The Town of Vinton has named Thomas L Foster as its new Chief of Police, effective March 16. Foster is a First Sergeant with the Virginia State Police. He has served three decades in law enforcement, including 27 years with the State Police. He holds a master’s in public administration from Virginia Tech and has supervised both uniform patrol divisions and criminal investigative units with the VSP. Foster’s father O.S. Foster was the Roanoke County sheriff for 20 years from 1967-1987. “I am looking forward to becoming part of the Vinton community,” says the new police chief.