The U.S. Senate Wednesday night confirmed retired Essex Police Chief Brad LaRose as Vermont’s next U.S. Marshal. He was unanimously confirmed with other noncontroversial nominees in the final hours of the just-expired congressional session. A new Congress begins on Thursday.
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Governor Phil Scott (R) had jointly recommended LaRose to President Trump in January 2018 to fill the vacancy, and the President nominated him in June. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the nomination in November. Leahy is a leading member of the Judiciary Committee and has shepherded the nomination through the confirmation process.
LaRose will oversee all U.S. Marshals Service operations in Vermont. With offices in Burlington and Rutland, the Marshals Service plays a crucial role in protecting public safety in Vermont and is responsible for apprehending fugitives and sex offenders as well as managing federal prisoners and protecting federal courthouses.
Chief LaRose served Essex as a police officer for more than 36 years, including more than five years as Chief of Police. In their letter to the President, Leahy and Scott cited his experience in teaching recruits and officers at the Vermont Police Academy for 25 years, and the fact that he is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. In a joint statement on LaRose’s confirmation, Leahy and Scott said: “Brad brings decades of law enforcement experience and a dedication to public service to his new post. His integrity, character and leadership throughout his career will serve the people of Vermont well.”
Scott and Leahy emphasized the importance to Vermont of the federal partnership role in combatting the addiction to heroin and other opioids, and Chief LaRose’s valuable experience in that effort. “As our state continues to lead on addressing the opioid epidemic, Brad has a demonstrated understanding of the seriousness of this issue and the ability to work with partners across federal, state and local levels,” they said.
The Marshals Service, created in 1789, is the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency. The Marshals Service takes the lead in security of the courts and the entire judicial system and is involved in virtually every federal law enforcement initiative, working with federal prosecutors and federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.