In an announcement posted on the Vernon, Vermont Facebook Group at about 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, the Selectboard announced that they were suspending operations of the Vernon Volunteer Fire Department, with arrangements made for coverage by the neighboring departments of Brattleboro, Guilford, Bernardston and Northfield. The full announcement was as follows:

9-20-2020

For Immediate Release:

The Town of Vernon Selectboard by unanimous vote has made the difficult decision to suspend fire operations from the Vernon Volunteer Fire Department. This decision was reached after hearing member concerns in regard to safety, training and leadership issues. Through meetings with our neighboring mutual aid providers and Rescue Inc., we have ensured that every resident of Vernon will continue to be supported during this time. Brattleboro Fire Dept, Guilford Fire Dept, Bernardston and Northfield Mass. Fire Depts, and Rescue Inc will be taking all calls for service to the Town of Vernon. The Selectboards mission is to have this be a short-term restructuring process. It is our goal to provide the Town of Vernon with a dedicated, professional and highly trained group of individuals. We encourage all interested persons to submit an application to the Town of Vernon by September 30th 2020.