[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 103 (Monday, July 21, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S7779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE VERMONT STATE POLICE FOR 50 YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to 
extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Vermont State Police on the 
occasion of their 50th anniversary.
  It all started on July 1, 1947, when the Department of Public Safety, 
home of the Vermont State Police, was established by the Vermont 
General Assembly. Although Vermont was one of the last in the Nation to 
create a State police force, it is widely regarded as one of the 
country's best. At its inception, it was comprised of 55 State troopers 
and 7 civilians.
  During the department's 50 years of service, Vermont's population has 
increased by over 50 percent. As Vermont changed, so did the 
department. Today, it also includes a larger civilian force to assist 
with laboratory procedures and other non-law enforcement related work. 
Technological advances such as the introduction of radar as a speed 
enforcement tool, the purchase of the first polygraph instrument, and 
the creation of a mobile crime lab unit all increased the department's 
ability to deal with the rising challenges facing law enforcement 
today.
  The changing societal and family dynamics have greatly impacted our 
police force. Today, our troopers must be trained differently to meet 
these challenges. What remains the same, however, is the dedication, 
professionalism, and exemplary service we have been accustomed to--in 
spite of the ever present dangers of the job. On any given day, a 
trooper's job might range from assisting a stranded motorist on 
Interstate 89 to a homicide call in the northeast kingdom.
  For 50 years the department has helped improve our communities and 
given our citizens a sense of security. On behalf of all Vermonters I 
would like to thank the Department of Public Safety, and wish them 
continued success. 

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