The City of Vandalia Council convened on February 16, 2026, beginning with a moment of reflection and the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting featured employee recognitions, a legal update on a PUD referendum petition, approval of an IT infrastructure purchase, and farewell remarks for outgoing Law Director Jerry McDonald.
I'd like to welcome everyone to the February 16th City of Vandalia Council meeting. We'll begin with a moment of reflection, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flight. Please stand for the pledge. One individual with liberty and justice for all. Being none, they stand approved. And that brings us to communications, petitions, and awards where we have several introductions and recognitions. I'd like to turn it over to Mr. Althouse. Well, thank you, Your Honor. And tonight we have a number of city employees that we want to recognize for some outstanding service. But to kick us off, we're going to I'm going to introduce and then provide the oath of office to our new fire lieutenant Jared Riley. So Jared, if you would come up front. I'm going to read his bio and then I'll I'll meet you down at the podium to give your oath of office. Jared is a Vandalia Butler High School grad. He originally started his career with the Division of Fire as a part-time employee in March of 2017. During his this time as a part-time employee, Jared attended Sinclair Community College and Miami Valley Career Technology Center, where he obtained his paramedic certification in 2018. He left his part-time position with the Division of Fire in 2021 for a full-time opportunity with the Washington Township Fire Department. During Jared's time as a part-time member with the Van Day Division of Fire, he received multiple letters of accommodation, unit citations, and most notably, he received the 2018 EMS Person of the Year Award. We are now happy that Jared is returning to the Van Dave Fire Department family where he will deliver top-tier service to our community again, and he will continue to be an asset in his full-time role as a lieutenant with the Division of Fire. So welcome back, Jared, and we're looking forward to having you on the department again. If you'll raise your right hand and repeat after me, I state your name. Solemnly swear. And of the state of Ohio. That I will in all respects. The provisions of the Charter. And ordinances of the City of Vandalia. And we'll face chargefully discharge. The duties of the office. Within the division of fire. Within the division of fire. Congratulations. So we also recommend want to recognize several other members of the division of fire who received special commodities this year. So at this time I'd ask firefighter Jacob Klein to please stand. And so Jacob Klein has been recognized as the firefighter of the year. The City of Vandalia Division of Fire is proud to formally recognize Firefighter Jacob Klein with a letter of accommodation and his designation of 2025 Firefighter of the Year. Firefighter Klein consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering top-tier value-added service to the citizens of Vandalia every day. His work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to excellence are evident in both his operational performance and his daily contributions to the department. While on shift, firefighter Klein works diligently on departmental projects, taking ownership of assigned tasks and ensuring they are completed to a high standard. He approaches these responsibilities with initiative and attention to detail, always seeking ways to improve efficiency, readiness, and overall service delivery. Firefighter Klein is also deeply committed to the development of others. He actively mentors younger firefighters, offering guidance, encouragement, and support as they grow in their roles. In addition, he willingly assists with the training efforts, contributing his time and knowledge to help strengthen the skills and confidence of his fellow firefighters. What makes Firefighter Klein's accomplishments particularly noteworthy is that he has maintained the high level of performance while simultaneously completing his paramedic training. Balancing the demands of education, training, and shift responsibilities requires exceptional discipline and dedication, both of which Firefighter Klein demonstrates consistently. Through his efforts, Firefighter Klein exemplifies the values of professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement. His commitment to being the best he can be while positively impacting those around him makes him truly deserving of this recognition. In recognition of his outstanding service, work ethic and contributions to the City of Van Daly Division of Fire, Firefighter Jacob Klein is hereby commended and is named our 2025 Firefighter of the Year. Congratulations. Paramedic King approaches every call with a strong sense of responsibility and compassion, ensuring that patients receive not only high quality medical care, but also respect, reassurance, and advocacy. He has become a trusted advocate for the customer, consistently placing the needs, concerns, and well-being of patients and their families at the forefront of his decision making and care delivery.