Spotlight on Your UWPD Squad

It’s our monthly Spotlight on Your UWPD Squad! Each month, we’ll put a UWPD employee in the spotlight. Learn why they are proud to serve you and your community, the reason they chose their profession, their favorite things about UW-Madison, and much more!

Kyleah Carruthers | Law Enforcement Dispatcher II

» Started at UWPD: February 2023
» Hometown: Belleville, WI
» College: Madison College
» Shift: Second shift

What brought you to UWPD?
I was looking for a department that would support career
development long term. Coming from a small rural agency, it just wasn’t an option there due to the size, so when I was told about an opening in dispatch (thanks, DJ!), I decided to apply!

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
Although there’s quite a few people per shift, it still feels like a big dysfunctional family in the best way!

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
While growing up, I showed Dairy Cattle for about 9 years (took Reserve Champion and Best Udder In Show the last year I showed) and Llamas (yes, you read the right) for about 3 years at the Dane County Fair! Much different atmosphere there nowadays compared to when I was showing there as a kid!

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
Badger Blast

What’s your favorite spot on campus?I don’t typically visit campus on my off days, but if I do, I would say Memorial Union would be my go-to!

Anything else you’d like to share?
One thing about me is I absolutely adore our six-year-old Saint Bernard, Odin. So feel free to stop by dispatch if you’d like to see photos — bonus points if you bring photos of your dog too!

Kirk Robinson | Security Officer II

» Started at UWPD: December 2022
» Hometown: Kennebunk, Maine
» College: Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, major in Pharmacy
» Shift: “Power Shift” – 9:30 am-7:30 pm

What brought you to UWPD?
I decided to leave pharmacy, and my wife thought I’d be interested in this role. I was a security officer when I was in college.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
My wife, daughter, and I are snake keepers — we volunteer with the Wisconsin Herpetological Association doing reptile education at schools, libraries, and science fairs.

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
Anything with chunky chocolate

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Picnic Point

Anything else you’d like to share?
In addition to the snakes, we also have two cats and a crested gecko. I enjoy hiking and biking. My wife likes birdwatching, and I go along for the photography opportunities and adventure.

Dr. Danielle Bridges | Wellness Manager

» Started at UWPD: March 2023
» Shift: Monday-Friday, dayshift
» Hometown: Tough question, as I am an “Army brat” and have called many places “home.” I was originally born in Washington D.C., but I consider Texas (San Antonio) and Chicago home.

What college did you attend, and what was your major?
I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. I have a master’s degree in criminal justice and a graduate certificate in forensic psychology from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. I also have a graduate certificate in working with survivors of violence, trauma, and torture from The University of Maryland Global Campus. I earned my master’s and doctorate in clinical psychology from Adler University in Chicago, IL. In the last year, I also obtained a graduate certificate in diversity and inclusion leadership from Drury University in Springfield, MO.

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
I have enjoyed meeting some amazing people here at UWPD, and the relationships that I have built with them are pretty special. I have also enjoyed walking around the UW-Madison campus and getting some amazing food from the food trucks at Library Mall.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I learned to crochet from my grandmother, and we have enjoyed making blankets together for many years.

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is the BEST!

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Memorial Union on the terrace

Anything else you’d like to share?
My wife and I have two adorable cats named Belmont (from the show Castlevania) and Odette (from the movie The Swan Princess), and we enjoy taking them on hikes.

Ryan Pharo | Police Officer

» Started at UWPD: July 2020
» Hometown: Mount Horeb, WI
» College: Madison College, Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement
» Shift: second shift patrol – 4:00 pm-2:00 am

What brought you to UWPD?
I was in class at Madison College and Sgt. Zautner came in and did a presentation with K9 Kobalt and mentioned that UWPD was hiring Security Officers. I talked it over with an instructor and we agreed it would be a great opportunity to get my foot in the door at a law enforcement agency.

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
My favorite part about UWPD is it affords a lot of opportunities to learn and grow that other departments don’t. My favorite part about campus is it brings so many interesting calls for service, like pulling a Starship from the edge of the lake after it drives itself off the Lakeshore Path, or people putting spaghetti in door locks.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I have been referred to as “Pharo” since I was in middle school since everywhere I go there seem to be 10 other Ryans, UWPD included.

