Hon. Stephen P. Benard

Judge Benard began his law enforcement career as a Deputy Sheriff at Rutland County Sheriff’s Department in June of 1979.

He continued as a Patrolman for the Town of Ludlow, VT, working thru the ranks of Sergeant and Acting Chief, returning to Rutland County Sheriff’s Department in 1990.

He again advanced through the ranks, eventually being appointed by Governor James Douglas as Sheriff in 2004. He served as Rutland County Sheriff for 16 years, retiring in March of 2020. As Sheriff he served on the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council for 15 years and as its chair for five years. He has served on many statewide boards and grant review committees.

Judge Benard has received continuing education at the College of Saint Joseph, majoring in business administration, the FBI National Academy, majoring in law enforcement administration and leadership, the National Sheriff’s Institute, majoring in the history of sheriffs, politics and media relations.

Judge Benard is a member and past president of the Wallingford Memorial Rotary Club, and past member of the Rutland City Rotary. A fifth-generation Vermonter, he resides in Clarendon.