That understanding , that sense of “ She has walked in my shoes ,” seems to make it possible for her to relate to the wide range of different people , her team , her community .
About Brattleboro :
“ I felt very welcomed here . I think that ’ s the biggest thing . I feel very supported . Way more than I expected .”
“ I think that this is one of the most fantastic police departments I ’ ve ever seen . I ’ m not just saying it because ‘ Oh , it ’ s my department .’ My main focus ? That my officers feel valued , their morale is up and they are accepted as a part of the community .”
But I was also curious about the person , not just the Police Chief . I asked the
Executive Director of the Brattleboro Boys and Girls Club , Michelle Simpson , ‘ What do you think of Norma ?’
Simpson ’ s enthusiasm was clear and unfiltered ; “ She has a wonderful , authentic interest in youth and helping them feel safe and empowered . I see that in what she ’ s done , like honoring a young man who saved his family from a burning house . They gave him a special citation at the police station . You cannot underestimate the impact on a child ’ s life of recognition and acknowledgement .”
“ It ’ s just the most important thing you can do . And that ’ s something that young person will carry with them all their life . Norma drops by , like once a week , just to see how things are going , to find out what our concerns are . She wants to make sure that everybody knows that the police are fellow community members , they are mothers and fathers who live here and work here as well .”
The detectives said that they like having such a strong leader . “ She clearly wants to see us succeed . I trust and appreciate her approach to things , she ’ s very down to earth .”
This is what Norma always says : “ Open hearts , Open minds .”
Norma Hardy is a collaborator , a woman with a sense of humor , an extraordinary listener , and a strong leader . She is patient and generous .
And she deeply and obviously cares about young people .
In short ? She is a most welcome addition to Brattleboro , Vermont .
VTMAG . COM WINTER 2023 19