Bennington County Sheriff's Department

05/23/2026

Hi everyone,

My team and I are enjoying our time at Bennington’s Mayfest and truly appreciate the opportunity to speak with members of the community.

Events like this are an important part of community-based policing and strengthening the relationships between law enforcement and the citizens we serve. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to stop by and visit with us today.

Stay healthy and safe, Bennington County!

Sheriff James A. Gulley, Jr., MPA

05/04/2026

The Bennington County Sheriff’s Department recognizes Lieutenant Scott Legacy and Deputy Emily Calkins for their exceptional service and dedication to safer highways. Both were honored at the 2025 Law Enforcement Recognition Awards hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Vermont.

The Certificates of Appreciation highlights their outstanding commitment to MADD’s mission: ending drunk driving, combating drugged driving, supporting victims, and protecting youth from underage drinking.

Their hard work and dedication truly makes a difference in keeping our community healthy and safe. Please join me in congratulating Lieutenant Legacy and Deputy Calkins on this well-earned recognition.

Sheriff James A. Gulley, Jr., MPA

04/17/2026

Hi everyone,

Happy National Public Safety Telecommunications Week!

Thank you to all dispatchers, including our own at the Bennington County Sheriff's Department. Behind the scenes, dispatchers are the first point of contact in an emergency – providing calm, skilled support, and helping coordinate a rapid response when it matters most.

To our entrusted dispatchers (Michael, Emily, and Carter), we appreciate everything you do to keep our community healthy and safe.

Keep up the excellent work!

Sheriff James A. Gulley, Jr., MPA

04/10/2026

Hi everyone,

This is the time of year we always look forward to.

Captain Harrington, our friend Dan Lucy, and I have the privilege of reading many outstanding essays from high school students across the state of Vermont, all competing for three VSAC scholarships we proudly oversee:

•The Wallace Mattison Scholarship.
•The Vermont Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship.
•The Vermont Sheriffs’ Association: William Graham Scholarship.

Each of the three selected students will receive $1,000 to help support their educational goals.

So far, we’ve been incredibly impressed - so many thoughtful, well-written essays. Choosing this year’s recipients will not be easy!

Best of luck to all of the applicants - we truly appreciate the effort and heart you’ve put into your work.

Sheriff James A. Gulley, Jr., MPA

04/09/2026

Hi everyone,

The Bennington County Sheriff’s Department was honored to host the 2026 SkillsUSA Vermont Criminal Justice and Crime Scene Investigation competitions on Wednesday, April 8th.

Students and instructors from Southwest Tech , Stafford Technical Center , Randolph Technical Career Center , and River Valley Tech Center participated in a series of rigorous, hands-on assessments designed to evaluate their knowledge and practical skills in the field of criminal justice.

Detectives from the Vermont State Police Major Crimes Unit and the Rutland City Police Department conducted evaluations as students processed a simulated crime scene. Additionally, members of the Bennington County Sheriff’s Department assessed participants during scenario-based exercises, including a suspicious person investigation, a traffic stop, and a formal oral board interview.

We commend all students for their professionalism, preparedness, and dedication. The top competitors in Criminal Justice and Crime Scene Investigation will go on to represent the State of Vermont at the SkillsUSA National Championships in June 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Sheriff James A. Gulley, Jr., MPA, Bennington County Sheriff’s Department

03/13/2026

Hi everyone. Once again, skilled, organized criminals are using the Bennington County Sheriff’s Department as a front to force residents into paying them money over the telephone.

I have attached this educational snapshot to help guide you when confronted with a scammer.

If you have any doubts regarding suspicious scamming activity, hang up and call your local law enforcement organization immediately.

Sheriff James A. Gulley, Jr., MPA

03/05/2026

Police investigate loud noises in Pownal

Authorities are investigating what they call a series of loud noises in the town of Pownal in recent months.

02/02/2026

Hi everyone,

On Friday afternoon, January 30th, students from The School of Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales visited our Sheriff’s Department to thank us for what we do and for helping keep our community healthy and safe. They brought a thoughtful card and cookies, and their kindness truly meant a lot to our entire team. I was so happy to see them and give them a tour of our facility that I forgot to take a group photo - but moments like these are a great reminder of how good it feels to be appreciated for a job well done. ⭐️

Stay healthy, safe, and warm, Bennington County!

Sheriff James A. Gulley, Jr., MPA

01/23/2026

Hi everyone,

Bennington County's emergency cold weather shelter program has officially activated for this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights to ensure that individuals and families experiencing homelessness have access to safe, warm overnight accommodations during dangerous temperatures.

An Emergency Cold Weather Shelter will be activated in Bennington County at the Episcopal Church located at 200 Pleasant Street, Bennington, Vermont, this coming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights (January 23 - 25). The shelter can accommodate up to 35 guests (Including families and unaccompanied homeless youth) and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

People may come to the Shelter starting at 6:30 pm. Guests MUST arrive before 9:30 pm. Arrivals after 9:30 pm are not allowed, except when accompanied by emergency personnel, such as law enforcement or a rescue squad.
The shelter closes for the day at 7 am. The Community Cafe will be open at the Episcopal Church on Saturday from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm.

Upon entry, shelter staff will conduct a brief intake, including check-in and safety procedures. During this time, staff can also make soft referrals to partnering agencies and programs, helping guests connect with available community resources and support services.

The Emergency Cold Weather Shelter provides:
• Safe, staffed overnight accommodations.
• Warmth, cots, and access to restroom facilities.
• Inclusive access for individuals, families, and unaccompanied youth.
• Supportive service referrals through local partners.

All unsheltered individuals, families, and youth experiencing homelessness in Bennington County are welcome to come. No referral is required. Currently, the shelter is only scheduled to be open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, 6:30 pm to 7:00 am the next morning.

No special transportation is scheduled for this shelter activation; guests are advised to take public transportation if needed or to arrange travel with family or friends to the Episcopal Church at 200 Pleasant Street in Bennington.

For more information on shelter operations or assistance accessing the shelter, community members may reach out to:

Roxanne Carelli, Executive Director of Operational Development and Shelter Services: (838) 218-6975
[email protected]

Stay healthy and safe, Bennington County.

Sheriff James A. Gulley, Jr., MPA

01/19/2026

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a visionary leader who reminded us that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” May we continue to lead with love, courage, and compassion as we work toward equality and unity for all.

Sheriff James A. Gulley Jr., MPA

01/10/2026

Hi everyone,

As school buses travel their daily routes, drivers are urged to remain alert and expect frequent stops. When a school bus extends its stop sign and activates flashing red lights, ALL drivers - whether meeting or following the bus - must come to a complete stop. Passing a school bus while its red lights are flashing is illegal and significantly increases the risk of serious injury or death.

Law enforcement will continue education and enforcement efforts to protect students as they enter and exit school buses. Drivers are reminded that violations can result in fines, points on a driver's license, and more severe consequences if someone is injured.

The Bennington County Sheriff’s Department urges everyone to slow down, stay alert, and help keep our children safe.

Sheriff James A. Gulley, Jr., MPA

Several law enforcement organizations, the school district, and a local school bus company are coordinating a New Year campaign to educate motorists and enforce laws on passing school buses with