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As the holiday season approaches, UVM Police Services invites the community to support the 2026 Operation FireCuffs. This statewide initiative brings together emergency response departments from across Vermont to deliver holiday cheer to children at UVM Medical Center’s Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Operation FireCuffs features a parade of emergency vehicles traveling from UVM Police Services to Golisano Children’s Hospital, with lights and sirens activated for the children to see and hear. Following the parade, donated gifts are delivered to children at the hospital.

UVM Police Services is proud to participate and invites anyone who is able to donate new toys and gift cards for the children. Donations may be dropped off at UVM Police Services, 12 Centennial Woods Way, through Wednesday, December 16. 

Additionally donation bins will also be located at the Davis Center Information Desk from November 30 - December 14.  There is one at the 3^rd floor Oval entrance and then another at the 1^st floor information desk near the pool tables.

^{Published 11/11/2026}
 

Please join us in welcoming our student employee team for the 2026-2027 academic year!

We are excited to welcome Atlys and Henry to UVM Police Services, while welcoming back Elise and Isabella for another year with the department.
Representing majors in Animal Science, Anthropology, Business Administration, and History, our student employees bring a diverse range of interests, experiences, and perspectives to our team. From future veterinarians and anthropologists to business professionals and historians, each student contributes unique skills that help support our mission.

Throughout the year, our student employees assist with fingerprint appointments, front desk operations, administrative projects, outreach efforts, social media engagement, and other daily functions that help keep the department running smoothly and connected to the UVM community.

Helping keep the department running smoothly by day, debating dinosaur identities by... also day.

We are grateful to have this talented group on our team and look forward to a great year ahead. 

Welcome to the team, Atlys and Henry, and welcome back, Elise and Isabella!

^{Published 11/11/2026}

The University of Vermont Police Services is pleased to welcome Krista Towne as our newest dispatcher. Krista joined UVM Police Services in August 2026, bringing valuable experience from her time with the Burlington Police Department and a strong commitment to helping the community. 

Before joining UVM Police Services, Krista spent three years with the Burlington Police Department as a Community Service Officer and Recruitment Coordinator, where she gained important experience serving the community and developed a strong understanding of emergency response in Burlington. She said that experience has helped her significantly in her dispatcher role because she understands what questions to ask during an emergency to gather the most relevant information. A career in dispatch had also long been of interest to her throughout her time in the law enforcement field. 

Krista, a UVM alum with family currently at the university, feels a strong connection to the UVM community. She has always wanted a career where she could help people, and she has found dispatch work to be especially rewarding. She said it is meaningful when she is able to help not only someone experiencing an emergency, but also that person’s loved ones. Krista added, “You never know what someone is going through. As a dispatcher, what you can do is give them a path forward.” 

Since joining the department, Krista has felt supported and encouraged by the Police Services team. She said her time at the department has shown her firsthand that “everyone who works here is here for a reason. Everyone has a genuine care for this community and will always do their best to help.” 

UVM Police Services is excited to have Krista Towne on the team. Her background in law enforcement, commitment to service, and connection to the UVM community make her a strong addition to our dispatch team. 

_{Published 11/11/2026}

On February 5, Jim Phelps was sworn in as the University of Vermont’s sixth Chief of Police. 

With a career spanning more than 35 years at UVM, Chief Phelps has held nearly every key role within the department and is widely recognized for his community‑focused leadership. 

The ceremony at Old Mill brought together family, colleagues, campus partners, and local law enforcement to honor his service - including his efforts supporting Vermonters during the 2023 Barre floods. Chief Phelps shared that he remains committed to honest communication, working closely with our community, and maintaining a campus environment where everyone feels safe and respected.

Read the full article here: Chief Phelps Sworn In as UVM’s Sixth Chief of Police

_{Published on 2/20/2026}

We are proud to announce that former Chief Tim Bilodeau has been named one of the recipients of the 2025 President’s Our Common Ground Staff Award. This prestigious honor recognizes UVM staff members who exemplify the university’s core values: Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Openness, Justice, and Responsibility. Chief Bilodeau was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to community safety, student support, and inclusive leadership. His dedication continues to make UVM a safer and more welcoming place for all. Congratulations, Chief Bilodeau! 

Learn more about this prestigious UVM Our Common Ground award.

^{Published 09/24/2025}