NEWS

Hebert named interim Winooski police chief

Mike Donoghue
Free Press Staff Writer

WINOOSKI – Veteran Winooski Police Sgt. Richard Hebert will become the city's interim police chief on Sept. 1.

Hebert will replace Chief Steve McQueen, who has announced his retirement after 36 years in police work but plans to continue doing work for the city through June 2015.

Hebert, 44, is an 18-year veteran with Winooski Police, which employs 15 full-time officers and 8 civilians. Hebert began his law enforcement career as a part-time officer for Richmond Police.

City Manager K.R. "Deac" Decarreau said Winooski will begin a formal recruiting process for the selection of a permanent chief by the summer of 2015.

She said McQueen has agreed to undertake the task of updating city ordinances. "Chief McQueen brings a significant wealth of experience to this project."

Decarreau said McQueen, 54, will also serve in an advisory capacity to Hebert through the transition.

She said the city plans to host a farewell event for McQueen closer to his actual retirement.

McQueen, a former chief deputy sheriff in Lamoille County, joined Winooski Police in January 1984 and was named chief in February 1996. He has been active with the Vermont Police Chiefs Association and is often called upon by the legislature to provide expert testimony on public safety issues.

Contact Mike Donoghue at 660-1845 or mdonoghue@freepressmedia.com. Follow Mike on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FreepsMikeD.