Windsor, VT – November 28, 2025 – The Windsor Police Association has taken a significant step toward new representation, with its members voting to depart from their current union the New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) and move forward with the United Federation of Police Officers (UFPO). The department’s decision follows strong support from its officers, who expressed a clear desire to continue to receive a more engaged and locally responsive union partner.

“On behalf of the Windsor Police Department… We look forward to joining the United Federation of Police Officers (UFPO)…” said one Local leader of the Windsor Police Association.

UFPO leadership welcomed Windsor’s decision and emphasized their readiness to continue working alongside the department. “The officers of the Windsor Police Department have always served their community with professionalism and dedication,” said UFPO Representative Sean McArdle. “We are honored by their confidence in us and look forward to ensuring they receive the strong, consistent representation they deserve.”

Windsor joins a growing number of Vermont agencies who have recently elected to pursue representation with UFPO, reflecting a broader shift toward unions offering active engagement, dependable local services, and proven advocacy for law enforcement professionals.

As families and friends gather around festive tables to share a Thanksgiving meal, it is important to remember the dedicated police officers who spend the holiday ensuring our communities remain safe. Their watchful presence allows us to celebrate with peace of mind, often at the expense of their own time with loved ones.

Police officers work tirelessly year-round, including on Thanksgiving, to patrol neighborhoods, respond to emergencies, manage public events, and uphold the law. Their role becomes even more vital during holidays, when increased travel, crowded gatherings, and special events bring unique challenges. By remaining vigilant, they help prevent accidents and address issues that may arise, allowing festivities to proceed smoothly.

Taking a moment to thank officers working on Thanksgiving reminds them that their dedication is seen and appreciated. Communities thrive when trust and mutual respect are nurtured, and small gestures of gratitude can make a significant difference in morale.

This Thanksgiving, as you savor good food and the company of family and friends, remember those who are standing watch. A simple “thank you” to the police officers working through the holiday is a powerful way to honor their service and their commitment to public safety.

A Tribute to Those Who Served

On this Veterans Day, UFPO takes a moment to honor and express our deepest gratitude to all the men and women who have served or continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces. Your courage, dedication, and sacrifices have protected our freedoms and shaped the nation we are proud to call home.

We recognize not only the veterans but also their families, whose unwavering support and resilience have been an essential part of their service. Let us remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to make our country safe and continue to support those who are still with us.

Thank you, veterans, for your service and commitment. Happy Veterans Day!

South Shore Local Ends Affiliation with NEPBA

A long-time affiliate of the New England Police Benevolent Association has terminated its relationship and joined the United Federation of Police Officers, Inc. The Cohasset, MA Police Association joined the growing number of New England Unions looking to join the United Federation of Police Officers.

The picturesque seaside community of Cohasset, MA is located along the south shore of Massachusetts, which has been the target of growth by the United Federation of Police Officers, Inc. The Cohasset Police Association ended its affiliation with the New England PBA and signed an affiliation agreement earlier with the United Federation of Police Officers.

Cohasset Police Association Executive Board stated, “The Cohasset Police Association is looking forward to a long and happy relationship with the UFPO. We are excited about the exceptional legal services provided by UFPO Attorney Howard Lenow. But the selling point for the switch was the proven track record and experience of their representatives.”

National Director of Organizing Chris Hoar called the Cohasset Police Association, “A very aggressive and determined group of police officers who should be excited about joining an aggressive law enforcement labor organization.” Hoar continued, “A welcomed addition to our growing family of law enforcement officers, and we are looking forward to providing them with exceptional and experienced service they deserve.”

Bellows Falls, VT – November 7, 2025 – The United Federation of Police Officers (UFPO) has filed a petition on behalf of the Bellows Falls Police Association, signaling the department’s unanimous decision to seek new union representation from the New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA). The move marks a decisive step away from their former labor representation and reflects the employees’ shared commitment to stronger, more dedicated advocacy.

“The Bellows Falls Police Department unanimously voted to leave the NEPBA and join the United Federation of Police Officers,” said Ofc. Josh Lake, President of the Bellows Falls Police Association. “We believe it is in our best interest to continue working with those most vested in the interests of the BFPA, and the broader law enforcement community. I look forward to a long and healthy partnership with the UFPO.”

UFPO leadership welcomed the decision and expressed their commitment to Bellows Falls’ law enforcement professionals. “We’re honored to have the unanimous support of the Bellows Falls Police Association,” said UFPO Representative 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.”

The Bellows Falls Police Association’s decision adds to the continued momentum of Vermont law enforcement professionals seeking out UFPO for its reputation of responsive service and proven advocacy.

Springfield, VT – September 25, 2025 – The United Federation of Police Officers (UFPO) has filed a petition with the Vermont Labor Relations Board (VLRB) on behalf of the Springfield Police Association, marking an important step in the department’s pursuit of new union representation.

This decision carries particular weight for Springfield’s Law Enforcement Professionals, who have faced challenging circumstances in recent months, including an officer involved shooting, and are seeking stronger, more responsive advocacy moving forward. The Springfield Police Association was also the first Vermont Local of the New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) in 2008. By signing cards in overwhelming numbers, the members made clear their desire for change and confidence in UFPO staff’s commitment to their needs.

“Our members have endured a lot and stood together through it,” said Sgt. Perkins, President of the Springfield Police Association. “The choice to pursue representation with UFPO reflects our members’ determination to secure an organization who will stand by them, protect them, and give them the voice they deserve.”

UFPO leadership welcomed Springfield’s decision, underscoring their pledge to provide the kind of engaged and reliable local representation the officers are looking for. “Springfield’s membership has shown extraordinary resilience and dedication,” said UFPO Representative Chris Hoar. “We’re honored by their trust and will ensure they receive the strong advocacy and support they’ve asked for.”

If certified by the VLRB following the election, Springfield will join a growing number of Vermont law enforcement associations who have chosen the UFPO as their union representative.