Two high-ranking members of the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department say they are planning to make a run for the top spot this fall.
Capt. Claude Weyant of Windsor, a longtime Chief Deputy for the department, said this week he plans to seek the nomination for county sheriff from the Democratic Party at its Aug. 11 primary election.
Lt. Richard King of Springfield, who now oversees the patrol division, said he will be seeking the nomination from the Republican Party in its primary on Aug. 11.
At left: Lt. Richard King. At right: Capt. Claude Weyant
It is unknown if embattled Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer, a Democrat, plans to seek a second term. He has taken a step back from the daily operation of the sheriff’s department to concentrate on defending himself against a series of serious charges in criminal court.
The winners of the primaries for the major political parties, plus any independents or write-ins, will square off in the General Election on Nov. 3.
Nominating petitions for major party candidates, which need at least 100 signatures, must be submitted to the Windsor County Clerk between April 27 and May 28, according to the Secretary of State.
Both Weyant and King said they will be outlining their political platforms as their campaigns move forward. Both expect to have official websites and be out in the community meeting voters.
Weyant, 70, has spent about 40 years in law enforcement, including more than 20 years with the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department. He worked as the chief deputy under now-retired Sheriff D. Michael Chamberlain, who served the county for 40 years.
Palmer pleaded not guilty last month to five felony charges: two counts each of aggravated stalking and obstruction of justice, and one of lewd and lascivious conduct, along with two misdemeanor charges of prohibited acts.
Following his court arraignment, Palmer stepped back from the department, and he appointed Weyant to oversee the daily operation of the sheriff’s office. King and Administrative Lt. Andy Leonard are assisting. Weyant also is the elected high bailiff for Windsor County.
King, 63, of Springfield, has spent more than three decades in law enforcement and private security work. His longest stint was 20 years with Ludlow Police, where he worked up to the post of detective sergeant before he retired in 2022.
His retirement did not last long, as Sheriff Palmer asked King to join the department in May 2023 as a sergeant and last year elevated him to one of the two lieutenant slots.
King also is among nearly 50 Drug Recognition Experts certified in Vermont.
He was sworn in as a U.S. Secret Service Task Force Officer by Acting U.S. Marshal John Hall in Burlington in January and is undergoing training for the New England Cyber Crime Task Force. He has been active with the Special Investigation Unit for sex crimes in Windsor County.
For more on this story, please see our March 12 edition of the Vermont Standard.
