Police protect one damsel in distress

While unpacking in an empty dorm, I never suspected how much I would appreciate the quick response of the campus police. Within five minutes they would come to the rescue.

I was listening to music and setting up my new room when a thump came to my window. I thought it might have been the wind. This idea started to dissipate as the thump came again. Another came. Then another.

The persistent noise was the sound of rocks being thrown against the window. They sounded threatening enough to break through the glass. Few people were back on campus, and nobody knew the location of my new room. I was scared to look through the window for several reasons.

After grabbing the phone, I called campus police from the safety of the closet. The officer took my information and promised to take care of the situation soon.

I slipped out of my room and ran to the lobby, which faces my dorm window. An indistinct figure was throwing a rock. The pebble-pelting phantom soon gave up.

While waiting in the lobby for signs of the police, I watched as the figure walked to the door. I am ashamed to say that I had called the cops on one of my dear friends.

When I met her on the porch, I told her what I had done. During our laughing fits we saw a police car park by the dorm as another roared down the side street to guard the back. When I looked back at the parked car, a motorcycle cop was racing down the street. I wondered if they had sent a helicopter as images and quotes from films popped into my head.

“We’ve got you surrounded! Put your hands in the air where I can see them!”

I quickly explained the circumstances to the police as they gathered around my friend and me. She was taking it quite well and was actually enjoying herself. We also got to meet the campus’ newest cop, Officer John Ellison. He was accompanied by Sgt. Don Klepac and Officer Charles Cline.

Overall, I am happy to know how safe the campus is. The response time was less than five minutes.

Chief Gary Sargent said, “I think the driving force behind our organization is to exceed expectations.”

That is why there was such a speedy response.

Many fire alarms in the dorms keep the officers on their toes. They are always prompt and ready for whatever awaits them.

Though friendly with students, they remain professional and make sure the job is done right.

Sargent said campus police have to be certified peace officers with a minimum of two years’ experience and some college hours as proof of an educational background. Most of them have 10 to 15 years experience on a police force.

They are available for major or minor emergencies. They have opened dorm doors, charged car batteries, prevented vandalism, rescued keys from locked cars and much more.

I do not know of many schools with the wonderful security we have. Their actions are proof that they care. Sargent is proud of the police force.

He said, “They are concerned for the university community. They take a lot of pride in that community.”