Chief Shaw has settled with the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council [VCJTC].

Under the terms of the settlement, the Chief will step down for a period of three weeks as chief of police in Northfield. During that period of time, the Chief becomes de-certified.

Following the expiration of the three week period, he will again become fully certified and will be entitled to resume his duty as Northfield's Police Chief.

The Chief will be required to take an as-yet unspecified training regimen to correct his training deficiencies.

By the settlement, the Chief is relieved of any charge of fraud and thus will not be barred from testifying in Washington County Court as may be required.

He is barred from speaking of the case further and has agreed not to sue the Council as a result of its actions.

During the interim period, Nanci Allard, town manager, has named a temporary replacement who will serve as chief for the three week interim period.

A meeting was held last Tuesday evening with the town manager and police personnel to discuss the settlement and appointment of an interim chief.

Town Manager, Nanci Allard stated that she has named Douglas Hoyt, retired chief from Montpelier, to act as interim chief here. She said that he will not be in a full time capacity but will be on hand to offer advice and assist the regular officer staff in the performance of their duties.

Chief Shaw released a statement in which he said that he wished to thank everyone who has "supported me, that I am very thankful for their donations, calls, emails, letters and prayers."

He also stated the general terms of the settlement and that the three week suspension period would begin as of last Wednesday.

He also said that "I have been in contact with the Academy Director and we both are looking to the future and putting this behind us."

Shortly after news of the settlement broke, Selectboard chairman, Ken Johnson spoke with the Burlington Free Press and told reporter Sam Hem- ingway "the sentiment in town is not clear cut. I guess we'll be putting our heads together and deciding what's best for Northfield." He went on to state that he was going to call a special meeting to hear a report on Chief Shaw from Town Manager, Nanci Allard and then the board could decide what to do. "I like the guy but there are other issues, Mr. Johnson told the Free Press.

Both present and former selectboard members have said that continued employment is strictly up to the town manager. In the event she should decide not to continue Chief Shaw's employment, then the board could become involved if the employee protests the determination.

As of the date of publichation, Mr. Johnson had not called a special meeting.