Public Safety honors police officers, best employees

Citizen Awards

POLCE DIVISION

Steve Romig – Steve is the Associate Director for The Ohio State University’s Information Technology Security Group and he was instrumental during 2008, as in previous years, in helping our detectives investigate crimes which involved the use of computers. There were two notable examples. One involved an investigation that started in 2007 and lasted for more than a year. Mr. Romig assisted with the forensic analysis of several computers and related media storage devices. This case was originally reported as a theft but ended up with the felony indictment of two individuals. Another case involved an individual that broke into an academic building with the intention of “hacking” into a computer server. During a forensic analysis of the suspect’s computer, along with a CD, Mr. Romig was able to find password cracking software that the suspect intended to use maliciously against the University. This suspect was indicted on three felony charges.

SECURITY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES DIVISION

Patrick Maughan – University Security and Protective Services is honored to present our Citizen’s Award to Patrick Maughan. The Department of Public Safety and Student Life have enjoyed a business relationship over the last several years, through the protection of dorms and various other duties as needs presented themselves. Since Patrick’s arrival with Student Life, the dynamic of this relationship has greatly evolved from a client relationship to a true partnership. Through his collaboration, University Security and Protective Services is now actively engaged with security building standards at the Ohio Union construction site. This partnership has led to our department inclusion in several other Student Life projects. Through his outreach, experience and professionalism I am certain our ongoing contribution to Student Life will only enhance our footprint on campus and truly fulfill our mission to providing a safe educational environment for all whom share our campus.

Perfect Attendance

POLCE DIVISION

Officer Scott Holbert – used no sick leave during 2008Officer Adam Tabor – used no sick leave during 2008

SECURITY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES DIVISION

John Withers – For the second year in a row, Officer Withers did not use any sick leave during 2008

Eric Pannell – used no sick leave during 2008

Team Awards

POLCE DIVISION

Officer Charles Gierach Officer Andrew GillespieOfficer Tom SchneiderOfficer Adam Tabor

Officer Charles Gierach, Andrew Gillespie, Tom Schneider and Adam Tabor have been recognized with a 2008 Team Award for their enthusiastic support of the Crime Interdiction Project. The project involves deploying Columbus Police officers and University Police officers as partners to focus on crime trends. While several other officers worked the assignment, these particular officers worked it on a weekly basis. They developed strong bonds with the 4th Precinct Columbus Police Officers that will help both agencies obtain their long-term crime
reduction goals.

SECURITY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES DIVISION

Doug McGrewRay HarmonJohn WithersJason WorkingPhill CamickTom GuessRon KellemCharles GlascoJohn WaskoKatie StaceyRick WilliamsAl MutucSameria SalibaNate Williams

This team is responsible for providing protection to the Blackwell Inn where the football team stays the night before a home game. If you have been to the Blackwell on the morning of a home football game, then you know how chaotic an area it can be. However, this team continually rose to the occasion in 2008 making sure there were no significant issues and safely getting the team to their next destination. It truly takes a coordinated team effort to pull this off with so many people crowded in this area and this team was able to do it week after week. Doug McGrewJason WorkingAndrea Anderson Charles GlascoRon KellemAldo MutucBrad ProfittDean SturgisBenita TaylorJohn Wasko

On January 17, 2009 at approximately 3:45 p.m., a sprinkler shutoff valve ruptured in Wexner Center for the Arts dumping a large amount of water into the performance space lobby and top of the stairs near the security control room. All on duty security staff were quickly dispatched to the area and they shut off the main water line for the Wexner Center. The staff were able to keep the water out of the galleries and made sure that no artwork was damaged or got wet. In addition, the staff was instrumental in making sure that water from the leak did not spread to other areas of the Wexner Center by sweeping the water away and by building barricades to keep the water from flowing elsewhere.

Roger GarrettTom BakerEric Pannell Working third shift can be a thankless task but the third shift team for Wexner Security is always prepared and motivated. They make sure that they cover for each other should one of them need to miss work and they handle their assignments with proficiency and professionalism. This group of individuals truly knows what it means to operate as a team and to watch out for one another.

Doug McGrewRoger GarrettRay HarmonPaul SchroederJohn WithersJason Working

2008 presented significant challenges to the Wexner Center Security group as they had to provide protection for the Andy Warhol exhibit which was the longest running, most attended event that the Wexner Center had ever had. Thursday in particular was the busiest day of each week during the exhibit. To keep their officers from wearing down on Thursdays, the Wexner Center Security Supervisory team began standing in for the Security Officers working the galleries so that they could get extended breaks. This enabled the officers to stay alert and helped keep the event running smoothly.

