Vandalia announces new police chief

Vandalia Police Captain Brandon Sucher has been selected to become the City’s next police chief. Sucher will lead the department following the transition of current Police Chief Kurt Althouse to full-time city manager.
“It was an intensive interview process for police chief,” said Interim City Manager Kurt Althouse. “Brandon brings a strong skill set that meets the expectations of police chief, including a strong community focus, strategic agency goals & vision, and a desire to continue the police department’s ‘Tradition of Excellence.’”
Captain Sucher is a life-long Vandalia resident and graduate of Vandalia-Butler High School. Brandon attended Bluffton University where he played basketball and obtained his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and Sociology with a minor in Psychology. He continued his education at the University of Dayton where he completed his master’s degree in public administration in 2008.

Captain Sucher joined the Vandalia Division of Police in 2021 following employment with the Trotwood Police Department and Huber Heights Division of Police, where he served as patrol officer, liaison officer, and patrol sergeant. He completed Supervisor Training and Education Program (S.T.E.P.) and Police Executive Leadership College (P.E.L.C.) through the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police. He is currently an active member of the Vandalia-Butler Optimist Club, Sister Cities of Vandalia, Vandalia Historical Society, Butler Baseball Club, and St. Christopher CYI Athletic Basketball.
Captain Sucher will become police chief on May 1st and his ceremonial Oath of Office will be administered at the May 5th Council meeting.