John E. Terrel 

I began in law enforcement with the U.S. Army. After basic training, I attended the Army’s airborne training for the three week jump school.  At this point I went to Fort Gordon, AL for military police training for six weeks.

My first duty station was at Redstone Arsenal, AL for one year. The company commander, Captain Von Fontenot had placed me on the list for the West Point Academy, which I turned down.

On completing my tour at Redstone I was shipped to Viet Nam for an 18 month tour, first to Saigon then up country to forward basis.

With returning from overseas I began the job with the Oneida County Sheriffs Department for three years.

In 1973 after visiting Vermont I began with the Burlington Police Department and attended the VCJTC for basic police training. After ten years with Burlington I left to find other work. In 1982 Milton Police approached me with a position and I accepted. I remained with Milton for five years.

After some time away from the job I was given the opportunity in 1987 to join the Vermont Department of Motor vehicles where I have remained for more than 20 years to the present.

During my career I have handled mainly and varied facets of law enforcement, from homicides to fatal vehicle crashes. Today, in my position as a Senior Corporal I’m still dealing with motor vehicle work and my main job is inspection of commercial vehicles and related heavy vehicle equipment on Vermont’s highways.