NEWFANE — One recent morning, while on patrol in Dummerston, I stopped a car for speeding and noticed that the operator wasn't wearing a seat belt.
I issued her a ticket, and we had a rather lengthy conversation about the importance of her safety and of ensuring that she be buckled up just in case she is ever involved in a collision.
How important this message would become.
Just hours later, this driver was the victim of a high-speed crash that occurred on Route 30. She was thankful for being stopped and reminded of the importance of a seat belt.
I was able to contact her, and we shared many thoughts.
She was hurting and injured, but still alive. She repeatedly thanked me for being there that morning and for making a difference in her life. She credited me with saving her life so she could take care of her son, and she forwarded me his photo.
I won't soon forget this connection, made possible by the leadership of the Windham County Sheriff's Department and so many others who bring us the Governor's Highway Safety Program “Click It or Ticket” program.
Over the years, we've known that we were making a difference. However, with this close call, that difference had a specific name, place, and time.
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I've spent almost 30 years providing public safety to Vermonters, with the last decade focused on highway safety. Over the years, I've shared in much success, many accomplishments, and a few tragedies.
When I left the Vermont State Police, I thought that most of my “greatest hits” were behind me. I was wrong.
I'm now able to celebrate perhaps my most memorable accomplishment, one that is emotional and tangible. I was able to ensure that a little boy cares only that his mommy is going to be okay and that she'll be able to recover from her injuries so she can take care of him.
Our officers should all take a moment to enjoy our accomplishment and know that we did make a difference.