Police and Fire section
On April 14, 2026, at 1436 hours, the Brattleboro Fire Department was dispatched to the area of the Connecticut River Access Point on Old Ferry Road for a reported brush fire.
Responding crews upgraded the alarm assignment to a “second alarm,” bringing in additional mutual aid fire department companies.
Got a message from a reader that the law enforcement activity on South Main today is NOT immigration-related, despite some people seeing some masked officers. Typically the police issue a press release after things are over, but people are understandably nervous. If we get the press release, we’ll put it up.
Due to current weather conditions and an elevated risk of wildfires, a burn ban is now in effect for the Town of Brattleboro until further notice.
Relative humidity is expected to remain low, with no measurable precipitation in the forecast for the coming days. These conditions create a high wildfire risk, where even a small spark could ignite a fast-moving, dangerous fire.
The Town of Brattleboro today marked the retirement of Police Chief Norma Hardy, whose remarkable four and a half years of leadership transformed the Brattleboro Police Department and leaves an enduring legacy of community-centered policing. Chief Hardy officially stepped down on March 30, 2026, after more than 30 years in law enforcement, a career defined by compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the people she served. Hardy’s retirement coincided with the swearing in of Brattleboro’s next Police Chief, Jeremy Evans, whose career with the department began in 1998, and the new Assistant Police Chief, Adam Petlock.
Under Chief Hardy’s leadership, the Brattleboro Police Department pursued an ambitious and forward-thinking agenda to make the community safer and more connected. Her hallmark initiative, the Brattleboro Resource Assistance Team (BRAT), placed additional unarmed officers on regular foot patrol throughout downtown, based at the newly built police substation at the Transportation Center. In its first year alone, the unit responded to more than 530 incidents, and business owners credited the increased visibility with revitalizing the downtown experience for residents and visitors.
On Feb. 26 at 2156 hours, the Brattleboro Fire Department was dispatched to 448 Halladay Brook Road for a reported chimney fire with extension into the residence. Because of the residence’s location outside the hydrant district, additional units were dispatched immediately from mutual aid partners. While responding, Brattleboro Dispatch received a second call advising that fire could be seen from the residence’s roof. Responding crews upgraded the alarm assignment to a “second alarm,” bringing in additional mutual aid fire department companies.
The first arriving companies from Station #2 (West Brattleboro) found moderate fire on the second floor, venting through the roof line. Firefighters (LT. Fellows, FF Martin, and FF Bulla) made an aggressive attack on the fire by advancing a 1 ¾-inch hose line to the second floor of the residence, ultimately knocking down much of the fire. Additional incoming crews relieved the initial crew and extinguished the fire completely.
We are closely monitoring the forecast and have already taken appropriate preparedness steps, including staffing readiness and coordination with partner agencies. Town of Brattleboro staff and emergency resources will remain on standby and in regular communication throughout the weekend to maintain a high level of preparedness. Partner agencies will also be conducting welfare checks as appropriate to support community health and safety.
Established notification and communication channels are in place and can be used immediately to activate additional resources should conditions or needs change.
The Town of Brattleboro is announcing the retirement of Brattleboro Police Chief Norma Hardy. Hardy will step down from her role on March 30, 2026. Assistant Chief Jeremy Evans will succeed her as the new Police Chief, and Captain Adam Petlock will be promoted to Assistant Chief.
Hardy joined the Brattleboro Police Department in July 2021, stepping out of retirement to serve during a critical period when communities across the nation were examining ways to reform policing following the death of George Floyd. Hardy, who previously served 26 years with the Port Authority Police Department of New York and New Jersey, believed her distinct background as a Black woman with extensive law enforcement experience would be an invaluable part of that conversation.
At approximately 6:58 PM, the Brattleboro Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire in a residence. Engine 1 was the first unit on the scene and confirmed that the structure was fully involved in fire, upgrading the incident to a second alarm.
The occupants were not home at the time of the fire, and no injuries occurred during the incident. A family cat initially believed to be inside the home was later found safe outside the residence.
At approximately 1:42 p.m., the Brattleboro Fire Department responded to a fire alarm activation at 107 Elliot Street. Upon arrival, firefighters located a fire contained to a single apartment on the 6th floor within the building. The building’s sprinkler system activated as designed, successfully suppressing the fire. However, the sprinkler activation caused significant water damage to 17 additional apartments.
Two individuals sustained minor injuries during the incident. Both were evaluated at the scene and transported to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital for further medical assessment.
Due to current weather conditions and an increased risk of wildfires, a burn ban is now in effect for the Town of Brattleboro until further notice. The state is currently experiencing very high fire danger levels, and even a small spark could lead to a dangerous wildfire.
