In The News

Windsor County Sheriff Attending 3 Month Advanced Training

February 25, 2025

WOODSTOCK, Vt. (WCAX) - Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer will be noticeably absent from the department for three months, though he's not exactly off the job. He's going back to the classroom for advanced training.

"For me, this is about continuing to grow and evolve as a leader," said The Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer.

He is one of roughly 40 police officers from around the country putting down their badge and gun and picking up a pencil and notebook as part of the Southern Police Institute's annual executive leadership course.

Plamer, who was elected in 2022, will bring what he learns back to Windsor County. "Things like confirmation bias is what I am doing. Are we continuing to do that just because that is what we think we should do?" he said.

"The world is constantly changing, especially in law enforcement," said Windsor County Sheriff Chief Deputy Paul Samataro, who is running the department in Palmer's absence. He's got 30 years in law enforcement under his belt and says policing needs to change with the times. "Drug abuse has skyrocketed in the communities. It's just an epidemic that we are trying to get a handle on. We battle it every day."

And that battle comes with a cost, which is something Palmer is learning about. "One of our classes is about trauma-informed policing and really understanding how trauma affects not just the people we are serving and dealing with but how it affects law enforcement," Palmer said.

And he knows trauma first hand. While on duty as a beat cop a decade ago- Palmer was charged in a non-fatal use of force shooting. It was a rare trial against a Vermont police officer. Palmer was eventually acquitted of all charges.

The new coursework comes as Windsor Country expands its coverage area into neighboring Orange County, adding to the department's workload. "It is certainly a long program and some people have questions about that, but I think in the grand scheme you know, hopefully, a 20 or 30-year career -- three months to make sure you are really on top of your game," Palmer said.

Palmer is the only law enforcement officer from Vermont attending the institute. He will be back in the Green Mountain State after graduating in May.

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Compliments of: WCAX Adam Sullivan