The Vernon Town Council on Tuesday unanimously approved Mayor Dan Champagne’s appointment of Vernon Police Lt. Robert A. Marra as the department’s next captain.
Immediately after the council vote, Town Clerk Karen Daigle swore Marra in and the large audience in the town hall council chambers rose to applaud him. Marra, 41, was joined by his family and fellow offices.
Capt. Robert Marra
His appointment as captain is effective today.
Mayor Champagne said appointing Marra was an easy decision. “Rob is involved in the community, which is important when you are the department’s second in command,” Mayor Champagne said. “He also has the respect of the members of the department. We have a fine police department with high standards and I am confident Capt. Marra will contribute greatly to continuing that long and important tradition.”
Marra is a 19-year veteran of the Vernon Police Department and heads the detective bureau and serves as public information officer, along with other duties. His previous assignments included patrol lieutenant, patrol sergeant, East Central Narcotics Taskforce investigator, community police officer and patrol officer.
As captain, he will take on a variety of administrative roles and work closely with Chief Marc Petruzzi.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to continue serving the Vernon community,” Marra said. “I’ve been fortunate to work alongside an incredible team, and I look forward to helping lead the department as we continue to grow and serve with integrity, professionalism, and compassion.”
Marra recently completed a 10-week professional development course at the FBI National Academy that focused on leadership, behavioral science, communications, investigative techniques, and physical fitness.
“Captain Marra is a proven leader and dedicated public servant who will play a critical role in leading and advocating for the Vernon Police Department and its members,” Chief Petruzzi said. “I look forward to him taking on this new role and continuing to work with him, and our entire team.”