Name? Rank?
Sergeant Don Wallis
How long have you been with OSUPD?
3 years at The Ohio State University Mansfield Regional Campus.
Where are you from and how does that help shape who you are today?
I’m originally from North Little Rock, Arkansas but moved to Mansfield, Ohio with my family when I was a teenager. Having lived and worked in the Mansfield area for 30 years has given me a strong connection to the community.
What inspired you to become an OSUPD officer?
I was a police officer in Richland County for 16 years before joining OSUPD. I was a school resource officer at my last agency for almost three years. I really enjoyed having the ability to make a positive impact with the students. I saw the opportunity to have that same type of impact with older students, while still being part of a smaller community. Even though my day-to-day duties are in Mansfield, I always feel welcomed and accepted by the Columbus campus officers.
What’s unique about policing at Ohio State?
OSUPD serves a unique and diverse community. Most communities are made up of long-term residents. At a university, the people within the community is constantly changing. The interactions afforded by serving with OSUPD between officers and students strengthens the campus community.
Why do you serve?
Both of my parents instilled a strong sense of service in our family. My father served 9 years in the United States Air Force and always told me that you can’t complain about what’s happening in the world or even your neighborhood if you aren’t willing be part of the solutions. I served four years in the Army as a Cavalry Scout and now my oldest son is a Combat Engineer in the United States Army with his brothers having the same desire to serve. I always wanted to be a police officer. I was the kid in school that said they wanted to be a police officer from kindergarten through high school. No matter how old I got, that’s what I wanted to do. The part of the job I enjoy most is the personal interactions and being able to help people when they need it the most.
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family and working on our property. I spend a lot of time outdoors with family. My wife and I have been married for 25 years and have seven kids ages 12-24 so we don’t have a lot of free time.
What’s your favorite part about being a Buckeye?
I keep saying it, but it’s a community. My mom graduated from Ohio State in 1968. Even growing up in Arkansas I heard all about how great it was being a Buckeye. No matter where we went, someone recognized my mom’s Buckeye pin that she always wore on her coat. Even though it’s my job, it’s a different type of connection than a typical workplace.