Tagged: Safety

The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) celebrated excellence in law enforcement at its 2024 Annual Award Ceremony on February 13, 2025. 

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? 

Safety is top-of-mind, and the university wants to remind all Buckeyes about the tools and resources available to enhance your safety as we begin spring semester. 

While campus is a safe place, Columbus is large city and crimes do occur. Safety is a shared responsibility as students learn to live on their own in an urban area and safely navigate a growing, metropolitan city. Learning to utilize the below tools will enhance your safety now and after graduation and is an important part of the college experience.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced this week that 28 colleges and universities in Ohio will receive a total of $7.5 million in funding for security projects that enhance the safety of students and staff. The Ohio State University will receive $257,000.

Safety is the university’s top priority and Facilities Operations and Development (FOD), CampusParc, Transportation and Traffic Management (TTM) and the Department of Public Safety work together to offer services during the winter months to keep you safe. As snow and ice start to collect, FOD teams are dispatched to treat campus roadways and sidewalks. They remain on campus throughout the day and night treating and plowing as needed. CampusParc crews will also be on campus treating parking lots and garages, with garage rooftops remaining open, when possible.

Register for OSUPD’s free Empowerment and Self-Defense Training. Taught by certified instructors, this comprehensive, one-day course begins with awareness education, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, and progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training. Multiple classes are available during spring semester and will be held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Spaces are limited. 

First responders were recognized on the field at Ohio Stadium as the Buckeyes beat the Indiana Hoosiers. Supervisor of the year, Lt. Tom Shankle, and officer of the year, Adriene Ward, brought their loved ones on the field with them as the crowd applauded their commitment to public safety. Other agencies including the Columbus Police Division, Columbus Fire, Ohio State Highway Patrol and others were also recognized for their efforts. 

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.

As recently highlighted by The Lantern, The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) has named Dennis Jeffrey chief of police, effective November 1.

As an Ohio State alum, Jeffrey said his connection to the university has given him a thorough understanding of how safety impacts student's lives on and off campus.