COMMUNICATIONS AND CENTRAL ALARM CENTER DIVISION

Tom MocarskiGarret Pugh

On the evening of Christmas Day, a break in occurred at the Steelwood Athletic Facility. Tom Mocarski and Garrett Pugh were working in the Communications Center that evening and their assistance greatly aided our police officers in apprehending the thief. Though still in training, Dispatcher Pugh showed calmness and initiative during this incident and was assistant by Dispatcher Mocarski who handled all other incoming calls to the center during this time as well as providing details to Dispatcher Pugh about other agencies responding to the scene. For the quick thinking and teamwork in helping our Police Officers stop a burglary, Dispatchers Mocarski and Pugh are presented with this Team Award.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND FIRE PREVENTION SERVICES

Suellen AultAaron BingamanMichael PresleyChuck Scheerle The OSU Emergency Management & Fire Prevention division has been tasked by Senior Management Council to inspect every occupied building on the Columbus Campus. Many buildings, depending on their use, require multiple inspections each year. Fire Prevention personnel work in collaboration with the State of Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office, Columbus Fire Department, OSU Medical Center, Student Life, FOD and Athletics to ensure that all relevant fire codes are met or exceeded. In 2007, OSU Fire Prevention conducted a total of 202 inspections on 45 buildings. After adding two additional staff in 2008, the Emergency Management & Fire Prevention Division developed a new inspection process and was able to conduct nearly 600 inspections on 300 buildings.

Commendation Awards (previously issued this past calendar year)

POLCE DIVISION

Officer Charles Gierach – On January 19, 2008. Officer Gierach responded to a report of a person in cardiac arrest at the Blackwell. Upon arrival, he performed CPR for several minutes until medics from the Columbus Fire Department arrived. His efforts helped to restart the victim’s breathing and pulse allowing for further treatment at the hospital greatly increasing his chances for survival.

Officers Bhavin Patel and Scott Holbert – On June 25, 2008, Officer Patel requested a record check on a vehicle in the north area of campus. After he lost sight of the vehicle, the record check revealed that the vehicle was stolen. Officer Patel provided relevant information to other officers and the vehicle was subsequently located by Officer Holbert. The vehicle was stopped and four suspects were taken into custody safely.

Officer David Ferimer and Renee Kopczewski – On July 25, 2008, Officer Ferimer and Renee Kopczewski both led an effort with their co-workers to clean and restore the Blankenship Memorial on the north side of Blankenship Hall. This area had fallen into disrepair and required a tremendous amount of work to restore. As a result of their leadership, we received a number of compliments about the improvements.

Officer Bryan Thompson – On September 9, 2008, Officer Thompson led an effort within the Department of Public Safety to raise money for a campaign to support the East High and Linden McKinley football teams. Officer Thompson reminded everyone the value that organized activities can have on young men by providing them with alternatives to criminal behavior and the effects it has on the neighborhoods surrounding East High School and the OSU East Hospital. Through his leadership, members of the Department of Public Safety donated $190.00.

Officer Brandon Yankanin – On January 30, 2009, Officer Yankanin volunteered to be involved with a committee of officers to develop ideas for the design of a new building for the Department of Public Safety. He took it upon himself to do a tremendous amount of research and developed a book, consisting of several hundred pages, documenting all of the ideas.

Lt. Kelly Gray – On January 30, 2009 – Lt. Gray was awarded a Commendation Award for his work maintaining training records for the Police Division. Maintaining police records for 51 sworn officers is a complex task. Failure to document and account for training could result in the cancellation of an officer’s certification and increased liability for our agency. His efficiency and diligence in record keeping also allowed our agency to receive nearly $12,000 in reimbursement from the State of Ohio during the previous two calendar years.

SECURITY AND PROTECTOVE SERVICES DIVISION

Jeff McCarl – Officer McCarl consistently reports for work ahead of time to ensure a smooth transition to his shift. During 2008, Officer McCarl provided numerous examples of excellent customer service. In addition, he spent countless hours assisting in the training of new officers and providing support to his co-workers. For these efforts, Officer McCarl is presented with a Commendation Award.

