2023 Department Recognition Ceremony
OUPD Employee Recognition Ceremony
February 8, 2023
The Ohio University Police Department celebrated their staff and community partners Wednesday evening for the first time since the pandemic temporarily halted the yearly reception in 2020. As a result, two years of awards were presented.
The last two years have been challenging. OUPD has faced difficulties caused by the pandemic, staffing shortages, and continued challenges in the profession on the national level. Chief Powers said that the bright spot through everything has been OUPD’s department members themselves - individually and collectively – who have ensured that their professionalism, integrity, and humanity always shine through. Chief Powers said that he was proud to serve with each and every employee. “The caliber of talent at OUPD is incredible,” Powers said.
The awards presented during the ceremony include:
Lifesaving Award
Awarded to personnel whose actions directly save a human life
Ofc. Jason Meade (2021)
In May of 2021, Ofc. Jason Meade responded to a call of a suicidal male preparing to jump off a bridge. Ofc. Meade acted quickly and decisively, grabbing the male from the bridge, and pulling him to safety.
Employee of the Year
Employees are nominated by department members for consideration of the honor and it is awarded to the employee whose conduct for the year fully embraced the department's values and furthered its mission
Lt. Chris Russell (2021)
Lt. Russell received his award from the 2020 recipient, Lt. VanBibber.
Ofc. Brandon King (2022)
Ofc. King Received his award from 2021 recipient, Lt. Russell.
Community Service Award
Awarded to personnel whose specific actions served to advance the department’s mission and service to our community:
2021:
Ofc. Richard Drake
Ofc. Drake was elected "Master Operator" of his basic SWAT class, which is just one example of how Ofc. Drake conducts himself. He also received several other accolades for his conduct on challenging calls.
S/Lt. Tim Ryan
S/Lt. Ryan attended the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, where he was elected class treasurer. S/Lt. Ryan builds consensus both within the department and among colleagues elsewhere on campus to accomplish goals and advance the department's mission.
Ofc. Evan Wilkof
Ofc. Wilkof received praise after a conversation with a community member that later remarked, "if [Ofc. Wilkof] is the type of officer OUPD is recruiting, we're going to be OK." Ofc. Wilkof has distinguished himself as an able communicator and has received kudos for his response to several calls.
2022:
Ofc. John Young
Ofc. Young invested a considerable amount of time and energy on a theft case that led to criminal charges. This case is just one example of the diligence and tenacity Ofc. young brings to his work every day.
Det. Gracie Postlethwait
Det. Postlethwait received several notes of appreciation from both the Title IX office and the Survivor Advocacy Program. In some cases, her style has literally made the difference between a victim choosing to work with the police or not.
Community Awards
Awarded to community members or organizations who made an outstanding contribution to OUPD or community safety
Katie Weingard (OUPD Intern, Fall Semester 2022)
Katie came to us through the Sociology & Anthropology Department and spent fall semester working alongside our officers in almost every aspect of the department's operations. Katie was well regarded by our staff.
Special Presentation
Every year, OUPD recognizes an external partner that is critical to our work
Kim Gribble (Kimline, 2021)
Ms. Gribble develops and installs all signage, decals, and markings for OUPD, including for all OUPD patrol vehicles. Ms. Gribble's service and attention to detail are second to none.
Office of Housing and Residence Life (2022)
The Office of Housing and Residence Life provides residential services to all students living on campus, and our missions frequently intersect around issues of crime prevention, mental health support, and emergency relocation of students concerned for their safety.