By JOHN FLOWERS
MIDDLEBURY — Until recentÂly, Martha Rainville’s presence in a room would command either great trepidation or intense joy among those who would hang on her every word.
As adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, it was Maj. Gen. Rainville’s duty to send troops off to battle zones and make somber walks to a podium to release the names of Vermont soldiers killed during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
On the other hand, Rainville presided over many a repatriation ceremony, at which soldiers and their families celebrated joyful reunions.
Rainville last month traded in her military fatigues for some civilian attire en route to what she hopes will be a new career serving the public — as Vermont’s lone U.S. House member in Washington, D.C.
By JOHN S. McCRIGHT
BRISTOL — Vermont State Police arrested Bristol police officer Shawn Dillon on Friday and charged him with fraud in connection with an application for a $350,000 home mortgage.
Dillon, a Bristol resident, resigned from the Bristol Police Department on Saturday. He had been on the force for just under two years, according to Bristol Police Chief Kevin Gibbs.
According to VSP, Dillon, 28, had claimed on an application for a home mortgage that he was a state police trooper. He had applied for such a job, but had been denied the position.
Troopers arrested Dillon on Friday morning and charged him with fraud and resisting arrest. He was arraigned in Chittenden District Court Friday afternoon and released on conditions, including that he not contact witnesses. He is scheduled to appear before Judge Edward Cashman in that court on May 17.
