When University Police Chief Ron Michalec clocks out today, it will be the final time he does as the head of the University Police force. Michalec is leaving Ohio State after accepting the police chief position in Pepper Pike, an affluent suburb of Cleveland, in order to be closer to where he started his career. Michalec and his wife also have two sons living in Northeast Ohio.

Michalec came to the university force in January 1991 as a deputy chief. It didn’t take him long to gain the top spot as he took over in February 1994 as the leader of the 49-officer squad.

He improved a number of programs – namely the student escort service, self-defense courses and the Rape Education and Prevention Program – aimed at increasing safety on campus. The police force has also helped in getting the word out to incoming freshmen and graduate students by offering safety programs at orientations.

But not everything has been easy for Michalec. Along with seeing the force through the best of times, Michalec had to help University Police deal with its biggest tragedy. On Feb. 10, 1997, officer Michael Blakenship was shot and killed after responding to a call at the Wexner Center. Blakenship’s death was the first and only death of an officer on campus while in the line of duty. While Blakenship’s death rocked officers and students alike, Michalec showed his leadership and led the force through that dark time.

After that turning point, the University Police became even more low-key in its on-campus presence. Michalec cut down the number of cruiser patrols, replacing them with officers on bicycles and foot. The police force became pseudo-advisors on campus instead of a menacing force which aggravate students.

This laid-back approach, however, wasn’t at the expense of campus safety. During Michalec’s tenure, overall on-campus crimes have decreased, while serious offenses have dramatically decreased. Thanks to the dedication of Michalec and his officers, the on-campus area has become one of the safer areas in Columbus.

But where Michalec’s lasting legacy will be felt the most is with the students he vowed to protect. While students from other schools may have to deal with overbearing campus police, Michalec has known when to push the buttons. He has shown his understanding of the difference between a simple prank and a serious crime. His realism and open-mindedness has opened up dialogue between University Police and the student body. Students can now feel as if they can trust, not fear, the police. Perhaps Michalec said it best himself when he said, “Students are our lifeblood, and we are constantly marketing ourselves so the students like dealing with us.”

In his nine-plus years as police chief, Michalec has left a lasting impression the relationship between students and campus police. His dedication will surely be missed, and whomever replaces him will have a hard legacy to live up to.