Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott and Commissioner of Public Safety Thomas D. Anderson announced today that Commissioner Anderson will be stepping down on July 31.
“Tom has been an extremely valuable member of my team,” said Governor Phil Scott. “Under his steady and professional leadership, the Department of Public Safety has tackled some of Vermont’s most complex and important challenges, including the ongoing opioid crisis, school safety, fair and impartial policing, roadway safety, violent crime, officer safety, emergency preparedness and other critical public safety issues. His service and leadership are greatly appreciated.”
During Commissioner Anderson’s tenure, which began in January 2017, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has been central to many of Governor Scott’s priority initiatives, including enhancing school safety, reducing supply of narcotics as part of the state’s comprehensive response to the opioid epidemic and streamlining the permitting and licensure process, while upholding public safety standards. Anderson has also focused on establishing and fostering strong relationships with federal and local law enforcement, and with Vermont’s career and volunteer firefighters and first responders.
“I want to thank Governor Scott for the opportunity to lead the Department of Public Safety for the past two and a half years. It has been a truly remarkable and rewarding experience,” said Commissioner Anderson. “Vermont is fortunate to have extremely talented and dedicated men and women at DPS whose mission it is to keep Vermont safe. The Vermont State Police, Vermont Emergency Management, the Division of Fire Safety, the Forensic Lab, and the other components of DPS all play critical roles in making Vermont one of the safest states in the nation,” continued Anderson. “I am proud to call these men and women my colleagues and friends.”
Anderson decided it was time to rejoin his wife in Washington, D.C., in support of her career. The two have been living in separate states since he took this position. He is hoping to teach and to continue to serve the public in the future.
“In addition to his leadership at DPS, Tom’s perspective, guidance and commitment to teamwork will be missed by the Cabinet,” added Governor Scott. “I thank him for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
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