News Release from the Vandalia Fire Department—
VANDALIA, IL – Vandalia Fire Department Chief Mark Meadows has voluntarily stepped down from his position as of February 12, 2025, to focus more on family and work. Chief Meadows has served in a leadership role with the VFD for 11 years, including the past six years as Fire Chief. Meadows will remain with the department as a general firefighter.
Meadows has confidence that the transition will bring fresh leadership and vision to the department. “It has been an honor to serve the Vandalia community in this capacity. I am confident that new leadership will continue to move the department forward in a positive direction.”
The Vandalia Fire Department has voted in new leadership, with Zac Stombaugh stepping into the role of Fire Chief. Tom DePaolo will serve as 1st Assistant Chief, and Kyle Reiss as 2nd Assistant Chief.
The department extends its gratitude to Chief Meadows for his years of dedication and service to the community and looks forward to a seamless transition under the new leadership team.
Mayor Ricky Gottman stated, “Mark has been an excellent leader in the fire department and while I hate that he is stepping down as Chief, I am glad that he is remaining on the department. I know that new Fire Chief, Zac Stombaugh, and the 1st and 2nd Assistant Chiefs, Tom DePaolo and Kyle Reiss, are more than up to the task to continue leading the department. I have always said, Vandalia has the best fire department in the region, and I have no doubt that it will continue to succeed and grow for many years to come.”
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