Sheriff Stephen Bernard and High Sheriff Doctor Sarah Furness with Rutland Radio's Rob Persani
Photo Rutland Radio www.rutlandradio.co.uk
It's hoped a link between Rutland in the American state of Vermont and our own county will boost the number of tourists visiting our area.
The High Sheriff Doctor Sarah Furness has invited a sheriff from Vermont, to see the differences between the two areas and to forge a new relationship.
Sheriff Stephen Bernard's role is more of an active one - he's responsible to tackling crime back home.
While traditionally our High Sheriff would have been involved in law enforcement, the role is now purely ceremonial.
The city of Rutland is the county seat of Rutland County, Vermont, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 16,495. Rutland is located approximately 65 miles (105 km) north of the Massachusetts state line and 20 miles (32 km) east of the state of New York. Rutland is the third largest city in Vermont, after Burlington and South Burlington. It is surrounded by the town of Rutland, which is a separate municipality. The downtown area of the city is listed as an historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.
Stephen Benard was born and grew up in Rutland and started his law enforcement career with the Rutland County Sheriff's Office in 1979. His law enforcement experience includes 10 years with the Ludlow Police Department and he returned to the Rutland County Sheriff's Office in 1990. He is a graduate of the 32nd Basic Training Course for Police Professionals, the 198th Session of the FBI National Academy, the 97th Session of the National Sheriff's Institute and the Leadership in Police Organizations training in Vermont. The Sheriff is divorced and lives in North Clarendon, VT.
www.rutlandsheriff.net