John Wasko – Officer Wasko joined the Wexner Security Staff in 2008 and quickly established himself as an eager learner. Officer Wasko partnered with senior officers to better familiarize himself with the buildings and procedures of the unit and he made himself available for overtime as needed. For his willingness to learn and take on responsibilities, Officer Wasko is presented with this Commendation Award.

Scott Smith – Officer Smith is the “techy” security officer on the Wexner Center team. Officer Smith
takes it upon himself to help other officers who might be experiencing issues with their e-mail account or computer. Officer Smith works well with the Department’s IT team to troubleshoot computer related issues at the Wexner Center and often saves the IT team the time and energy of needing to come to the Wexner Center to fix a problem. For his willingness to assist his fellow officers with their computer issues, Officer Smith is presented with this Commendation Award.

Su Au Arnold – Su began her career in Public Safety as a Volunteer employee in the Security and Protective Services Division. Su proved to be extremely capable and knowledgeable and was offered a full-time position. Su does not know how to say “no” when asked for her assistance even if the task is something she has not handled before. Her organizational skills are exceptional and she is always looking for ways to improve the division’s services. She has introduced ways that they division can be more environmentally friendly and she has improved many of the services the division provides to its customers. Su has proven to be a valuable asset to the division and for that she is recognized with a Commendation Award.

COMMUNICATIONS AND CENTRAL ALARM CENTER DIVISION

Amy Wolfe – Dispatcher Wolfe has received frequent praise from the Police Officers and Police Command Staff over the last year for her ability to remain calm and relay key information which aided in the apprehension of criminals. Of particular note was how well Dispatcher Wolfe recently handled a call she took from a suicidal individual. Dispatcher Wolfe was able to calm the individual down and gather the needed information so that the authorities could get to the scene without incident. For her ability to calmly handle stressful situations and for being such an asset to our law enforcement personnel, Dispatcher Wolfe is presented with this Commendation Award. Johnna Sells – Dispatcher Sells is another individual who receives frequent praise from the police staff. Dispatcher Sells is noted for her ability to handle a large amount of radio traffic in a short amount of time and relaying accurate and pertinent information to the responding officers. One example of her excellent dispatching work was when Dispatcher Sells took the initiative to have RPAC flag the ID of a missing student which lead to that student being found. Dispatcher Sells also aptly assisted with a suicide situation and was able to help bring it to a safe conclusion. For her ability to calmly handle stressful situations and for being such an asset to our law enforcement personnel, Dispatcher Wolfe is presented with this Commendation Award.

BUSINESS SERVICES AND MANGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS Matt Wolfzorn – Matt began his career as a student employee and quickly found himself as the only IT member in the unit. Matt accepted a position as a full time employee and quickly set out to make sure the IT unit kept running smoothly. Matt has handled issues brought before him in a responsible and professional manner. Not only has Matt maintained a stable environment in the IT unit, he has coordinated efforts to improve back up and replication services needed to protect sensitive data sources. Matt has demonstrated himself to be extremely reliable and contentious of his colleagues in the Department. For keeping together the IT unit during a difficult period of transition and for providing reliable customer service, Matt is presented with this Commendation Award.

Merit Awards

POLICE DIVISION (previously issued during calendar year) Adam Tabor – On November 21, 2008, Officer Tabor was issued a Merit Award for his actions the night of the Mirror Lake Jump-In. While patrolling buildings around the Mirror Lake area, Officer Tabor stopped a sexual assault in progress. While investigating the incident, he discovered that the female survivor was hypothermic and she was admitted to the hospital for treatment which likely saved her life.

Scott Holbert and CPD Officer Brett Yates – On November 13, 2008, Officer Holbert and CPD Officer Yates were working together on the Joint Patrol Project when they received a report of a robbery in the area of Summit St. and E. 20th Ave. They responded to the scene where the victims identified two males as the individuals who robbed them. One of the suspects was apprehended immediately and the other was caught a short distance away by other officers. It should be noted that the Ohio State University Police Division has never issued an award of this type to an officer from another agency.

Distinguished Service Awards

POLICE DIVISION

Officer Jason Becker – Officer Becker was hired in 2007 by the Marion Campus as a Public Safety Supervisor. During the past year, he has attended nearly 400 hours of training to attain certification as a police officer in Ohio. In addition, he has completed about 5 weeks of training on main campus, responded to calls for service at the Marion Campus, developed strong relationships within the criminal justice system in Marion County, and implemented new policies and procedures to protect his community. For example, he developed a tornado safety plan that was implemented during a tornado warning on the evening of April 11, 2008.

