Vandalia swears in new police leaders; council praises parks staff and recent ribbon cutting

At the start of the Aug. 25 Vandalia City Council meeting officials introduced and administered the oath of office for several newly promoted Vandalia Division of Police leaders.

Brian Grimm was sworn in as police captain; council and staff noted he is a lifelong Vandalia resident with roughly 19 years of service in local policing and prior service in regional fire operations. Jared Fraley and Nelson Clymer were sworn in as police sergeants; meeting comments summarized their training and service histories, including field training, supervisory assignments and regional training roles.

City staff read biographical notes and administered the oath of office individually for each promoted officer. The city manager and mayor offered congratulations during the ceremony, and family members were invited to participate for photographs following the oath.

During council comments later in the meeting, several members highlighted the recent ribbon cutting at Robinette Park and thanked Parks & Recreation staff for their work. Vice Mayor Blakesley and other council members recognized promotions in the parks department, including Alicia McCracken’s promotion to parks director and Erin Messenger’s promotion to park superintendent, and noted that a large portion of the Robinette Park project was funded through outside grants.

The promotions and public acknowledgements were ceremonial and informational; no formal votes were required for the oath ceremonies reported at the meeting.