John H. Sinclair (US Marshal)

Last updated
Barbara Ann (Ball) Marquis
(m. 1976)
[1] [2]
John H. Sinclair
United States Marshal for the District of Vermont
In office
1999–2002
Children2 [2]
Education University of Vermont
ProfessionLaw enforcement officer

John H. Sinclair (born 1946) is a retired American law enforcement officer from Vermont. He was active from 1969 to 2002, and served as Commander of the Vermont State Police from 1966 to 1999 and United States Marshal for the District of Vermont from 1999 to 2002.

Contents

Biography

John Hollingsworth Sinclair was born in Los Angeles in 1946, a son of John William Sinclair and Carlotta E. Lamer. [1] [3] He is a 1964 graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy and worked for Vermont Transit Lines in Burlington, Vermont while attending the University of Vermont (UVM). [4] In 1970, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from UVM. [5]

In November 1969, Sinclair joined the Vermont State Police (VSP). [6] Sinclair served with the VSP until 1999, and his career included postings as a uniformed trooper at the Colchester and Bethel Barracks, member of the department's fraud unit, and member of the governor's security detail. [2] As he advanced through the ranks, Sinclair went on to become station commander at the Brattleboro barracks and assistant commander of the VSP's criminal division. [2] He was commander of the criminal division from 1988 to 1990, and commander of its field force from 1990 to 1996. [2] [7] In 1996, he was appointed to command the Vermont State Police. [2] [7]

In 1999, Sinclair was a resident of Charlotte when US Senator Patrick Leahy recommended him to President Bill Clinton for appointment as United States Marshal for the District of Vermont. [8] Clinton made the nomination, which was then confirmed by the US Senate. [2] Sinclair served as marshal until 2002, when he retired. [9]

Legacy

The Vermont State Police presents the Colonel John H. Sinclair Award to troopers who attain "superior" ratings on six consecutive physical fitness tests. [10]

References

  1. 1 2 "Vermont Marriage Records, 1909-2008, Entry for John Hollingsworth Sinclair and Barbara Ann (Ball) Marquis" . Ancestry.com. Lehi, Utah: Ancestry.com LLC. 1976. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Leahy, Patrick (8 October 1999). "Confirmation of Col. John H. Sinclair to be United States Marshal for District of Vermont". GovInfo.gov. Washington, DC: US Senate. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
  3. "New York State Passenger and Crew Lists, 1917-1967, Entry for John H. Sinclair" . Ancestry.com. Lehi, Utah: Ancestry.com LLC. 1961. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
  4. Geggis, Anne (21 December 1995). "26-year veteran named state police director". The Burlington Free Press . Burlington, Vermont. p. B1 via Newspapers.com.
  5. "University of Vermont To Confer 1,192 Degrees Sunday". The Burlington Free Press . Burlington, Vermont. 16 May 1970. p. 18 via Newspapers.com.
  6. "Four New Troopers Sworn In". Bennington Banner . Bennington, Vermont. 18 November 1969. p. 3 via Newspapers.com.
  7. 1 2 Office of the Press Secretary (14 September 1999). "President Clinton Names John H. Sinclair As United States Marshal for the District of Vermont". Clinton White House 6.archives.gov. Washington, DC: The White House. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
  8. "Sinclair in Line For Marshal's Post". Rutland Herald . Rutland, Vermont. Associated Press. 18 June 1999. p. 12 via Newspapers.com.
  9. "Edwards confirmed as Vt. U.S. marshal". The Burlington Free Press . Burlington, Vermont. 9 March 2002. p. 3B via Newspapers.com.
  10. Birmingham, Matthew (14 December 2023). "Vermont State Police Directive 105: Physical Fitness & Wellness". PowerDMS. Waterbury, Vermont: Vermont State Police. p. 7. Retrieved 10 January 2026.