Smith that he found a passionate skier who would share his enthusiasm for a mountain few were aware existed. Although he checked…

In memory of Tom Huebner: Longtime RRMC CEO and advocate for Vermont healthcare

April 2, 2025
The Rutland community is mourning the loss of a deeply respected leader and advocate for healthcare access and wellness across Vermont. Tom Huebner, former president and CEO of Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC), passed away on Wednesday, March 26, at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer. Huebner’s tenure at RRMC spanned nearly…

Henry Pearl Biathrow, 91

April 2, 2025
Henry Pearl Biathrow Passed away quietly at his home in Killington on Sunday, March 23, after a long illness. A private service will be held with family members. A celebration of life gathering will be held in Killington this spring. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Henry P. Biathrow to the Sherburne United…

Student artwork celebrates Doctors’ Day 

April 2, 2025
Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) marked National Doctors’ Day on March 30 with a heartwarming and colorful tradition: original artwork created by local students. This year, nearly 400 drawings from kindergarten through 4th-grade students across 11 Rutland County schools were displayed throughout the hospital, honoring the care and dedication of RRMC’s physicians. The annual celebration,…