Name? Rank?
Paul Swan, Officer and Sniper Team Leader.
How long have you been with OSUPD?
Four years.
Where are you from and how does that help shape who you are today?
I was born in Columbus, raised in Zanesville, and attended College in Holland, MI. I credit my college and the good people who surrounded me for the development of the person I am today.
What inspired you to become an OSUPD officer?
I was a Highway Patrol Trooper for eight years before I made the transfer to OSUPD. A good friend and former trooper had transferred a few years before, and encouraged me to look into OSUPD. I did a few ride-alongs with him and when I saw the culture at OSUPD, I knew I wanted to make the switch.
What’s unique about policing at Ohio State?
The opportunities available and fulfillment. OSUPD allows its officers more opportunities to specialize, train and learn than any other department I know of. OSUPD has allowed me a sense of fulfillment by allowing its officers to truly practice community policing. Being able to help and be there for our Buckeye community is rewarding.
Why do you serve?
I feel a sense of duty to serve. I enjoy being the “boots on the ground” during hard situations and problems. It is rewarding to be there for others and help solve their problems sometimes when lives depend on your actions.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy playing board games and video games with my family, and I am a practitioner of falconry.
What’s your favorite part about being a Buckeye?
I love the sense of community and “tribe” here at Ohio State. It doesn’t matter where you are, what department you work for, or what your academic background is. When you find out someone is a Buckeye, there is a sense of camaraderie of being on the same team.