Vermont State Police Trooper Named Finalist for Prestigious IACP Award for Second Year in a Row

For the second consecutive year, a Vermont State Police trooper has been selected as one of four finalists across the United States and Canada for the International Association of Chiefs of Police / Motorola Solutions Trooper of the Year Award. Richard Berlandy of the Derby barracks is nominated for his actions on July 14, 2024, when he and two other troopers, Sgt. Joshua Mikkola and Trooper Jesse Nash became involved in a pursuit and gun battle in Burke with a wanted fugitive from Rhode Island and then provided life-saving medical care to the man who had just attempted to kill them. The award “recognizes four state troopers and provincial police officers who have demonstrated bravery, courage, leadership, and professionalism in the previous year,” according to the IACP.