Welcome to the Shelburne Police Department
On June 30, 2025, in the early evening, Chief Michael Thomas died after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Over the years, Chief Thomas has become a dear friend, not a fair-weather friend, but the type of friend you can call in the middle of the night for any reason. He would console us in times of despair and laud and celebrate with us in our achievements. He also had an uncanny way of humbling and redirecting you when the heart on your sleeve seemed to get in the way inevitably. The fact is, this was how Mike worked, and his ability to make you feel heard was unparalleled. His leadership and willingness to mentor so many in our community have not gone unnoticed.
Mike worked for several Police Departments over the years and left a piece of himself at each one. In the early years of his career, he was a member of the Stamford Police Department in southern Vermont. Where he waited in the parking lot for an oral board, as he told it, with 50 other people all scheduled at the same time. The amusing part of the story was that he was the first in the parking lot, but the staff decided to conduct the oral boards in alphabetical order. Later, he moved to the University of Vermont Police Services, where he became a Patrol Sergeant. He joined us part-time at the Shelburne Police Department for a while. He ultimately decided to complete his career with us, first as a Patrol Officer, then as a Lieutenant, and finally as our beloved Chief.
Mike loved a good story, a hot cup of coffee (no matter how bad it was), and most of all, he loved talking about his family. His wife, Cheryl, would float in, make sure he had eaten, water his plants, and brighten not only Mike’s day but the rest of the office, especially when quiche came with her.
We could go on and on, but we leave you with this: Mike, you are loved, you are missed, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We expect you to walk through the doors with the Cheshire cat grin, and most importantly, you and your impact will never be forgotten.
Godspeed, Mike. We Have the Watch!
Colleagues,
The family of Chief Thomas has been in touch with us about plans for honoring and celebrating Chief Thomas.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 2, at noon, he will be transported from UVMMC in Burlington to Ready’s Funeral Home, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington. There will be a formal police procession with multiple police departments participating, and our own Corporal Keith Gonyeau will lead the way on a police motorcycle.
If you would like to observe the procession, coming down Main St. to So. Willard St. to Shelburne Road, I suggest parking at Ready’s, located in the back. We can assemble on the sidewalk on Shelburne Road as the procession makes its way to Ready’s between 12:10 and 12:20.
Next week, viewing hours will be held on Tuesday, July 8, at Saint Jude the Apostle Church, 10759 Route 116, Hinesburg, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 9, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Jude the Apostle Church. There will not be a procession to the cemetery. We will update you on Monday as plans are refined.
We are committed to our mission through the development and pursuit of goals designed to enhance public safety in the community. Our mission is “To Protect and Serve” the life, individual liberty, and property of everyone within the town, to develop and maintain positive relationships with community members, and to foster a positive working environment for police and communications employees.
We are a full-service Police Department, accessible to the public 24 hours a day, year-round. Feel free to call or stop by to discuss any problems or concerns. The Police Department carries many motor vehicle forms and information about Domestic Violence, Enhanced 9-1-1, Fish and Game Regulations, and Internet Safety Brochures. The Police Department provides many services, including Applicant Fingerprinting, Child Restraint and Seat Inspection, Drug Take Back, Neighborhood Watch, and Vacant House Checks. It operates a speed enforcement cart for monitoring traffic speeds on major roads and neighborhood streets.
The Shelburne Police Department and Shelburne Communications Center are located at 5420 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, Vermont, on the Ground Floor of the Shelburne Town Office Complex.
Pink Police Patch
October has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month for nearly four decades. It is a time annually devoted to educating everyone about breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and access to timely, high-quality care.
We now have Pink Patches available for a limited time to support and recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Our Pink Patches are available at our Office for $10 each. The proceeds from these patches will be donated to Breast Cancer Research.