The United Federation of Police Officers announced the settlement of a new labor contract for the Brewster Police Superior Officers Association, marking a significant step forward for ranking officers in Brewster and strengthening the department’s competitiveness across Cape Cod.

Under the agreement, Brewster Police Superior Officers are positioned to become the fourth highest paid police department on Cape Cod, reflecting the town’s recognition of the leadership responsibilities, experience, and public-safety demands carried by its superior officers.

The settlement follows the Brewster Police Superior Officers Association’s decision to join the United Federation of Police Officers earlier this year, a move that expanded the association’s access to experienced labor representation, legal support, and collective bargaining resources.

Union Representative Sean R. McArdle said the agreement reflects a responsible and forward-looking approach to public safety bargaining, ensuring that Brewster remains competitive in a challenging police labor market while supporting experienced police leadership within the department.

“This settlement is an important achievement for the Brewster Police Superior Officers Association,” McArdle said. “By moving Brewster’s superior officers into the fourth highest paid position among Cape Cod police departments, the town has taken a meaningful step toward recognizing the professionalism, responsibility, and leadership these hard working officers provide every day.”

The United Federation of Police Officers noted that the settlement demonstrates the value of strong, experienced labor representation and a focused bargaining strategy. The agreement supports both the superior officers who serve the community and the long-term strength of public safety services in Brewster.

On behalf of the United Federation of Police Officers, I write to express our strong support for S. 3719, the “National Law Enforcement Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act.” I respectfully urge you to co-sponsor this bipartisan, pro-law enforcement legislation,introduced by Senators Thom Tillis and Richard Blumenthal.

S. 3719 would establish within the U.S. Department of the Interior a formal program through which the Secretary of the Interior would provide annual support to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) to enhance the community outreach, publiceducation, and officer safety and wellness programs of the National Law Enforcement Museum.

NLEOMF, which operates the National Law Enforcement Museum, and the Museum itself were created by Acts of Congress in 1984 and 2000. The fact that Congress saw fit to create both the National Law Enforcement Memorial and the National Law Enforcement Museum sets a powerful precedent and underscores the importance of their mission. NLEOMF and the Museum are uniquely qualified to partner with the Department of the Interior in fulfilling the vital mission of educating the public about the key role law enforcement plays in our democracy, strengthening the bond between communities and law enforcement, promoting officer safety and wellness, and advancing quality scholarship on law enforcement history.

At a time when many law enforcement agencies across the country remain understaffed, and many departments have been forced to declare personnel emergencies and rely on mandatory overtime, there is a critical need to enhance public understanding and appreciation of law enforcement while also improving the safety and wellness of the officers who serve our communities.

Fostering a more informed and constructive relationship between law enforcement and the public is essential to public safety, community trust, and social cohesion. A sustained national effort to preserve the history of American law enforcement, strengthen understanding of the profession, and support the wellbeing of those who wear the badge is urgently needed. S. 3719 is an important step toward accomplishing those goals.

Thank you for your consideration of this important legislation. On behalf of the United Federation of Police Officers, I respectfully urge you to co-sponsor S. 3719 and support its passage in the United States Senate.

Sincerely,

Sean R. McArdle, Acting President, United Federation of Police Officers

On June 30th, the Vermont Labor Relations Board certified the United Federation of Police Officers (UFPO) as the exclusive bargaining unit representative for the Bennington (VT) Police Department bargaining unit. The Bennington Police Association unanimously voted to disaffiliate itself from its longtime union the New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) and join the United Federation of Police Officers, Inc. The members wanted a union that would be able to address all the needs of a Vermont Police Union.  In speaking with local leadership, they were concerned that the New England PBA could no longer provided the overall expertise that UFPO has to offer to police officers in Vermont, and after careful consideration the members took the necessary steps to change unions. They are now members of the fastest growing police union in the State of Vermont. We welcome them to the growing UFPO family.

UFPO leadership welcomed the decision and expressed their commitment to Bennington law enforcement professionals. “We’re honored to have the unanimous support of the Bennington Police Association,” said UFPO Northeast Director of Organizing Chris Hoar. “Their members serve their community with professionalism and dedication, and we look forward to ensuring their voices are heard and their priorities advanced at every level.”

International Representative Sean R. McArdle called the Bennington Police Association, “A very aggressive and determined group of officers who should be excited about joining an aggressive national law enforcement labor organization.” McArdle continued, “The Bennington Police Association decision adds to the continued momentum of law enforcement professionals throughout the county seeking out UFPO for its reputation of responsive service, experienced representatives, and labor advocacy.”

Join the New York Yankees, United Federation of Police Officers (UFPO) and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) on the below dates for specially priced ticket packages and a fun-filled Night at Yankee Stadium as the Yankees honor law enforcement. For every ticket sold $10.00 will benefit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF).

DISCOUNTED TICKET PACKAGES START AT $47.44

• Tuesday July 21, 2026 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates**
• Tuesday August 25, 2026 vs. Houston Astros**

**For this special event ticket package, a New York Yankees and NLEOMF co-branded challenge coin is included**.

For questions regarding this event, please contact New York Yankees Representative Joe Grande JGrande@Yankees.com

Thank you to everyone who came out to Montague Golf Club (VT) to support our first annual golf tournament. We are truly grateful for the players, sponsors, volunteers, families, friends, and guests who helped make the day such a memorable success.

