COLCHESTER — Brig. Gen. Thomas Drew of Florence, a 32-year veteran of the Vermont National Guard, took command Friday of the 4,000 members of the state’s Army and Air Guard.

During a ceremony at Guard headquarters at Camp Johnson in Colchester, Drew received the flag of command from former adjutant Gen. Michael Dubie, who is leaving Vermont to take the No. 2 post in the U.S. Northern Command in Colorado.

Gov. Peter Shumlin and members of the congressional delegation attended the ceremony.

Dubie said his own philosophy as a commander was that “quality attracts quality, character attracts character, people of honor attract people of honor.”

Drew said Dubie fought for recognition and resources for the Guard and led the soldiers and airmen during multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and other spots around the world. Dubie also led the Guard as its members helped respond to flooding from Tropical Storm Irene.

“In the case of Gen. Dubie, I would say that he brought the finest qualities of leadership to the (Vermont Guard) as the adjutant general and lived his responsibilities in a way that are the reflection of his beliefs and actions,” Drew said.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said he and Dubie toured Vermont after Irene devastated the state.

“I could hear the concern and emotion in his voice. He felt the suffering of his fellow Vermonters, and he was working as hard as he could to get Guard troops on site to help them,” Leahy said. “It was moving and inspiring to watch.”

Drew was commissioned in the Army in 1973 and served on active duty until 1977 when he joined the Army Reserve. He joined the Vermont Guard in 1980. After Dubie became adjutant general Drew served as his deputy.

Drew will remain in the post until next winter when the Legislature will elect a permanent replacement.