Wooster Police Chief Greg Ferrell – Assistant Chief Greg Ferrell is being honored for his continued commitment to the Wooster Campus. His operation has grown from a single security officer position to four full-time and 6 part-time sworn officers protecting a campus that covers 8,164 acres scattered primarily over a 100 square mile are in Wayne County, Ohio. He retired and returned to duty in 2008 and has remained an active leader in the Wayne County law enforcement community. He has been an advocate and a leader in the development of public safety model for regional campuses

Officer Scott Holbert – Officer Holbert is being recognized for the outstanding work that he performed with the Joint Patrol Project and the Crime Interdiction Project. During Spring Quarter, 2008, Officer Holbert was actively involved in Crime Interdiction and played an important role in the protection of students and property in the campus neighborhoods. In Fall Quarter, 2008, he was assigned to pilot a Joint Policing Project with Officer Brett Yates from the Columbus Police Division. During this assignment, Scott and his partner were able to develop new working relationships within the University community. This program received very positive feedback from the community and is now being considered for permanent implementation.

Officer Kyle Howell – Officer Howe has been awarded a Distinguished Service Award for the continued outstanding work he has done protecting our community from impaired drivers during 2008. Officer Howe arrested 66 people for driving impaired during 2008, which brings his career total to 342 arrests for intoxicated drivers. He was recently honored with a 2008 law enforcement award by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.

Renee Kopczewski – Renee was nominated for this award based on the outstanding work that she has done in defining her role as a Public Safety Analyst. She has worked to provide information about ongoing crime trends while developing strong relationships with other law enforcement analysts to allow us to more effectively respond to multi-jurisdictional trends. Renee has also developed all of the procedures for our expanding fingerprint background operation, which had a gross income of just over $175,000 last year. This operation was recently audited by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification and, at the conclusion, Renee was asked to document all of her procedures as a guide for other similar services. Finally, Renee has dedicated a tremendous amount of time with a committee that screens University student applicants who have been convicted of, or charged with, a crime.

Deputy Chief Richard Morman – Deputy Chief Richard Morman is being recognized for his tireless effort to represent the Police Division.  He works endlessly on
committees, in programs, and with other law enforcement agencies to share intelligence information, develop protocols, answer media questions, clarify the police role for other university departments, and to advance the accreditation agenda.  His daily liaison activities with the Columbus Police Division, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations keep police activities running smoothly.  In addition his work with the various crisis assessment teams, the President’s Office, Transportation and Parking, and Athletics helps keep other university business running smoothly as well

SECURITY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES DIVISION

Chad Smith – Officer Smith has proven to be a tireless worker who routinely signs for overtime and special duty assignments. Officer Smith often volunteers to cover for other officers as well as taking on Officer in Charge duties when asked. Officer Smith has completed the Supervisor Toolkit training module and has nearly completed all of the classes of the STEP program. Officer Smith showed his true value in early January when a water line burst at the Schottenstein Center and due to his quick reaction, Officer Smith was able to minimize the damage. For being a shining example of teamwork and self improvement, Officer Smith is presented with this Distinguished Service Award.

Tom Guess – For almost 17 years, Officer Guess has provided outstanding customer service for the Division of Security and Protective Service. Because of his alertness, Office Guess has discovered numerous mechanical issues within the Wexner Center for the Arts building. By bringing attention to these defects, Officer Guess has helped the Center avoid countless potential disasters. Tom is the go to person at the Wexner Center if an officer has a question and he knows just what needs to be done in an emergency situation. Tom greets everyone he meets with a smile and is always willing to take time out to help others. For his dedication to detail and the example he sets for others, Officer Guess is presented with this Distinguished Service Award.

COMMUNICATIONS AND CENTRAL ALARM CENTER

Scott Beck – In 2008, the Communications and Central Alarm Center Division hosted a two-day training event for the Association of Public Safety Communication Officials which is the foremost professional organization dedicated to public safety communications. Dispatcher Beck was instrumental in bringing the training to the OSU campus and the training helped garner respect among this organization’s members to the University. Dispatcher Beck was responsible for much of the coordination that was involved in bringing the training to the University. For his efforts in brining pronounced credit to his division and the University, Dispatcher Beck is presented with this Distinguished Service Award.