It was wonderful to see so many members, family and friends come together for a day filled with great golf, friendly competition, laughter, and support. Whether you played in the tournament, sponsored a hole, donated a prize, volunteered your time, or simply came out to cheer everyone on, your involvement made a meaningful difference.

Your enthusiasm, generosity, and community spirit helped create an event we will remember for years to come. From the first tee-off to the final putt, the course was filled with energy, sportsmanship, and a shared commitment to making this first annual tournament something special.

We would also like to extend a special thank-you to everyone behind the scenes who helped with planning, registration, setup, coordination, and cleanup. Events like this take teamwork, and we could not have done it without the dedication and hard work of so many generous people.

We are excited to build on the success of this year’s tournament and make next year’s event even bigger and better. Thank you again for your support, participation, and generosity. We look forward to seeing you back on the course next year.

Every dollar raised through this event went directly to the Vermont Police Association’s Law Enforcement Assistance Programs, which is helping provide critical resources and support to Vermont’s law enforcement community and their families when they need it most.

The United Federation of Police Officers (UFPO) and the Otsego County Sheriff P.B.A (NY) stand in full support of First Sergeant Kris Solovitch of the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department as he faces criminal allegations arising from actions taken in the performance of his duties as a law enforcement officer.

Like every citizen, First Sergeant Solovitch is entitled to the presumption of innocence and the due process protections afforded by our justice system. Based upon our understanding of the circumstances, we believe these allegations are unfounded and the facts will ultimately demonstrate First Sergeant Solovitch acted justly and within the scope of his lawful duties and responsibilities.

The public narrative surrounding this matter has been deeply concerning and highlights one of our nation’s biggest crises when it comes to restoring the ranks and trust of the law enforcement community. The negative rhetoric being directed toward the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department has been unfairly directed at and impacted the dedicated deputies who continue to serve their community with professionalism, integrity, and commitment. It is both disheartening and unjust to see an entire agency and its members drawn into a narrative based upon the actions and allegations surrounding one individual not referenced in this letter.

We remain confident the truth will come to light and First Sergeant Solovitch will be afforded the fair and impartial process he deserves. We have faith he will ultimately be vindicated.

Unfortunately, this situation appears to reflect a troubling trend in which good officers are increasingly subjected to scrutiny and targeting despiteacting in good faith and in accordance within the scope of their duties. Law enforcement professionals shouldn’t be forced to fear criminal prosecution simply for carrying out their responsibilities when those actions are lawful, reasonable, and undertaken in service to their communities.

First Sergeant Solovitch’s record speaks for itself. Before serving the residents of Otsego County for more than two decades as a law enforcement officer, he honorably served our nation as a veteran. His longstanding commitment to public service, both in uniform and in law enforcement, is deserving of recognition and respect.

The United Federation of Police Officers and the Otsego County Sheriff P.B.A proudly stands with First Sergeant Solovitch and with the members of the Otsego County Deputy Sheriff’s Police Benevolent Association. We will continue to support our brothers and sisters in law enforcement and advocate for fairness, accountability, and due process for all.

Respectfully,

United Federation of Police Officers & Otsego County Sheriff P.B.A

The United Federation of Police Officers today announced the settlement of a new three year labor contract agreement with the town of Brewster Massachusetts that includes base pay increases, educational incentive, vacation increases, sick leave incentives, better bereavement leave, training stipend, increase in shift differential, court time, swaps and mental health wellness days for the members.  This settlement reinforces the union’s shared commitment to maintaining strong public safety services for all communities it represents.

The agreement represents an important step forward in the town recognizing the critical role their police dispatchers and public safety personnel play in emergency responses, coordination, and community protection. Union Representative Sean R. McArdle said the settlement reflects a balanced approach that supports its workforce while helping ensure continuity, reliability, and effectiveness in Brewster’s public safety operations.

Under the terms of the settlement, the labor contract provides for 19.4 percent base pay increases over three years is intended to better reflect the responsibilities and demands of the profession, support retention and recruitment, and strengthen the long-term stability of the dispatch operations in Brewster. McArdle emphasized that investing in the current dispatch personnel is essential to sustaining high-quality emergency communications and responsive public safety services.

“This settlement is a meaningful investment in the dispatch professionals who serve on the front lines of the town’s public safety every day,” said McArdle. “By securing fair pay and benefits through this labor contract, the town showed it is supporting the dedicated men and women who help keep Brewster safe and ensuring that their public safety systems remain strong and effective into the further.”

The United Federation of Police Officers noted that the settlement demonstrates the value of a strong experienced union negotiator, a collaborative effort in negotiations and a shared focus on responsible solutions that benefit employees, employers, and the public alike. Additional information about the agreement, including implementation details and effective dates, will be shared as appropriate.

About the United Federation of Police Officers
The United Federation of Police Officers represents public safety professionals and advocates for fair working conditions, competitive compensation, and the resources needed to protect the communities they serve.

