Woodstock Early Bird The Early Bird Gets the Worm: earlybirdtips@gmail.com

Incoming Police Chief Robbie Blish takes the reins from Chief Byron Kelly, Jr.

How apropos that I just ran into Woodstock’s New Chief of Police Robbie Blish at our Welcome Center (you know the one down the alley on Mechanic Street).  Blish seemed pleased to be welcomed and even cracked a self-effacing joke or two. A good sign from  a new Chief who down the road will be dealing with situations that are not particularly joking matters.

Outgoing Police Chief Byron Kelly, Jr.  and New Chief Blish were going on “rounds” to meet and greet and learn the ropes of law enforcement in this community of 3,000 year-round residents. As we know, Blish grew up down the road in Springfield, Vermont, served on their police force for several years and most recently has been working for the big city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He’s started work and his family is one the way North.

Woodstock Early Bird would like to say that  I hope Chief Blish is as respectful of journalists’ jobs as Chief Kelly has been. Kelly, a master of smiling evasion, never gave up anything to the press but understood and respected that we have a job to do collecting and sharing news that is of public interest. Kelly accepted that we would often be (respectfully) on scene of an accident or other news event. He understood that we often had to ask about unsavory situations. He  returned phone calls, answered questions and when he couldn’t answer questions,  he alway threw a reporter a bone — he would suggest another avenue to get answers to information reporters were seeking. We left the conversation with “something.” Kelly also respected that there can be competition in the journalism world and if one reporter got a lead on a scoop first, he would make sure that reporter  got the details first.  Thanks, Byron!  There is a natural tension between law enforcement and the press and public’s ” need to know”.  You walked the tightrope well. 

Chief Blish, speaking on behalf of the small group of reporters here  in town, we look forward to working with you to bring important issues to light  and to helping you to keep Woodstock a safe and pleasant place to live.