VPD, VHA Honored at Vidalia City Council Session

It was a night for accolades Monday, December 13, as the Vidalia City Council bestowed recognition to those who keep the community safe and to a group of outstanding local students.

The first to receive honors at the 6 p.m. session at the Vidalia Municipal Complex were the Vidalia Police Department (VPD) and Chief James Jermon, who received the City’s “Sweet Onion Citizen” award for the month of December. Mayor Doug Roper praised the department’s exemplary performance both in their daily duties and in the face of dangerous and challenging situations.

Later in the meeting, Chief Jermon presented Distinguished Service Awards to six VPD officers for their actions following the armed robbery at Vidalia Pawn on September 15. The chief praised the courage and professionalism of the officers who were under heavy fire from the suspect but were able to apprehend the perpetrator without injuries to him, themselves or the public. “If you want to see heroes, you have to look no further than these officers,” Jermon said.

Called forward to receive citations were: Captain Roger Callaway, Captain Randy Clark, Sergeant John Humphrey, Sergeant Guillermo (Kiki) Martinez, Corporal Rodney Bruce, and Corporal Kaitlynn Bell. Also receiving a commendation but not present was Lieutenant Garry Colson.

During the session, Vidalia Heritage Academy’s Eagles Football team was honored for its victory at the 2021 Class A Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools State Championship. Special mention was given to seniors Josiah Smith, James Hutcheson and Mason Beacham; juniors Ethan Sikes and John Smith; and sophomore Ledger Curl, who were named All Region and All State players.

Also recognized were Vidalia Heritage Academy Eagles One Act Team that won the 2021 Class A Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools State Championship. Receiving special mention were Emily Jarriel, named to the All-Star Cast for her role in the performance of “This Is a Test, and Rylee Toole, Josey Harrell and Aubrey Betsill for their roles in The Chorus.

Vidalia Fire Chief Brian Sikes also recognized two of his new firefighters, Justin Johnson and K’leb Crapps, who recently graduated from the Georgia Fire Academy.

Other Business

The Council approved a package to go beer and wine license for on-premise consumption as submitted by Jaishree Patel (manager Tonia Brownell) for Bran Hospitality-Vidalia II, (Homes 2 Suites by Hilton), located at 154 Mose Coleman Drive.

The Council also passed a motion to hire Mobley’s Well for repairs to the city’s well #2 at a cost of $42,219. The work will be funded through SPLOST.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE – Vidalia Police Chief James Jermon presents distinguished service citations to several members of his department who performed with courage and professionalism during a September 15 armed robbery incident in Vidalia. Shown from left are: Sergeant Guillermo (Kiki) Martinez, Sergeant John Humphrey, Captain Randy Clark, Captain Roger Calloway, Corporal Rodney Bruce, Chief Jermon, and Corporal Kaitlyn Bell. Also receiving a commendation but not present was Lieutenant Garry Colson.Photo by Deborah Clark

CITIZEN AWARD – Vidalia Police Chief James Jermon accepts the December Vidalia City Council’s “Sweet Onion Citizen” presentation for his department from Vidalia Mayor Doug Roper. The mayor praised the chief and department for a job well done in day-to-day applications and in the face of challenging situations.Photo by Deborah Clark

ONE ACT TEAM WINS PRAISE – The Vidalia Heritage Academy’s Eagles One-Act Team were honored by the City of Vidalia after winning the 2021 Class A Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools State Championship.Photo by Deborah Clark