VERGENNES — Around 50 or 60 people visited the new headquarters of the Vergennes Police Department during an open house on Saturday, July 26.
Members of the police force welcomed guests to the new 4,611-square-foot facility, located at 8 Main St. in the city of Vergennes.
During the ceremony, members of the Vergennes Police Department, the Vermont State Police, the Addison County Sheriff’s Department and the Bristol Police Department were on hand to help celebrate the event. Also in attendance were State’s Attorney David Fenster, Vermont State Police Col. Thomas L’Esperance, members of the Vergennes City Council, representatives of the Vergennes and Ferrisburgh fire departments, former Vergennes police chiefs and the Vergennes Police Explorers.
Mayor Bill Benton, the lead guest speaker, commented about the important relationship that has developed between local, county and state law enforcement agencies within Addison County as well as the progress the Vergennes Police Department has made over the past five years. This message was reinforced by both Fenster and L’Esperance, who is director of the state police.
A short flag-raising ceremony was conducted and the national anthem was played by the Champlain Brass Quintet.  Vergennes officers conducted guided tours of the facility, and celebratory cake was offered to those attending. A second open house was held on the following Wednesday with another 30 or so people attending.