Cpl. Michelle LeBlanc and K9 Casko. Vermont State Police Facebook photo
A K9 officer who filed a lawsuit against the Department of Public Safety and several of her supervisors earlier this year for age and gender discrimination has settled the case with the state for $175,000.
Michelle LeBlanc, 49, of Williston, claimed she was repeatedly denied promotions and participation in the K9 unit while at the state police because of her age and gender. She also alleged that she was retaliated against for complaining about the discrimination.
As part of the settlement, LeBlanc agreed to immediately resign her employment — though she will still be eligible for retirement benefits beginning in August 2020.
The parties also agreed that the Vermont State Police would prepare a positive reference about LeBlanc — with her input — to provide to potential future employers. Additionally, the Vermont State Police agreed to publish a “positive and accurate” retirement announcement about LeBlanc on social media, which they did Monday.
The post recognizes some of LeBlanc’s accomplishments in her more than 20 years of service — including two “K9 Team of the Year” awards, two “Tracking Team of the Year” awards, a “Dedicated Service” award, a “Lifesaving” award, and a “K9 Apprehension” award, as well as induction into the K9 Memorial Hall of Fame in Porterdale, Georgia earlier this year.
The post has hundreds of comments, many congratulating Michelle on her service.
“It’s clear the citizens of Vermont, including a few people I arrested, support me and have nothing but nice things to say about me, my character, and my career — and know my dedication, loyalty, and integrity has never wavered once,” she said by email.
LeBlanc said now that her time on the force is complete, she will continue to run her nonprofit service dog training program, Vermont Paws & Boots — though now, it will be a full-time endeavor.
“Many know me by the uniforms I have worn, from my time at Norwich, to the U.S. Army, to VSP, well over 30 years in one uniform or another,” LeBlanc said. “But as you can see, so many more also know me, the person behind the uniform, and that person will never ‘retire’ from helping others and saving lives.”
She said she’s looking forward to helping others.
“I am moving forward and onto a new chapter, and will continue to help others,” LeBlanc said.
Read the story on VTDigger here: K9 officer who alleged age, gender discrimination settles for $175,000.