The Vernon Town Council voted unanimously to approve Mayor Daniel A. Champagne’s appointment of Lieutenant Robert A. Mara as captain of the Vernon Police Department. The council administered the oath of office at the meeting; the appointment is effective Oct. 22, 2025.

The appointment was moved and seconded during the council’s regular meeting and approved by voice vote. After the vote, council members swore in Mara and posed for photographs. Mayor Champagne presided over the ceremony.

Mara spoke briefly about recent training he completed. “So it was a, it was a long 10 weeks down in Quantico, Virginia, but it was, very rewarding. The relationships that we built and the, things that I hope to bring back here, will be well receptive, I believe,” Mara said. He added that he attended the course with participants from several countries and said he looked forward to starting “this next part of my chapter and, the department and I look forward to working with all of you.”

Council member Phyllis Winkler thanked Mara for his service and another council member praised his community involvement and rapport with officers before the unanimous vote. The meeting concluded with a short reception and cake to mark the swearing-in and the council’s final meeting of the 2023–2025 term.

Votes at a glance: Consent agenda — adopted unanimously; Minutes of Oct. 7, 2025 regular meeting — approved unanimously; Appointment of Robert A. Mara as captain — approved unanimously.