A Significant Event 

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 11, 2018) — Citing the University Police Department’s priority of defending “justice and liberty,” President Havidán Rodríguez set precedent on July 6 by administering the oath of office to the three newest University Police Officer recruits.

In hosting the community and the families of our newest officers to witness the event in University Hall, the President became the first UAlbany leader in decades to officiate this UPD ceremony and deliver its keynote address. UPD Chief J. Frank Wiley and Vice President for Finance and Administration Todd D. Foreman also offered remarks.

The new recruits are:

• Chris Campbell. A 23-year-old from Hillsdale, N.Y., he has a bachelor’s from Siena College. His interest in law enforcement began with his family: his mother is a former New York State Police officer;
• Zachary Collen. The 21-year-old was born and raised near the UAlbany Campus in the Town of Guilderland. He earned his B.A. from the College of Saint Rose. He’s wanted to be a police officer since the eighth grade.
• Will Quandt. The 25-year-old from Glenville received his B.S. from SUNY Oneonta. His interest in law enforcement goes back to childhood.

“I am very proud that the University at Albany can attract high quality candidates who are committed to progressive and constitutional policing — people who have the intellect and social skills to excel in this environment,” said Wiley.

“Having President Rodríguez be our keynote speaker elevated the significance of the event and demonstrated the superior class of this institution. On behalf of the University Police Department, I can say unequivocally that we are extremely grateful to the University for its support.”

The three recruits began their certification training at The Zone 5 Law Enforcement Training Academy on Tuesday. If all goes well, they will graduate from the academy and begin their Field Training in January.

Photos by Patrick Dodson

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