I love this photo of Officer Bullard from the Montpelier Police Department visiting with the students at the Good Shepherd Catholic School Early Ed program at the Father Lively Center. It looks like he's wiping somebody's water bottle that's just had a leak or a spill.  It's a very tender contrast between the tall adult officer and the little children watching him.  I have great respect for police officers and I am so glad that he was willing to take time away from his duties and spend it with our kids.  Respect for authority is an important virtue no matter whatever one's line of duty may be.  I hope that these children will remember this classroom visit and that they will continue to respect all those in public service. As we begin a "new year", I pray for the safety of all of our police officers, state troopers, firefighters and EMTs.  And, I pray, that this visit will have had a lasting impact on these children and that it will have inspired some of them to become police officers, too.

Happy New Year everyone. Thank you for supporting Good Shepherd Catholic School!

Written By: Father Lance W. Harlow

Date Published: January 1, 2026

Photo Credit: Mary Richards