NEPBA Secures Major Arbitration Victory for Williston, Vermont Police Officer
Oct 8, 2026
Arbitrator Orders Full Restoration of Officer’s Rank and Detective Assignment, Citing Town’s “Gross Overreach” and Violations of Collective Bargaining Agreement
WILLISTON, VT — The New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) is proud to announce a significant arbitration victory on behalf of one of its members with the Williston Police Department, following a ruling that found the Town of Williston violated its collective bargaining agreement by imposing excessive and unjustified disciplinary measures.
In a decision issued October 2, 2026, an independent arbitrator ruled in favor of NEPBA and the officer, ordering the Town to restore the officer's rank of Corporal, reinstate the officer to the Detective Bureau, remove disciplinary records from the officer's personnel file, and provide compensation for lost pay, benefits, allowances, and differentials.
The case stemmed from a January 21, 2026, workplace disagreement involving the reassignment of an investigation without prior notice to the officer. Despite the Town's own investigation finding no evidence of physical violence, explicit threats, discriminatory intent, or malicious bad faith, the officer was placed on administrative leave for more than seven weeks, issued a written reprimand, stripped of Corporal rank, and removed from the Detective Bureau.
These actions were taken against an officer with approximately eight years of service and an unblemished disciplinary record.
In the decision, the arbitrator sharply criticized the Town's handling of the matter, writing, "I cannot escape the conclusion that the Town has grossly overreached in its response to a minor incident."
The arbitrator determined that the Town failed to follow the progressive discipline requirements outlined in the collective bargaining agreement and its own departmental policies. Rather than providing counseling, guidance, or an opportunity for corrective action, the Town imposed severe punitive measures based on a single isolated incident.
"This was, at worst, a minor infraction," the arbitrator wrote, concluding that the Town lacked just cause for the discipline imposed.
The decision reinforces the fundamental protections afforded to law enforcement professionals through collective bargaining agreements, including the requirement that disciplinary decisions be fair, proportionate, and supported by just cause.
The arbitrator also rejected the Town's argument that its decision to remove the officer from the promoted rank was beyond the scope of arbitration, recognizing that the loss of rank, pay, and professional status constituted a severe punitive sanction.
As a result of the ruling, the Town of Williston has been ordered to restore the officer to the rank of Corporal with full seniority and probationary credit, reinstate the officer to the Detective Bureau, remove the written reprimand and related materials from the personnel file, and make the officer financially whole for lost pay, benefits, allowances, and differentials. The arbitrator has also retained jurisdiction over the implementation of these remedies.
Instrumental in securing this victory was NEPBA Attorney Tom Horgan, whose advocacy on behalf of the member helped bring this matter to a successful resolution. His efforts in challenging the Town's disciplinary actions and defending the protections established under the collective bargaining agreement helped secure a decision that restores the officer's professional standing and reinforces the importance of fair treatment and due process.
NEPBA recognizes Attorney Horgan for his dedication, professionalism, and continued commitment to protecting the rights and livelihoods of the law enforcement professionals represented by the Association. His work in this case demonstrates the critical importance of strong legal representation and the resources available to NEPBA members when their careers and professional reputations are at stake.
We'd also like to recognize NEPBA Representative, Phil Matthews, for his efforts as well. Both Representative Matthews and Attorney Horgan's efforts reflect the strength of NEPBA's legal representation and field leadership working together to protect the rights and professional livelihoods of our members.
Police officers are expected to uphold high standards of professionalism and accountability. In return, they deserve employers who honor contractual obligations, follow established disciplinary procedures, and treat their employees with fairness and respect. Accountability must work both ways.
When an employer disregards those obligations, NEPBA will not hesitate to challenge unjust disciplinary actions and pursue every available avenue to protect its members. The outcome in Williston sends a clear message that collective bargaining agreements are binding commitments, and the rights they establish must be respected.
This decision serves as another example of the strength of NEPBA representation and the Association's steadfast commitment to standing behind its members when their rights, careers, and livelihoods are on the line.
The New England Police Benevolent Association represents more than 5,000 law enforcement professionals throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont, advocating for their rights, working conditions, and professional interests.
