ST. JOHNSBURY – Caledonia County Sheriff Brandon Thrailkill announced accreditations and promotions that have recently occurred within the department.
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On January 23 Lieutenant Brian Tallmadge, Deputy Doug Morrill and Deputy Bobbie Roy completed Field Training Officer (FTO) School.
“This is a great accomplishment and addition within the department as we now have four total field training officers available to train new and incoming staff,” said Sheriff Thrailkill.
Roy, who has been a sheriff’s deputy for two and a half years, said the FTO training will allow her to train others for the department.
She went into the U.S. Army right out of high school, where she served as a military police officer, then worked in corrections. Now as a sheriff’s deputy, she said she “wants to be an asset to the department and community.”
Deputy Doug Morrill was promoted to sergeant on February 1. He’s been with the Caledonia County department since August, when he transferred from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department.
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Morrill said Sheriff Thrailkill has been very supportive of the department’s staff. “Coverage of Caledonia County towns [contracting with the department] has improved through this rebuilding phase,” he said.
“Visibility seems to be a lot greater now, we’ve been able to make connections with people in the communities we serve.”
In addition to Morrill’s appointment, Tyler Deos was promoted to director of finance and Peggy Cochran to chief of operations.
Deos started as a part-time deputy in 2018. He has an associates degree in business administration. “A lot of good things are happening and a lot of good people are coming through the door,” he said.
“It’s a really good place to work.”
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Cochran’s promotion has her “in charge of scheduling deputies, contract operations and overseeing everything with dispatch.”
She started working in the sheriff’s department in 2007, 19 years ago. The sheriff is open with staff and working to build the department and patrol division,” she said, “and he’s great with people.”
With more staff in place, Cochran said the department is “providing more coverage in places like Walden and getting part timers through the academy.”
Roy said she hopes to start level-three training next and has been collecting signatures on a petition to run for election to Caledonia County High Bailiff. If elected, she would be able to act as sheriff until the governor appoints someone.
She said, “this is something that I am willing and able to take on, should it be needed.”
Sheriff Thrailkill said, “The year 2026 has started off great with these accomplishments being a large piece of it. We are excited to continue growing and serving our communities. Feel free to contact me for further information or questions.”
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
