I was momentarily stunned to read that George Merkel has given his notice, but I totally understand why he has. Ever since he took over as chief of police in Vergennes, he has been harassed by its local citizens who had the nerve to try and pull together a citizens’ advisory group.

Talk about being crapped on and feeling totally untrusted!

I have known George Merkel for many years. I met him first when he was a Middlebury cop, and he’s about the fairest, most straight-arrow cops that I’ve ever dealt with. I taught at Job Corps for several years, and he was always there for us. He was always great with the kids — perhaps a little intimidating, but they needed to know that law enforcement can be fair, but strict, as many of them were from poverty-stricken neighborhoods where crime ran rampant — and he was always good with them.

Best of luck to you, Chief Merkel! You’ve been a great cop! Thanks for your service!

Carolyn Van Vleck

Brandon