Nov. 5, 2018
Regional Police Organization Bestows Highest Honor on CWU Police Department
The largest regional association of campus police organizations has awarded its highest honor to Central Washington University’s Police Department.
At its annual conference in Kennewick, Washington, the Western Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (WECLEA) named CWU’s police department as WECLEA’s 2018 Department of the Year. Additionally, CWU Officer Pete Ross received the WACLEA 2018 Officer of the Year Award.
“The University’s Police Department winning these two top honors is a great reflection of the work they’ve been doing,” said Andreas Bohman, CWU’s Vice President of Operations. “It’s nice to see them recognized like this—it’s well deserved.”
Bohman added that CWU Police Chief Jason Berthon-Koch, who was appointed to his post in January, has brought a fresh and innovative approach to campus law enforcement that has resulted in a more approachable and receptive department. He said in winning the Officer of the Year Award, Ross embodies the positive direction the department has taken under Berthon-Koch.
“Winning both awards is a testament to the culture Jason and the department have built, making students feel safe and comfortable working with them,” he continued. “It really solidifies the excellent work being done in the police department for a safe campus and a safe community.”
Associated Students of Central Washington University President Edith Rojas said her organization nominated the CWU Police Department for the award to recognize the department’s outreach efforts to more closely work with students.
“We really appreciate everything the department does for students. We submitted the nomination as a way of thanking them for creating a safe environment for Central’s students, staff, and faculty,” Rojas said.
The Officer of the Year honor was awarded to Ross in recognition of his leadership within the department and his positive rapport with the community and his supervisors. He was nominated by fellow officer, Lt. Marc McPherson.
WECLEA is a nonprofit campus police and security association which operates in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, Alaska and British Columbia, Canada. The group's membership represents 47 higher-education campuses in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho and British Columbia.
Media Contact: Masey Kalalau, Public Affairs, 509-963-1457, peonem@cwu.edu