Yesterday, United Federation of Police Officers Sean McArdle and Christopher Hoar both attended a State Transportation Board meeting in Newport, VT to support a petition to dedicate a portion of Interstate 91 in honor of Federal Law Enforcement Officer Christopher ‘David’ Maland, who was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty on January 20, 2025.

Below is the written statement Sean McArdle provided last year:

December 28, 2025

Subject: Honoring Federal Law Enforcement Officer David ‘Chris’ Maland

To Whom It May Concern,

On behalf of the United Federation of Police Officers, I am writing to formally express our strong support for the naming of a portion of Interstate 91, in the name of Federal Law Enforcement Officer David ‘Chris’ Maland who was tragically killed in the line of duty. As a founding member of the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C., the UFPO has long been committed to ensuring the sacrifices of fallen officers are honored with dignity, permanence, and respect. The renaming of this stretch of highway would be a meaningful continuation of this important mission.

This designation will honor the life of Officer Maland and their unwavering commitment, deep sense of duty, and the tremendous sacrifice they made. By adopting the Maland name, we pay tribute to the character and courage which defined their service, while ensuring the surviving family’s sacrifice is recognized with the respect it deserves. This tribute will stand as a lasting reminder of the values Officer Maland lived by and the profound impact one dedicated officer can have on a community and their country.

We respectfully urge the relevant authorities and decision makers to approve the naming of a section of Interstate 91 in honor of Officer David ‘Chris’ Maland. We are confident this change will be embraced by the community and serve as a meaningful symbol of their steadfast support for law enforcement officers.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Please feel free to contact us if you require any additional information or wish to discuss our endorsement further.

As we remember our heroes “Jessica’s Law” has officially become law in the State of Vermont with Governor Phil Scott’s signing of S.89.

This is an extremely proud moment for the United Federation of Police Officers, Vermont Police Association and without question, the most meaningful accomplishment I’ve personally been a part of in my career.

This effort began following the tragic line of duty death of Rutland City Police Department’s Officer Jessica Ebbighausen. Officer Ebbighausen’s loss shook the entire law enforcement community and served as a painful reminder of the risks our officers face every single day in service to others.

In the same year Officer Ebbighausen was killed, I became President of the Vermont Police Association and made a promise we’d put every effort into ensuring all of Vermont’s law enforcement officers were included in the State’s line of duty death benefits for surviving families. At the time, Vermont stood alone as the only state in New England without a state-paid line of duty death benefit for law enforcement officers.

We changed that!

“Jessica’s Law” ensures the sacrifice made by officers who give their lives in the line of duty will never again be met with the absence of state support for their surviving loved ones. While no law can ever heal the pain carried by surviving families, because what they’ve sacrificed is beyond our power to repay, this legislation sends a message the State of Vermont stands behind those left behind.

Action often results in struggle and errors, and this cause is what it means to dare greatly. There’re many people deserving of recognition for helping make this possible and the credit belongs to all of those who actively engaged in this worthy cause over the years.

We cannot thank Representative Mark Higley enough for sponsoring the first iterations of this bill and believing in its importance from the very beginning. Representative Ashley Bartley, Emilie Krasnow, State Representative, Representative Marc Mihaly, the members of the House Committees on General & Housing, and Legislative Counsel Sophie Zdatny for devoting an incredible amount of time, effort, and energy to these efforts over the years and never giving up on it.

Many thanks are also owed to Tanya Vyhovsky, Vermont State Senator, Senator Brian Collamore, and the members of the Senate Committee on Government Operations for their significant contributions in helping get S.89 passed this year.

We also want to sincerely thank Governor Phil Scott and the rest of the Vermont Legislature for recognizing the importance of this issue and ensuring this legislation crossed the finish line.

This accomplishment is for every law enforcement officer in Vermont, every surviving family member, and every person who believes those who make the ultimate sacrifice in service to others should never be forgotten.

Christopher Hoar
President, Vermont Police Association

Lobbyist, United Federation of Police Officers

D-Day, June 6, 1944, stands as one of the most significant moments of the Second World War. On that day, Allied forces launched the Normandy landings, the opening assault of Operation Overlord, in a bold effort to break through Nazi defenses in occupied France. The scale of the operation was unprecedented, involving roughly 160,000 Allied troops supported by thousands of ships and aircraft. By establishing a foothold in Normandy, the Allies began the hard and costly campaign that would help liberate Western Europe.

The landings at Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches demanded extraordinary bravery. Service members faced fierce resistance, dangerous surf, fortified defenses, and immense uncertainty, yet they pressed forward. Their courage came at a tremendous human cost, and D-Day remains a solemn reminder of the price of freedom. It is also a testament to international cooperation, as forces from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations fought side by side in a common cause.

Remembering D-Day is more than marking a date on the calendar. It is about honoring those who served, mourning those who never returned, and recognizing the resilience of all who endured the war. Their example calls on us to value peace, defend democracy, and teach future generations why this history must never be forgotten. On this anniversary, the United Federation of Police Officers’ pauses in gratitude and remembrance for all who helped change the world on June 6, 1944.