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Vandalia honors public-safety staff, swears in new fire lieutenant and bids farewell to longtime law director
Summary
The Vandalia City Council recognized multiple public-safety and city employees, administered the oath to new fire lieutenant Jared Riley, and formally thanked outgoing Law Director Jerry McDonald while introducing incoming law director Katie Wall.
At its Feb. 16 meeting, the Vandalia City Council recognized a string of city employees for service and achievements, swore in a new fire lieutenant and acknowledged the planned departure of long-serving Law Director Jerry McDonald.
Mr. Authausen introduced and administered the oath of office to fire lieutenant Jared Riley, welcoming him back to the Vandalia Division of Fire after prior part-time service and paramedic certification. "Congratulations, Lieutenant Riley," Mr. Authausen said as the council and staff offered their support.
The council presented awards including Firefighter of the Year to Jacob Klein for operational performance and completion of paramedic training; Paramedic of the Year to Bradley King for clinical judgment and patient advocacy; Command Officer of the Year to Battalion Chief Steve Milliken for mentorship and hiring; and recognition for recreation director Kayla Sensenbal, who was named one of the National Recreation and Park Association97s "30 Under 30" for her work on summer day camps and licensing compliance.
From the Vandalia Division of Police, public safety specialist Marybeth Dyke was named 2025 civilian employee of the year and Detective Tim Christian was named officer of the year, with Mr. Authausen noting arrest and calls-for-service figures in summarizing Christian's contributions. The council also recognized retired officer Rich Summer for more than two decades of service and mentorship.
The council paid special tribute to Law Director Jerry McDonald, who has served Vandalia since June 2005, thanking him for decades of municipal legal service to Vandalia and other area jurisdictions. Several council members offered personal remarks and best wishes; McDonald thanked his family for attending the meeting. The council also introduced Katie Wall as the incoming law director; Mr. Authausen said Wall is a partner at Pickrell, Shaffer & Ebeling and has served as assistant law director and municipal prosecutor in the region.
No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. A reception to honor McDonald was scheduled after adjournment.
