Earle B. McLaughlin

Earle B. McLaughlin (March 15, 1921 – December 2, 2003) was a career law enforcement officer from Vermont. A veteran of World War II, he was most notable for his service as Sheriff of Chittenden County, Vermont, from 1955 to 1977 and United States Marshal for Vermont from 1977 to 1982.

Early life Earle Bernard "Buzz" McLaughlin was born in Proctor, Vermont, on March 15, 1921, the son of Earle B. McLaughlin (1890–1955) and Julia Isabel (McGarry) McLaughlin (1891–1962). After finishing high school, McLaughlin was employed by the Works Progress Administration as the leader of recreation activities for the WPA program in Winooski.

Military service In January 1942, McLaughlin volunteered for World War II by enlisting in the United States Army Air Forces. He completed his initial training at Sheppard Field near Wichita Falls, Texas, Initially assigned to United States Army Air Forces in Australia, he subsequently served in the 3rd Bomber Group during the New Guinea campaign

In June 1945, he returned to the United States and was assigned to the Army Air Forces Redistribution Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He served briefly at Mitchel Field, New York before transferring to the separation center at Fort Devens Army Air Field, Massachusetts.

Career Early career After his military service, McLaughlin resided in Burlington and attended Saint Michael's College in Colchester. He worked as a sales representative for Blodgett Supply Company, a seller of plumbing and heating supplies,

Chittenden County Sheriff McLaughlin became active in politics as a Democrat, and served as treasurer of the Burlington chapter of Young Democrats of Vermont.

After beginning his term in 1955, McLaughlin won reelection in 1956, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1972, and 1974. In 1957, he graduated from the FBI National Academy. While serving as sheriff, McLaughlin was active in the National Parole and Probation Association and served a term as president of the Vermont Sheriffs Association. In 1976, he was elected president of the New England chapter of FBI National Academy Associates. His efforts while in office included organizing deputies to patrol the county's rural areas and requiring deputies to wear a standard uniform.

In 1979, Vermont's United States District Court was the site of the trial of Kristina Berster, a resident of West Germany who was accused of being a member of the Red Army Faction terrorist group. Berster was convicted of three felonies and two misdemeanors, and McLaughlin received the U.S. Marshal's Service Meritorious Service Award to recognize his efforts to coordinate the extensive physical security operation executed during her four-week trial.

Retirement and death In retirement, McLaughlin resided in Burlington and in Florida. They were married until his death and were the parents of 11 children.