A year ago Rutland was shocked and saddened with the tragic deaths of Theresca King, Debra Fell and Charles Conway. The fact that crack cocaine contributed to the crimes highlighted Rutland's growing drug problem.

Heroin use had been growing in our community. In September, before the tragic deaths, a major bust had resulted in 12 people being charged in a heroin ring. But it became obvious that even fine police efforts like that in September needed more resources from the community.

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