Roger Curfman, 67 of Springfield died after his northbound Toyota truck crossed the centerline of Route 5 near Rice Road in Hartland and struck another vehicle head-on Saturday afternoon, August 21. 

State police say Curfman was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at Mt. Ascutney Hospital. The other driver, James Clement, 63 of Perkinsville, was uninjured. But a passenger was transported to a hospital for assessment, and his Jeep (and Curfman’s truck) were towed away after extensive front end damage. 

It’s not known why Curfman crossed the center line. Speed was not a factor. 

Swanton tractor stolen

State police are searching for a tractor stolen in Swanton.

August 16, Roy Bockus of Swanton reported a Mahindra tractor missing and presumed stolen. 

Masked armed robbery in Shoreham

Vermont State Police is investigating an armed robbery that took place Saturday morning, August 21 at the Shoreham Service center (Maplefields) located on 22a in Shoreham. No one was injured in the incident, which was reported to the police immediately after.

A  man spent several minutes shopping in the store before the robbery and while at the counter to purchase a bottled beverage, coffee, and other items he requested cigarettes from the clerk.  The subject displayed a knife and demanded the clerk hand over money from the cash drawer. The male was described as approximately 5’9” tall with short brown hair wearing a black sweatshirt with the word “OLD ORCHARD” across the front, green pants, dark colored baseball hat with gold/yellow brim, and camouflaged/gaiter style mask,. 

He fled the store with a coffee, and two packets of cigarettes. Anyone with information that may be relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the Vermont State Police in Rutland at 802-773-9101.

Vermont State Police expands Victim Services Unit

The Vermont State Police has expanded its ability to provide victim services to Vermont community members with the hiring of Amy Farr, MSW, as a victim services specialist.

Farr will work with people who have experienced trauma, and she will help victims and witnesses navigate challenging circumstances while cases are under investigation. This position, as part of the Victim Services Unit, was made possible through funding support from the federal government and enhances resources dedicated to meeting emotional needs of those harmed in our community.

The Victim Services Unit was created in 2017 with the hiring of a victim services director, Kathryn Brayton, LICSW, to support families during Major Crime Unit investigations. The new position is housed in the Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

“The introduction of on-scene and ongoing support yielded benefits for victims, their families, investigating officers, and the community,” said Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the Vermont State Police. “We are delighted to welcome Amy to the Victim Services Unit. The opportunity to expand this program to include more types of criminal investigations will allow the Victim Services Unit to support more community members who are affected by crime.”

The new position is the result of the state police’s receipt of a competitive $450,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. The federal dollars will support the victim services specialist for three years.

Farr joined the team in early June and comes to the Vermont State Police with deep knowledge and experience working with crime victims. For more than 20 years she has worked within the criminal justice system providing direct service to victims and their families and serving on a number of committees and boards aimed at improving supports and access. She brings a victim-centered lens to her work.

“I am really excited about this opportunity to serve Vermonters in a new capacity,” Farr said. “It is an honor to be able to contribute to the expansion of the Victim Services Unit in the Vermont State Police.”