Court Sends Swanson Demotion Appeal Back to Woodstock

For the second time in less than a year, a Vermont court has overturned efforts by Municipal Manager Eric Duffy and the Village Trustees to demote Woodstock Police Chief Joe Swanson to a patrol officer. The judge, citing a lack of due process, ordered last week that the demotion appeal be sent back to the Village to try again before an “impartial board.” But Swanson has decided to retire after serving 26 years with the Woodstock Police Department and will skip a third hearing. “Chief Swanson is pleased with the court’s reversal of the unlawful demotion and restoration to his status as chief,” his attorney Linda Fraas said.