Name? Rank?
Officer Katie Demi
How long have you been with OSUPD?
I’ve been with OSUPD since July of 2024.
Where are you from and how does that help shape who you are today?
I’m from the small town of Claysville, Pennsylvania which is about 40 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. Being from a rural town of about 700 people, growing up I was accustomed to the small-town values of community and kindness. I had two amazing, hard-working parents who raised me to be independent and confident. My hometown and family made me the person I am today.
What inspired you to become an OSUPD officer?
At the time I applied to be an OSUPD officer, I was working in athletics at Ohio State. I loved working for the university and living in Columbus, but I was looking for a change. My dad is a retired Pennsylvania State Trooper, so I grew up around police officers/troopers and was always interested in the career. Being able to combine the two was the best of both worlds.
What’s unique about policing at Ohio State?
Getting to work at as many athletic events as you could possibly want is a great unique perk to this job. I love sports so getting to attend so many different games and matches has been a very cool experience.
Why do you serve?
I serve because I care deeply about this campus and community. My parents met each other on campus. My mom, brother, and I are all alumni. I’ve been coming to Ohio State football games since I was a kid. Campus has always been a special place to me, and now I get to play a small role in protecting it and ensuring that others have a positive experience during their time here.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time I spend a lot of time with my dog, Goose. We are members of The Ohio State University therapy dog team, Buckeye Paws. We volunteer all over campus, visiting with staff and students. I also keep myself busy playing sports. I play basketball and flag football almost every week.
What’s your favorite thing about being a Buckeye?
My favorite thing about being a Buckeye is running into other Buckeyes no matter where I am. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel a lot of the US and can recall running into fellow Buckeyes out on hiking trails and getting an answer to my “O-H”. It’s a sense of community and pride that spans globally.