Chester police chief recovering from serious injuries

Chief Rick Cloud

By Cynthia Prairie
©2015 Telegraph Publishing LLC

Chester Police Chief Rick Cloud is out on medical leave for at least the next eight weeks following a fall in late July or early August that sent him to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center with serious injuries, including seven broken ribs, Town Manager David Pisha said Tuesday.

The fall was not work-related although Pisha was unsure where it occurred.

Sgt. Mark Phelps is filling in for Chief Cloud during his recovery. The department has five full-time officers and three part timers. Pisha said that Phelps is “working the schedule and hopefully will be able to keep” the manpower as is, but will add more people if needed.

Pisha added that he will expect some department overtime to cover for Cloud’s absence, and the department will also rely on Vermont State Police and the Windsor County Sheriff.

Cloud also serves on the Chester Fire Department and, according to his Facebook page, firefighters got together recently to help split 12 cords of wood for Cloud’s home while he is incapacitated.

Anyone who would like to send a get well greeting may do so by sending it to:

Chief Rick Cloud (personal)
c/o Chester Police Department
556 Elm St.
Chester, VT 05143