Due to current weather conditions and an increased risk of wildfires, a burn ban is now in effect for the Town of Brattleboro until further notice. The area is currently experiencing very high fire danger levels, and even a small spark could lead to a dangerous wildfire.
Due to current weather conditions and an increased risk of wildfires, a burn ban is now in effect for the Town of Brattleboro until further notice. The area is currently experiencing very high fire danger levels, and even a small spark could lead to a dangerous wildfire.
Due to current weather conditions and an increased risk of wildfires, a burn ban is now in effect for the Town of Brattleboro until further notice.
All outdoor burning, including brush piles, campfires, and burn barrels, is prohibited. This action is necessary to protect our community, natural resources, and emergency personnel.
Brattleboro, VT – The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the Brattleboro area today, Wednesday, July 16, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Heat index values are forecasted to reach between 95 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, posing a serious risk of heat-related illness.
Residents are urged to take precautions to protect themselves and others, especially vulnerable populations such as older adults, young children, and individuals without access to cooling or hydration.
At 9:58 p.m., the Brattleboro Fire Department was dispatched to a first alarm house fire. Engine two arrived on scene at 10:02 p.m. reporting heavy fire. Captain Emery (Engine two officer) established command and upgraded to a second alarm.
After arriving on the scene, Captain Emery and Brattleboro Police Officers confirmed the structure was unoccupied and crews stretched handlines to the front of the structure. Access to the house was delayed due to debris spread across the front entrance and yard, blocking firefighting progress.
At 10:03 p.m., Chief Symonds assumed command. As further Brattleboro Fire Department units arrived, the crews used multiple handlines to contain the fire at 52 South Main St. Due to the structure being unstable and conditions inside of the structure, all fire suppression operations occurred from outside of the structure.
On March 26, 2025, at approximately 11:11 a.m., Brattleboro emergency personnel received call of a fire alarm activation at the School of International Training (SIT), located at 1 Kipling Road in Brattleboro. Units arrived at 11:19 a.m., and first-arriving crews located a fire in Gamble Residence, a building on the north end of the campus.
After locating the fire, Captain Emery upgraded the incident to a first-alarm assignment, calling in additional crews.
The incident was upgraded to a second alarm after fires were located in other buildings. There were active fires in a total of five of the 26 buildings on campus. The call was upgraded to a three-alarm fire at approximately 11:45 a.m., and additional equipment and personnel were called to the scene.
The Town of Brattleboro is pleased to announce the appointment of Jay Symonds to the role of Fire Chief of the Brattleboro Fire Department. Symonds brings an extensive record of experience in fire and emergency medical services, disaster response, and leadership. Symonds will begin his new role on April 7, 2025.
“Chief Symonds has a track record that matches the excellence of the team at the Brattleboro Fire Department,” said Brattleboro Town Manager John Potter. “He’s joining our community with decades of experience as a paramedic, firefighter, educator, and member of the National Guard.”
Symonds previously served with the Manlius Fire Department in upstate New York as a lieutenant and public safety coordinator, overseeing staff EMS education and recertification. Throughout his career, he has held various leadership roles, including five years as Assistant Fire Chief of the Sherburne Fire Department, also in upstate New York.
On March 10, 2025, at 06:30 a.m., the Brattleboro Fire Department responded to 90 Technology Drive for an alarm activation. The first arriving units reported an active ammonia leak of 273 parts per million in the building. Crews established that the building had been evacuated and accounted for all occupants. The Vermont HAZMAT Team was notified and dispatched to the scene.
At 1725 hrs. on February 6, 2025, the Brattleboro Fire Department was dispatched to 39 Brookside Drive, Apartment #3, for a report of active fire in the unit. The first arriving crew found moderate smoke from the exterior of a 7-unit apartment building. Shortly thereafter, Lieutenant Hubbard reported a fire in an unoccupied unit (apartment #3) with a possible extension into the adjoining unit (apartment #4) and attack space. With this information, the incident was upgraded to a second alarm.
The initial crews located the fire on the second floor of Apartment #3 in the bathroom area. They deployed two 1.75” hose lines to the seat of the fire while a second crew began ensuring all occupants were out of the remaining units. The fire was extinguished quickly, and overhaul and ventilation were performed simultaneously.
At 20:45 on January 20, 2025, the Brattleboro Fire Department was dispatched to 32 Justin Holden Drive (Fulflex) for a fire alarm activation. The first arriving crews found moderate smoke in the commercial structure. Shortly thereafter, Captain Casabona reported a fire in the machine room with a possible extension into the exhaust system. With this information, the incident was upgraded to a second alarm.
