WARDSBORO – At the close of the annual Town Meeting in Wardsboro last month, two important positions in the town’s roster of public servants remained unfilled – first constable and animal control officer. However, at the selectboard meeting this past Tuesday evening, two residents stepped forward as volunteers to take on the responsibilities of those positions. The appointments of both candidates were approved by the board’s unanimous vote.

Duane Tompkins accepted the appointment of first constable; Carlene Davis accepted the appointment of dog warden. Both are property owners who live along the Townshend Dam Road section of the town. The position of second constable remains unfilled and the board is continuing to seek a qualified volunteer.

Under normal circumstances, first constable is an elected position, a fact that was reiterated by board chair Peter Sebastian, although whenever the post remains open after the annual meeting, the board has the option to fill the position by special appointment. The board’s action to appoint Tompkins eliminates the need for a warning and special election.

Tompkins is a retired police officer, and previously held the rank of lieutenant with the police department in Enfield, CT. He currently travels all over the country as a nationally recognized instructor in various aspects of law enforcement and drug abuse. In 1995, he received a Certificate of Award for Outstanding Achievement in the development of community policing.

Although Tompkins came to live in Wardsboro full time in 2007, he has a long history with the town going back to childhood summer vacations and long weekends spent with his grandparents in Wardsboro. He agreed to be the constable, he said, because he was asked to volunteer, and because he “wanted to do something to benefit the town.”

Although his law enforcement certification had lapsed since his retirement from active duty police work, Tompkins said he intends to complete the supplemental training necessary for part-time certification, courses which total some 75 hours of classroom and field training.

After July 1, training and certification are necessary, Sebastian said, in order for town constables to have “the full powers of every other law enforcement officer in the state of Vermont.”

Tompkins also agreed to take an active role in enforcing animal control, as well, to assist the newly-appointed Davis in her work.

Davis said that she is already well-equipped to take on the responsibilities of her post. She has an animal crate, leashes, bite gloves, a Havahart trap and she said, “I travel with a lot of biscuits.” Davis said that at this time she did not feel she needed any additional gear, such as a snare pole. Since this is her first time in office for animal control and dog warden, Sebastian advised her to “go slowly when it comes to enforcing the town’s ordinance” and follow the written policies of issuing warnings before taking further action. Davis reassured the board that she had read the pertaining ordinances and that she fully intends to respect the private property of the residents of the town in performing her duties.

Davis, whose position is one that is normally filled by appointment by the board, reports directly to them. The first constable is accountable to the town’s voters.