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).[1] He attended the schools of Proctor and was a 1939 graduate of Proctor High School.[2] After finishing high school, McLaughlin was employed by the Works Progress Administration as the leader of recreation activities for the WPA program in Winooski.[3]
After his military service, McLaughlin resided in Burlington and attended Saint Michael's College in Colchester.[10] He worked as a sales representative for Blodgett Supply Company, a seller of plumbing and heating supplies,[10] and was later employed in the purchasing department of the local General Electric plant.[11]
Chittenden County Sheriff
McLaughlin became active in politics as a Democrat, and served as treasurer of the Burlington chapter of Young Democrats of Vermont.[11] In August 1954, he announced his candidacy for sheriff of Chittenden County.[11] In November, he won the general election, defeating incumbent Republican Charles Barber.[12]
After beginning his term in 1955, McLaughlin won reelection in 1956, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1972, and 1974.[13][a] In 1957, he graduated from the FBI National Academy.[14] 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.[15] In 1976, he was elected president of the New England chapter of FBI National Academy Associates.[16] His efforts while in office included organizing deputies to patrol the county's rural areas and requiring deputies to wear a standard uniform.[15]
United States Marshal
In 1977, McLaughlin was appointed United States Marshal for Vermont, succeeding Christian Hansen Jr.[13] During McLaughlin's term, the marshal's office was expanded due to increased workload, including the addition of more deputies and a court security inspector.[17]
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.[18] 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.[18] McLaughlin served until March 1982, and was succeeded by Hansen.[19]
Retirement and death
In retirement, McLaughlin resided in Burlington and in Florida.[1] He died in Burlington on December 2, 2003.[1] McLaughlin was buried at Resurrection Park Cemetery in South Burlington.[1]
Family
In 1948, McLaughlin married Theresa Marie DesVergnes (1924–2013).[20] They were married until his death and were the parents of 11 children.[1]
McLaughlin's son Kevin spent his career with the Chittenden County Sheriff's Department and served as sheriff from 1987 to 2023.[21][22]
Notes
^In 1974, terms were changed from two years to four.
.jpg)