Local News

PD to distribute ‘challenge coins’ for residents making a positive difference 

By BOB MARTIN 

Eagle Times Staff 

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — In an effort to recognize those in the Springfield community who are making a positive impact, the Springfield Police Department has introduced a “Challenge Coin Program,” where officers award coins to people in town who are “making Springfield a better place.” 

“It is our hope that these coins become a symbol of positivity, fostering fun and pride while highlighting the amazing things happening in Springfield,” said Chief Jeff Burnham. “We are excited to see how this program evolves and to share these stories with our community.” 

The Springfield Police Department recent released information about the program on their social media, saying it is “part of an exciting initiative to recognize and celebrate individuals making a positive impact in our community.” 

“The program empowers department members to identify and honor people in Springfield who are contributing to making our city a better place,” the release by the department stated. 

Burnham explained that the department deliberately left the requirements for receiving a Challenge Coin vague because you never know what you’ll see.  

“The definition and application of ‘making Springfield a better place’ are intentionally broad, allowing officers to use their discretion to recognize a wide range of positive actions,” the statement added. 

Burnham said it “runs the gamut.” Examples off the top of his head include adults leading a search for a missing person in town, which was recently done by members of the community. Or coins could also go to children in the community. He said if a teacher sees a student helping make the school better, with an example being where someone stepped in and intervened in a bully situation, they could notify the department to nominate them for a coin. 

“I really don’t have a direct idea, but I know they are out there, and I want to hear more about them,” Burnham said. “I gave out the coins a few days ago to department members, and the goal is that if they see something to give out a coin and then I’ll give them another one to keep it going.” 

Burnham said that he has been talking about Challenge Coins for quite some time, and he was hoping someone in the department would take the lead and run with it. Lieutenant Dan Deslauriers came up with the design and specs and corresponded with the coin company for a final product. The coin has the Springfield Police badge on one side, and then the other side also marks Springfield Police but with a comical design of a sprinkled donut with a bite taken out with the words “Home of the Simpsons.”  

Burnham said the coins aren’t cheap to make, and are substantial in size in weight, so they won’t just be given out for any small deed. He said these will be saved for acts that stand out by members of the community, and under the discretion of the members or the department holding onto the coins. They are described as “not only a meaningful token of recognition, but also a coveted item in the community.” 

Goals of the program include the following: encouraging positive interactions between the community and police; promoting awareness of positive things happening in town by sharing stories of inspiration on social media; and fostering pride and friendly competition within the department to recognize kindness and service to the community. 

Burnham said that everyone has a “blank check” to go out into the community to make a difference, and he hopes they will share with him and the department, and they can be commended. 

“Other places have challenge coins, but they give them out like candy,” Burnham said. “These things are not inexpensive, so I thought the scarcity and that you really have to do something special, makes them even more valuable and more desirable. There are lots of positive things happening, we just aren’t memorializing them enough.”