07/31/2026
I am writing to express my sincere endorsement for Sheriff Brandon Thrailkill and ask that you give him your vote on or before August 11, 2026. I have worked as an attorney in the Northeast Kingdom for close to 11 years and have had the honor of working with Brandon during this time. In 2023, our firm stepped up to handle the primary public defense contract for Caledonia County. Currently our office works with various law enforcement agencies in 10 of Vermont’s 14 counties. No law enforcement officer in this state has more integrity and compassion than Brandon Thrailkill. You’ll find his signs proudly displayed outside my office in Saint Johnsbury, and my home in Danville. If you would like one, just let Brandon know and he’s happy to deliver it and discuss his experience, qualifications, and your concerns for our beautiful county.
It may seem counterintuitive that a criminal defense attorney would endorse any candidate for a law enforcement position. However, I felt compelled to endorse him given the leadership Brandon has shown over the 14 months since Governor Scott appointed him to fill the large shoes of James Hemond—a task he has accomplished. Since Brandon’s appointment, he has fully staffed the Department, achieved financial stability for the Department, fully staffed the Caledonia County Fair, fulfilled all contracts held by the Department for the first time in years, is now providing patrol to NVRH, assisted on multiple search warrants, added a patrol sergeant, and acquired highway safety grants. In addition, Brandon personally paid for gift certificates for the Where’s the Cruiser Contest.
Before Brandon became Sheriff, I watched him manage transport operations for the Caledonia County Sheriff’s Department by bringing incarcerated defendants to and from the courthouse for their hearings. Before Brandon, James executed those same duties. Like James, Brandon treated our clients with respect and dignity when they were at their lowest points. Brandon is deeply committed to doing the job correctly and is always a phone call or text away if we ever have an issue. If he doesn’t know the answer, he will find it for us as quickly as possible. We have the honor of interacting with his deputies daily at the courthouse. They are always kind and welcoming in an environment most people avoid or treat with hostility.
Before James’s passing, the entire Department stepped up to run smoothly and efficiently, continuing to do so after his death until Brandon’s official appointment in April of 2025. Since his appointment, Brandon has fully staffed the Sheriff’s Department. He has recruited experienced law enforcement officers from other counties to serve Caledonia County. Electing anyone else would jeopardize the very solid team Brandon has in place to protect and serve all of Caledonia County. They are all here because of Brandon. Through his leadership, he has been able to offer competitive pay, benefits, retirement, and insurance, making the Caledonia County Sheriff’s Department an attractive place to work.
Contrast this with Brandon’s opponent. I have personally witnessed Mr. Gerrish be brash and unkind to a teenager in the middle of a mental health crisis, showing severe ignorance regarding how to treat individuals in crisis. Last week I called the Lyndonville Police Department for assistance with a breaking and entering in their jurisdiction and was not even given the courtesy of a returned phone call. If Mr. Gerrish wants to show leadership, he should start within his own department.
When Mr. Gerrish was “in charge” of the Sheriff’s Department, it was through the elected position of high bailiff. He made no impact on the department, working only approximately 2 hours per week. Mr. Gerrish now suddenly has time to campaign for the job—the very job he didn’t have to time to do in March and April before Brandon’s appointment. The Department ran smoothly for nearly two months without his help. He had the opportunity to step up during that time but failed to do so. So it came as no surprise that when the Caledonia County Republican Committee selected its three choices to send to Governor Scott, he ranked third. For the record, Brandon was first.
Fellow voters, do not settle for third best. Please join me in acknowledging all Sheriff Thrailkill has done in the short time he has held this position and allow his Department to continue to grow and serve under his leadership.
Amy E. Davis
Attorney At Law
St. Johnsbury, Vt.
Brandon Thrailkill for Caledonia County Sheriff
