Vermont 911 leader to step down

Note: This article was originally published April 15, 2015.

The head of Vermont's emergency 911 system, David Tucker, plans to retire from the role on Friday.

Barbara Neal, currently emergency communications training coordinator, will replace Tucker in an interim role. The change comes as the enhanced 911 system is poised for transition, including the possible closure of two public safety answering points (PSAPs) in the state budget and other governance issues.

Tucker has served as executive director of the E911 Board for about four years. He previously served in leadership at the Department of Information and Innovation and worked at the Department of Labor — a career in state government spanning just over 29 years, he said.

"I'm always going to be proud of the role that Vermont played in getting text-to-911 implemented," Tucker said when asked about his achievements. Vermont was the first state to offer full coverage of the text message system last year.

Tucker told the E911 Board about his coming retirement about two months ago, Board Chairman Roger Marcoux, Jr., said.

The E911 Board is also working on a contract with consultant Mike Smith to evaluate 911 operations, look for efficiencies, submit recommendations and help with daily operations. The $70,000 contract lasts through October, Smith said.

Smith is a former E911 Board chairman, Douglas administration official, FairPointCommunications Vermont president and consultant who worked recently with Burlington College.

Vermont plans to transfer its 911 system to FairPoint in July rather than its current contractor, Intrado. Smith and Marcoux said Smith's work will steer clear of any overlap with implementing the FairPoint contract.

Tucker's retirement and Smith's contract were first reported late Monday by VTDigger.

Note: David Tucker retired from the E911 Board position effective April 17. The nature of his departure was incorrectly characterized in an earlier version of this article.

Contact April Burbank at (802) 660-1863 or aburbank@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AprilBurbank