MIDDLEBURY — State and local police officials offered few details on the reasons behind a stepped-up security presence at Gov. James Douglas’s property off South Munger Street late last week.
Neighbors and passersby noted, at one point on Thursday, three Vermont State Police cruisers and one Middlebury police vehicle near the governor’s home.
Sgt. Tara Thomas, spokeswoman for the VSP, said the security crackdown was related to recent threats made to governors throughout the nation.
“We acknowledge we have added security coverage for the governor,” said Thomas. “Our policy is to not comment on anything surrounding the governor’s security.”
Douglas, a Middlebury Republican, is rounding out his eighth year as the state’s chief executive. He is not running for re-election this November. The governor is routinely escorted by one driver, who is also a security official, provided by the Vermont Department of Public Safety.
Middlebury Police Chief Tom Hanley acknowledged his department also helped with the added security. He could offer few details on Thursday.
“This is a state police operation,” Hanley said. “There is an increased presence there, obviously.
“None of the neighbors are in any danger; it is just a precaution,” Hanley added.
Reporter John Flowers is at [email protected].