VANDALIA — The longtime police chief died this evening after a sudden illness less than two months away from his planned retirement.
City Manager Jon Crusey announced the death of Doug Knight, who was set to retire in June after more than 37 years with the Vandalia Division of Police. He served as chief since 1988.
“As a person, as an organization, as a community, we are heartbroken,” Crusey said in a social media post. “Doug fell in love with the people of Vandalia and he made it his life’s work to serve and protect them.”
Knight, 66, joined the department in 1979 as a road patrol officer after working as a Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputy and Ohio State University police officer.
He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1984, and then to deputy chief of police later the same year. He left the city in 1986 when he worked as deputy police chief for the University of Cincinnati, but returned “home” to Vandalia in 1988 to lead the department as chief, Crusey’s post stated.
Knight earned his undergraduate degree in criminal justice from the University of Dayton and earned a master’s degree in management and supervision from Central Michigan University. He also graduated from the 161st Session of the FBI National Academy and the inaugural session of the Law Enforcement Foundation’s Police Executive Leadership College.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Colleen, his children Steven and Erin, and the rest of the Knight family during this very difficult time,” Crusey said.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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