Donald Hull To Take Helm at Stowe, VT Police Department

As he prepares to retire from the Canton Police Department, Donald B. Hull confirmed he will not step away from law enforcement but rather assume the top post in Stowe, VT.

“It’s a nice area,” Hull said. “I saw it advertised, did some research and thought it would be a good fit.”

Those around him said his experiences over the past three decades in Canton leave him well prepared to be a police chief.

Hull started working part time in Canton in 1982 and two years later became a full-time officer. In the ensuing years he worked as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant and since 2001 as deputy chief, where he oversees day-to day operations, scheduling and works on initiatives such as vehicle purchasing and outfitting.

 For about five years he was a K9 handler, working with a German shepherd named “Blue” that he and his wife Kathleen continued to care for after his retirement and until the canine’s death. 

Hull is also one of two commanders for a regional tactical or “SWAT” team and graduated from the FBI Academy in 2009.

“He served the town quite admirably in his 28 years,” said Police Chief Christopher Arciero. “He was always a constant thread.”

Lowell Humphrey, who retired as Canton’s police chief in 2009, started just a few years before Hull and worked closely with him over the years.

“I think it’s a great loss for the town of Canton and the townspeople of Stowe are fortunate to have someone of his caliber,” Humphrey said. “He’s worked hard to earn a chief’s position.”

In addition to accidents, routine incidents, regional crimes, and medical calls, Hull has worked on arson investigations, major burglaries and even a couple of homicides over the years.

After Humphrey’s retirement and appointment of a chief that lasted just three months on the job, many in town wanted Hull appointed as the town’s next chief, according to news reports at the time.

Hull opted not to speak about that situation, instead praising those he’s worked with over the years, including four police chiefs who have “given me the ability to do my job here.”

He also thanked his co-workers and the community at large. 

“It’s just been a great experience, especially with the officers and personnel I’ve worked with,” Hull said. “The community and business people supported the department and supported me a lot over the years.”

As he goes to Vermont to start on Feb. 27, with just one week off, Hull is looking forward to honing his skiing skills and enjoying the area’s golf courses.

He will oversee a slightly smaller department in a similarly sized town. And regardless of the town, one of the most important aspects of policing are the ever-changing developments, especially in the technology area.

“Whether you’re a small department or big department, you have to keep up with the changes,” he said.

And Hull said he still plans to pursue another interest. Every year he and a friend visit a ranch in Montana that houses some beef cattle the two own. During the week- or two visits, Hull can be found branding, moving cows and riding.

“I guess I’m a cowboy at heart,” he said.

A going away party, hosted by family and friends, will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at the La Trattoria Restaurant, 21 Old Albany Turnpike (Route 44).

RSVP by Thursday, Feb. 16 to Anne Raftery at araftery@cantonpd.org or (860) 693-7692.Tickets are $20, payable at door. There will also be a cash bar.