Oct 18, 2002 Johnson Evacuation
I am sure many were and may still be wondering what happened and why a portion of the Village was evacuated. This was purely to ensure the safety of all the nearby residents.
Let me first thank all the residents that were displaced for their great patience demonstrated after being uprooted from their homes, and to the hospitality given by the Johnson Elementary School, particularly School Board Chair Steve Reber. As residents we must thank our Fire Department lead by Chief Gordon Smith, Lamoille Sheriff's Department lead by Sheriff Marcoux, Lamoille Ambulance Service, Red Cross, almost all of the Fire departments of Lamoille County, Police departments of Stowe and Morrisville, Vt. State Police, Vt. Bomb Squad, Vt. Hazardous Materials, ATF, Morristown Rescue, Cambridge Rescue, and I am sure there may be more that I have missed however not by intent.
Lamoille Sheriff's department learned of a possible explosive device and hazardous chemicals for the purpose of making a bomb within a residence near Rt. 15 and Rail Road Street. After entry with a search warrant and confirmation of possible explosive devices and hazardous chemicals, the area was secured, and the local residents were evacuated and placed at the Elementary School. The residents were allowed to return to their homes as soon as the area had been made safe and the items removed from the scene.
Residents may also feel secure that this situation is not assumed to be linked in any fashion to the events related to September 11. For updates, local news mediums will have releases as they are made available from police and the prosecutors office.
Eric T. Osgood
SelectBoard Chair