Police, Fire & Emergencies

Townshend residents are served by a coordinated network of emergency services, including fire protection, EMS  response, statewide law enforcement, and regional dispatch. In all life-threatening situations, residents should always begin by dialing 911.

In an Emergency, Dial 911

Call 911 if you can, text if you can’t.

Vermont’s E-911 system immediately connects callers to the nearest Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), ensuring fast dispatch of fire, rescue, and police resources. 

Police

Mark Henderson
Sheriff
Windham County Sheriff’s Department
185 Old Ferry Road Brattleboro, VT 05304-8126

Phone: (802) 365-4942
Emergency: (802) 365-4949

State Police
(802) 773-9101 (non-emergency number)

Townshend Fire Department

Glen Beattie
Chief
208 Grafton Road
Townshend, VT 05353

Mailing Address:
PO Box 627
Townshend, VT 05353

Email: tfd@ townshendvtfire.org 
Phone/Fax: (802) 365-4017

Facebook

Townshend Fire Department website

About the Department

The Townshend Fire Department is a volunteer-based agency providing structural firefighting, vehicle crash  response, wildfire management, hazard mitigation, and general emergency support to the Town of Townshend. The department also participates in a county-wide mutual aid system, allowing rapid coordination with neighboring towns when large or multi-scene incidents arise.

  • Operations & Capabilities
  • Structure and chimney fires
  • Vehicle accidents and extrication support
  • Brush and wildland fires
  • Fire-alarm activations
  • Hazardous conditions (wires down, flooding assistance, tree hazards)
  • Support for rescue and medical emergencies
  • Emergency preparedness and community outreach

Burn Permits

Open burning in Townshend may require a permit, depending on weather conditions and State of Vermont directives. Residents should contact the Townshend Fire Department for current requirements before initiating outdoor fires.

Emergency Medical Services

Townshend is served by regional EMS responders who provide rapid pre-hospital care for medical emergencies, injuries, and trauma situations. Dispatch is handled through Vermont E-911, with mutual-aid coverage as necessary depending on call volume and location.

Residents experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe injury, sudden illness, or any emergency that feels life-threatening should dial 911 immediately. 

Town Emergency Management

Townshend participates in Vermont’s Emergency Management program, which supports planning, storm response, public safety coordination, and community resilience. Residents are encouraged to stay informed during severe  weather events, power outages, and statewide alerts.