The Town of Colchester has appointed Lieutenant Pete Hull as the Town’s Police Chief after he successfully served in the role of Acting Police Chief since Chief Doug Allen’s retirement in September. Pete Hull has been with the department since 1990 and brings over 30 years of law-enforcement-related experience.

Hull has served the Town of Colchester as a patrol officer, detective, corporal, school resource officer, patrol sergeant, operations lieutenant, and support lieutenant. Prior to working for Colchester, he served as a patrol officer in Milton. In various roles, Pete has led, supervised, and assisted with police department operations, investigations, trainings, policy development, and collaboration with outside agencies. Pete has valued staying connected with the community throughout his positions, having presented and advised on safety planning, such as Citizens Response to Active Shooters, Neighborhood Watch, and D.A.R.E resources, to residents, schools, local businesses, and public service agencies within Colchester.

Hull came to the department with an Associates in Science in Business Management from Champlain College, but has furthered his education several times. In 2018, he completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, and then, in 2020, he returned to Champlain College and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree, understanding it was a requirement in the job description for Chief of Police. He has also pursued several leadership trainings to gain a broader exposure to regional issues outside of policing, including the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce program, Leadership Champlain, and Leadership in Police Organizations by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Town Manager Aaron Frank stated: “Pete has been a leader in the department and in the community. He has taken on many roles in and out of the department, whether supporting new officers, policies, and collaborations, or volunteering his time to charitable events in the community, like Meals on Wheels and the Special Olympic Penguin Plunge. With his many years in law enforcement, his proven dedication to community involvement, and his skills in personnel and policy management, Pete will continue to excel as the head of the department.”

Human Resources Director Chad Bouvier added: “Pete has consistently shown an eagerness to improve and foster his own professional development and growth throughout the Colchester Police Department and in local law enforcement. His clear communication and collaborative leadership style will surely maintain, and continue to build upon, the high level of law enforcement service the department offers to the community.”

Colchester Selectboard Chair Pam Loranger also noted: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Pete Hull as our new Chief. Pete has the depth of experience and energy we seek to promote and ensure Colchester’s commitment to an enhanced, vigorous and engaged Police Department.”

Hull shared: “I am very excited to have the opportunity to continue to serve the community and the members of the department. Colchester is a special place, and I look forward to navigating the challenges that lay ahead.”