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Police and Fire section

Brattleboro Fire Chief Announces Military Leave

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

Fire Chief Jay Symonds has received military orders requiring him to take an approximately one-year leave of absence from the Town of Brattleboro. Symonds, who serves as both Fire Chief and a member of the United States military, will depart in the first week of October to fulfill his military obligations.

“Serving the people of Brattleboro has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career,” said Symonds. “Public service has always been a guiding principle in my life, whether in the fire service or the military. While I am humbled by the opportunity to serve our nation during this deployment, I leave knowing the fire department and emergency management organization will continue to be guided by dedicated professionals committed to this community.”

To ensure continuity of operations during Chief Symonds’ military leave, Peter Lynch will serve as Interim Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director. Lynch will work alongside the department’s leadership team to oversee fire and EMS operations, emergency preparedness, incident management, and departmental functions, ensuring continued delivery of the high level of service the community expects.

Burn Ban in Effect – Town of Brattleboro

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

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, and we have not received any substantial rainfall in
several days. In addition, forecasted conditions indicate increased wind and the potential for
higher gusts tomorrow, which significantly increases the risk of fire spread. These factors
combined create a high wildfire risk, where even a small spark could ignite a fast-moving and
dangerous fire.

South Main Drug Bust?

by cgrotke | Police & Fire

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.

Burn Ban in Effect – Town of Brattleboro

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

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.

Town of Brattleboro Honors Chief Norma Hardy, Appoints Chief Evans and Assistant Chief Petlock

by Not Signed In | Police & 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.

Brattleboro Structure Fire – 448 Halladay Brook Road

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

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.

Brattleboro Community Weather Preparedness Update

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

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.

Brattleboro Police Chief Norma Hardy Announces Retirement, Asst. Chief Jeremy Evans to Take Helm in March

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

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.

Akley Road Fire in Brattleboro

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

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.

Brattleboro Apartment Fire at 107 Elliot Street

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

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.

Burn Ban in Effect – Town of Brattleboro

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

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.

Burn Ban in Effect – Town of Brattleboro

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

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.

Burn Ban in Effect – Town of Brattleboro

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

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.

Brattleboro Burn Ban in Effect – High Fire Danger

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

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.

Heat Advisory Issued for Brattleboro: Dangerous Temperatures Expected July 16 from 12 PM to 8 PM

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

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.

Brattleboro Press Release – Fire at 52 S. Main Street

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

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. 

Brattleboro Three-Alarm Fire at SIT Quickly Contained, Emergency Response

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

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.

Brattleboro Appoints Jay Symonds as Fire Chief

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire
Jay Symonds

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.

Vermont HAZMAT Response at Technology Drive

by Not Signed In | Police & Fire

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.