Washington County Sheriff Marc Poulin to seeks second term in 2026
February 16, 2026 | By Marc Poulin
Editor’s note:
Washington County Sheriff Marc Poulin has announced that he will seek re-election this year. County sheriffs are on the ballot in the August state primary and the November General Election.
Poulin ran for his first time in 2022. He was unopposed in the Democratic primary. In November 2022, he also was unopposed and ran with the endorsement of both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Below is his candidate announcement.
Sheriff Marc Poulin takes the oath of office in 2023. Courtesy photo
I am announcing my candidacy for a second term as Washington County Sheriff, reaffirming my commitment to public safety, responsible leadership, and dedicated service to the citizens of Washington County.
Having first taken office on January 31, 2023, I have deep gratitude for the trust the community has placed in me. Together with the dedicated staff of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, we have made tremendous progress. I am asking for the opportunity to continue that progress.
A record of proven leadership
During this first term, beginning in 2023, I as sheriff have led one of the most comprehensive periods of modernization in the history of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Key accomplishments have included:
Pay increases for deputies to better reflect today’s challenges and educational requirements
Additions to the employee benefit package
Embedding Deputies within the Vermont Treatment Court Program
Leading the rebuilding of the Sheriff’s Office at 10 Elm St. in Montpelier after the devastating July 2023 flood, which included upgrades to security, networking, and workflow
A comprehensive revision of the Department Policy & Procedures Manual
Upgraded to Axon body cameras to ensure transparency and accountability
Added Conducted Energy devices and less lethal impact munitions as additional use-of-force options
Upgraded to level IIIA+ ballistic vests for all uniformed staff, with outer carrier vests for greater protection and officer comfort
Launched the office’s first website
An online scheduling app for all employees to enhance communication and flexibility with real-time data, time-off requests, and schedule-change notifications
We completed three required State of Vermont audits with no discrepancies or major issues, with the department in a sound financial position and positive net worth
Expanded deputy training beyond minimum state requirements, including FBI-LEEDA training for all supervisory staff
Completed Emergency Medical Service training for all full-time staff and select others. Licensed as VEFR or EMT
Addition of Automated External Defibrillators in select patrol vehicles
As sheriff, I was selected for and attended the National Sheriff’s Institute Leadership Course held at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the only course designed to prepare first-term sheriffs for the challenges of their unique positions. I was also selected for and attended the National Sheriff’s Institute Communicating for Impact pilot course held at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, a first-of-its-kind program designed to enhance a sheriff’s communication skills with the public.
The department applied for and received several Homeland Security grants, including: one to replace all computer equipment, moving away from multiple devices per deputy to a single device for greater security and efficiency; another to replace all mobile UHF and VHF and portable UHF radios; and another to add a dispatch console to match the console at the Capitol Dispatch center to serve as an alternative site in the event of a critical incident.
Upgraded our community training room with A/C and new audio/visual equipment
Introduced a new marking design to department vehicles to better reflect our Vermont heritage.
Introduced virtual reality, scenario-based training for deputies
Began providing Training Assistants to the Vermont Police Academy to assist in instructing new officers learning the trade
Added additional staff and higher-level certifications to cover our department programs and services
Added portable fingerprinting services to better serve the needs of our community by traveling to their locations
Received authorization from the State of Vermont for a 3rd Transport Deputy position
Updated our snowmachine enforcement program with newer sleds and a trailer
These accomplishments reflect our commitment to safety, continuing leadership, and dedicated service to the people of Washington County. We have made progress and there is more work to be done. It has taken time to understand our challenges, create a plan, and make improvements. I am proud of the work that the team has completed.
My heart has always been in serving the people of Washington County and the State of Vermont. With your support, I will continue strengthening public safety, supporting our communities, modernizing our operations, and ensuring that our sheriff’s office remains one of the most professional and effective law enforcement agencies in Vermont.
I humbly ask for your continued support.
Your Sheriff,
Sheriff Marc Poulin