Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article mis-identified Candace Coburn and Chris Miller as Woodstock Selectboard members. They are Woodstock Village Trustees. Coburn is the Chairwoman of the Village Trustees.
The Woodstock Village Trustees approved a contract offer for its new Woodstock Police Chief this evening, offering the job to Robbie A. Blish, currently living and working in Fort Lauderdale, Florida who was born and raised in Springfield, Vermont.
Blish has 16 years experience of police work, including five years with the Springfield, Vermont Police. The 43-year-old graduated from Norwich University in Northfield in 1990. He will be offered a three-year contract with, as is routine, a year mandatory probation.
Separately, the Woodstock Selectboard approved the contract offer Tuesday evening 5-0 in executive session.Speaking Wednesday evening, Selectman Bruce Gould said for him it came down to answers to such questions as “What kind of cop are you? Law and Order or what?” Gould says Blish answered that some considered him a bit laid-back but that he can deal with anything that comes his way. Search committee members also noted Blish’s police work doing community outreach and helping the homeless. “But when it came down to it,” said Gould, “He’s still a Vermonter…and that rises above the rest.” He noted that Blish, although working in a city setting, does not have the demeanor of a city boy.
Village Trustees Chairwoman Candace Coburn said, in fact, that despite the good qualifications of the seven candidates interviewed, including two from Woodstock, Blish offeredwhat might be described as a bit of fresh air. She said this bit of experience would help Woodstock in the future, ” It might be a good thing to have a person with an eye for urban problems.” Town Manager Phil Swanson said an extensive background check was conducted by a former Vermont State Trooper who spoke with people who have worked with Blish. Emergency Services Director L.D. Sutherland, Jr. also spoke with members of the Springfield Fire Department to get a “read” about Blish. All came up positive.
Trustee Chris Miller, however, said he needed to abstain from the vote to approve the contract. He said that since he had not met the final candidate in person he was hesitant to move forward. Bob Pear, also a Village Trustee, agreed he wished that he had the opportunity to meet the future police chief, feeling as if the decision had already been made by the Search committee. Nonetheless, he said he would vote for the contract since it was like starting a relationship, but not yet a marriage, “You have to give it your best shot.”
Chairwoman Coburn said the search committee gave Blish a “whole-hearted recommendation” and that it is important the community provide a proper welcome for Police Chief Blish with appropriate introductions to all the different groups in town. He is scheduled to start work in two week — as soon as July 18th.
Blish will move his family from Florida to Vermont although it’s not known yet if he’ll live in Woodstock proper. Swanson says there are incentives for police to live in town but it’s not always possible due to expense. The Chief of Police IS expected to live within 15 minutes of the Emergency Services Building.
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 