For Jeff Ray, Vandalia isn’t just the place where he grew up—it’s the community he’s dedicated his life to serving. As Chief of Police and an alumnus of Vandalia High School, Jeff’s journey reflects his deep commitment to fostering connection, safety, and support in the town he’s proud to call home.

Jeff graduated from Vandalia High School in 1996 and entered the workforce with a clear goal in mind: law enforcement. “I had a desire to do police work from a young age,” Jeff recalls. After high school, he joined the Department of Corrections, working at a prison in Sheridan, Illinois, from age 18 to 21. The routine of corrections work soon wore on him, but it reinforced his belief in the importance of community-based policing. When Vandalia held a hiring test for its police department, Jeff returned home to pursue his dream.

Jeff has been with the Vandalia Police Department for 25 years and has served as Chief of Police for the past 12. His tenure has been marked by a focus on collaboration, respect, and giving back. “We’re fortunate to have such strong support from the community,” Jeff says. “It’s a partnership. Everyone—from local government to the schools to the YMCA—works together to make Vandalia a great place to live.”

This sense of community extends to the department itself, where many officers are Vandalia graduates. “Ten of our 13 officers either graduated from Vandalia or went to school here,” Jeff notes. “That local connection helps us build trust and understanding with the people we serve.”

One of Jeff’s proudest accomplishments as Chief is the “Shop with a Cop” program, now in its 10th year. The initiative, started with his wife Brittany’s encouragement, provides holiday shopping opportunities for local children in need. Funded entirely by community donations, the program has grown from serving a handful of kids to more than 40 each year. “The support has been incredible,” Jeff says. “We don’t even have to ask—people just step up to help.”

Jeff’s approach to policing is deeply rooted in his own experiences growing up in Vandalia. His family’s history of hard work and community involvement laid the foundation for his values. His grandparents owned a local construction business, where Jeff spent summers learning the value of discipline and teamwork. These lessons shaped his leadership style, which emphasizes accountability and empathy.

Beyond his role as Chief, Jeff has stayed closely tied to the Vandalia Schools community. A former multi-sport athlete in high school, he returned as a coach for youth football and baseball, eventually officiating high school football games after his sons moved on. His two sons, Connor and Parker, have also found inspiration in Vandalia’s schools. Connor, a graduate, is pursuing a career in concrete finishing, while Parker is excelling in the school’s welding program and preparing for a future in the trades.

“It’s amazing to see the impact programs like welding and building trades have on students,” Jeff says. “For some kids, it gives them a purpose they didn’t know they had. Watching my son thrive in that environment has been one of the most rewarding parts of being a parent.”

Jeff’s leadership extends beyond the department and the school district. He’s an advocate for Vandalia’s collaborative spirit, citing the town’s ability to rally around those in need as one of its greatest strengths. “If someone’s struggling, this community shows up,” Jeff says. “It’s humbling to see the generosity and care that people here have for each other.”

Reflecting on his 25 years of service, Jeff acknowledges the challenges and rewards of his role. “You see people at their most vulnerable, and that can be tough,” he admits. “But it’s also incredibly fulfilling to know you’re making a difference, whether it’s through a program like Shop with a Cop or simply being there for someone when they need help.”

For Jeff Ray, Vandalia is more than just a hometown—it’s a community built on shared values and mutual support. His story is a testament to the power of service, connection, and the enduring strength of small-town America in general, and Vandalia in particular.