The Fallen
This page is dedicated to honoring the members of our department that have died in the line of duty
Deputy Sheriff
John Henry Collette
End of Watch: July 17, 1932
Deputy Sheriff John Collette died after suffering a medical emergency while searching a passenger train in Vergennes for a hit-and-run suspect.
He caught the subject hiding in a baggage car and was escorting him into the railroad station when he suddenly collapsed. During the confusion, the prisoner escaped but was captured the following day in Burlington.
Deputy Collette was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
Deputy Sheriff
Ray William Russell
End of Watch: July 3, 1941
Deputy Sheriff Ray Russell was killed when he was run over by a truck on Maple Street, just south of Vergennes, during a milk strike.
Deputy Russell was riding on the milk truck, which was bound for New York, when a group of strikers stopped it and attempted to dump the truck's load. While attempting to fight off the strikers Deputy Russell fell from the truck and was run over.
Four strikers were arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with his death.
Officer's Down Memorial Page
ODMP is a website dedicated to honoring the men and women that have laid down their lives to protect their communities. Please click the link below to visit the website to read the biographies of those that have died in the line of duty.