The Allen County Board of Commissioners announced this week that nominations for the Linda & Jerry Vandeveer Impact Award are now being accepted.
News release from the Allen County Board of Commissioners:
Nominations Now Accepted for the 2025 Linda & Jerry Vandeveer Impact Award
Allen County, Indiana (October 10, 2025) – The Allen County Board of Commissioners announced this week that nominations for the Linda & Jerry Vandeveer Impact Award are now being accepted. In its ninth year, the Impact Award honors an individual, or individuals, who reside in Allen County and have lived a life of service to our community outside of their regular profession in the example and tradition set by Linda and Jerry Vandeveer.
Jerry and Linda Vandeveer. Photo provided by the Allen County Board of Commissioners.
The Vandeveers are probably best known for their work in creating and maintaining the Allen County Law Enforcement/Firefighters Memorial on North Wells Street; however, they have also been tireless advocates for police and firefighters as well as catalysts for positive change in the Baker-Fairfield neighborhood and beyond. Jerry became a champion of the importance of getting a colonoscopy after his wife’s death in 2016.
Linda Vandeveer passed after losing a valiant battle against Stage 4 colon cancer. Jerry Vandeveer died in February 2024. Though they are gone, the influence and impact of the Vandeveers lives on and will be recognized annually through this award.
Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2025. After which time, a nominating committee will review the submissions and select the recipient(s). That person or persons will receive the award during a press conference in November. The award is an individualized plaque as well as a listing on a perpetual plaque that remains in the Commissioners’ office.
Copies of the nomination form can be found on the Allen County Vandeveer Impact Award webpage and in the Board of Commissioners office on the 4th floor of Citizens Square.
Nominees are evaluated on the following four criteria:
Vision and Action: Seeing a need in their community and taking steps to meet that need
Selflessness and Sacrifice: Devoting their time and energy in service to their community without seeking recognition or reward
Commitment and Perseverance: Working through difficulties and challenges to achieve their goal
Impact: Making a positive impact in their community through their work and serving as encouragement for others to do likewise
Nominators are asked to provide specific examples of how the nominee meets the criteria and are encouraged to submit supporting documents such as letters of support, nominee bio, news articles.
