By Kolby R. LaMarche

A new chain-link security fence now surrounds the parking lot of the Burlington Police Department’s headquarters at One North Avenue. 

The fence, recently installed following approval by the Burlington City Council, is a direct response to growing safety concerns for officers and staff, sparked by a violent attack on an off-duty sergeant in January 2025 and compounded by a history of unsettling incidents in the same parking lot. 

The push for a security fence began in earnest after a shocking incident on January 13 of this year, when an off-duty Burlington police sergeant was attacked in the department’s parking lot. According to reports, the sergeant was heading into work when a man armed with a meat cleaver assaulted him, leaving the officer with injuries that rattled the department. The attacker, later identified by police, was apprehended, but the incident exposed a glaring vulnerability: the open, unsecured parking lot at One North Avenue, where officers and staff park their vehicles and enter the station, was easily accessible to the public.

 For the Burlington Police Union, which represents the department’s officers, this attack was the tipping point in a years-long campaign for better security measures. “Our officers face enough risks on the streets,” a union spokesperson said in a statement reported by WCAX. “They shouldn’t have to worry about their safety in our own parking lot.” 

The January 2025 attack wasn’t the first time the parking lot had been the scene of troubling events. Over the years, the area has been a focal point for tensions between the Burlington Police Department and the community. 

One of the most memorable incidents occurred in May of 2020, during a rally outside the police headquarters. Demonstrators, upset over issues of police conduct and systemic racism, gathered in the parking lot to confront then-Police Chief Jennifer Morrison. Protesters, led by then-organizer Harmony Edosomwan, poured fake blood at Morrison’s feet, demanding accountability and reform. “Their blood is on your hands, if you don’t do anything to fix this motherf—— department!” Edosomwan remarked while pouring the liquid.

Harmony Edosomwan sits in front of protestors | VT Cynic

The protests were part of a wave of demonstrations across the country following the death of George Floyd. While the 2020 protest was largely non-violent, it left a lasting impression on the department, in many ways. 

Officers and staff recalled feeling exposed, with no physical barrier to separate the crowd from the station’s entrance. The department has been grappling with staffing shortages, with officer numbers dwindling to historic lows in recent years, according to city reports.

 At the same time, Burlington has seen a rise in violent incidents downtown, including assaults and drug-related activity, which have put additional pressure on law enforcement. The parking lot, located in a busy part of the city near Church Street and Lake Champlain, is particularly vulnerable due to its visibility and accessibility. Unlike other police stations that have gated lots or restricted access, Burlington’s headquarters had no such protections, making it an easy target for anyone with ill intent. 

The meat cleaver attack only showcased the lot’s dangerous potential. In response to these concerns, the Burlington Police Union renewed its call for a security fence, a measure it had been advocating for since at least 2020. The union argued that a fence would not only protect officers but also deter potential threats and provide a clear boundary between the public and the department’s operational space.

The proposal gained traction with city officials, who recognized the urgency of the situation. On February 17th of this year, the Burlington City Council voted to approve funding for the fence. Construction of the fence began shortly after the council’s approval and was completed this week. The new fence is a sturdy chain-link structure, standing approximately six feet tall, with a gated entrance that allows controlled access to the parking lot. The design is functional rather than decorative, intended to provide a clear barrier while maintaining visibility for security purposes. 

The gate is equipped with a locking mechanism, accessible only to authorized personnel, ensuring that officers and staff can enter and exit safely. The fence encloses the main parking area used by department vehicles and employee cars, creating a secure perimeter around the back and sides of the headquarters. According to city officials, the project was completed on time and within budget.