Police announce $191,000 grant for mobile crisis responder program; new responder introduced

The Vandalia Division of Police told council it has secured nearly $191,000 in grant funding to support its mobile crisis responder program through 2026 and likely into 2027, stabilizing operations shared with Butler Township and reinforcing the program launched from a 2019 pilot.

Captain Krem, filling in for Chief Suker, described the program’s evolution from a 2019 pilot with Montgomery County ADAMHS to full operation in 2020. He said the program pairs trained mental-health specialists with law enforcement to provide compassionate responses in mental-health and addiction-related incidents and to perform follow-up care. ‘‘When someone shows up to your door during a crisis, trust and understanding can make all the difference,’’ Captain Krem said, explaining why the program’s continuity matters to residents and officers alike.

Krem said funding had shifted over time from partner grants to greater local share but that the newly awarded grant will cover the full cost of the program through 2026 and likely through 2027 for both Vandalia and Butler Township. He identified South Community Behavioral Health as the provider of the program’s certified responders.

Council heard a short introduction of the program’s newest responder, Trina Stewart, who said she started in September and is a Vandalia resident. Stewart summarized her background in coordinating care for children and families through the OhioRISE program and work at Dayton Children’s Hospital. ‘‘I was very excited to take this role, being a resident of Vandalia,’’ Stewart said. She added that being a familiar face in the community makes her work more effective.

City staff and council thanked the police division and emphasized the program’s value for public safety and community care. The council did not take formal action to change program structure during the meeting; the announcement served to inform council and the public of the grant and the new responder.