Name? Rank?
Tom Shankle, 239 Lieutenant assigned to Night Watch.
How long have you been with OSUPD?
16 years.
Where are you from and how does that help shape who you are today?
I was born and raised in Canton, Ohio where my uncle worked for the Stark County Sheriff’s Office. He was one of my influences in becoming a police officer.
What inspired you to become an OSUPD officer?
I grew up watching OSU Football. I met my wife as a student here and I graduated from here. I have always enjoyed the community and the atmosphere on campus which is why becoming a police officer for OSUPD felt natural to me.
What’s unique about policing at Ohio State?
We have the opportunity to have a lot of contact with our community outside of enforcing the law. I really enjoy just talking with the students and staff when I am out on patrol. Some of the most fun I have had are during the dorm and safety programs. I have also been able to be a part of various teams that focus on different aspects of policing, which you don’t usually get to do in other departments.
Why do you serve?
When I started it was simply because I wanted to help people. Now as a lieutenant my primary focus is to serve and support the officers I work with. They are the first responders and the ones who directly serve our community. It is import to me that officers are mentally and emotionally prepared to respond to whatever the day may bring. I have had some mental health struggles and in seeking out how to improve my own mental health and wellness, I have found my new purpose. I use my experience and what I have learned to help educate other officers on what we can do to mitigate the effects of stress and trauma. I want to give them the tools they need to improve their own mental health, wellness and resiliency, to live a happier, healthier life at home and at work.
What do you do in your free time?
I like to travel and hike. This was a big year for my family. We were able to go to Banff in Alberta, Canada and Iceland both of which were more beautiful than I imagined. At home I like to bake sourdough and make homemade pizza and pasta. I also like to build things. I remodeled our basement, built a greenhouse and currently I am working on making the Master Sword from The Legend of Zelda, with my oldest son.
What’s your favorite part about being a Buckeye?
The community. I already mentioned the atmosphere on campus, but on almost every trip, including this summer, I run into a fan or alumni. They are always happy to see a fellow Buckeye. It’s like having extended family all over theworld.