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
Does the Cookies and Cream Pie Count? Otherwise, classic vanilla.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Midnight crime prevention walks on the Memorial Union Terrace in the summer.

Anything else you’d like to share?
When I’m not at work I like working out, playing video games with friends, and watching movies (if it says Star Wars, I’m probably already on board).

Robert Maier | Emergency Management Specialist

» Started at UWPD: October 2023
» Hometown: Baraboo, WI
» College: Herzing University & Arizona State University
» Shift: 8:30am-4:30pm weekdays

What brought you to UWPD?
My wife has been a UW employee for over a decade, and always spoke highly of the university environment. I was looking for more collaborative opportunities within the emergency management field and felt that UWPD would be able to provide that – which has since proven very true.

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
I really appreciate that the department has so many different areas of responsibility. It’s not a typical police department, and has a really good mix of sworn and non-sworn staff who all share a passion for public safety. I think that level of diversity creates really cool opportunities to learn from one another and see fresh perspectives on addressing public safety concerns. I suppose that same thought applies to the whole campus as well, which makes working here really enjoyable.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I was the sole winner of the 1993 Nickelodeon Grand Prize giveaway, which basically meant that I received a huge box of toys that made me feel like I was the coolest kid on the planet for about a week. I’m also a huge fan of 80’s New Wave music, 90’s Hong Kong action movies, and Sci-Fi books/games. I was also kicked by a horse one time.

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
Mint Cookie!

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Library Mall – because that’s where my wife and I first met.

Anything else you’d like to share?
My wife and I have a four-year old son named Daniel, and one dog named Storm (boxer/hound mix).

Dawn Veirs | Police Dispatch Supervisor

» Started at UWPD: July 2023
» Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
» Shift: 6:00pm-4:00am

What brought you to UWPD?
I missed being part of the UWPD family, it was like coming home (Dawn previously worked at UWPD 2013-2016 and we’re so happy she’s back!).

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
I love that we are a department that offers support and compassion. We make mental health and wellness for our people a priority.

What’s something most people don’t know about you ?
I love being in nature. I enjoy hiking and camping with my family. One thing many don’t know about me is I love listening to music. I listen to all kinds of music, but my favorite is metal.

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
Union Utopia!

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
I love Friday nights on the Terrace in the summer.

Anything else you’d like to share?
Law Enforcement has always been near and dear to my heart. My father, Floyd “Tom” Settles, was a Deputy in Indianapolis and was ultimately shot and killed in a bank robbery. February 24th is the anniversary of his line of duty death. I try to do something positive to remember him every year. This year I chose to participate in Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the UWPD Cops and Bobbers team.

Jeff Kirchman | Police Officer

» Started at UWPD: 2018
» Hometown: Aurora, IL & Medford, WI
» Shift: Dayshift patrol
» College: UW-Stevens Point – Communications

What brought you to UWPD?
While working for a neighboring police department, I decided UWPD was a great fit for the type of policing I prefer. In January, I’m excited to step into the role of Community Officer for the University Apartments community.

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
I’m a very amateur history buff, and UW-Madison is a treasure trove of stories from Wisconsin’s past. I love looking at a long-standing building, and then researching and reading about all of its various uses since it was built. As a police department, I feel UWPD is one of the most forward-looking and progressive agencies in the area, and that appeals to me. Plus, it offers a great variety of police work – as much, if not more than, much larger agencies. On any day I could be driving a squad car around campus, piloting a patrol boat on the Wisconsin River, protecting a visiting dignitary, working at a major sporting or entertainment event, or giving a safety presentation to a community group. The variety keeps the job fresh for me.

What’s something most people don’t know about you ?
I can juggle – I taught myself in high school; it’s always good to have a back-up plan.

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
Tough call…depending on the day, it could be Salted Caramel Toffee or Mocha Macchiato.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
The top floor of Van Hise. On a clear, sunny day you can see almost the entire city of Madison, and good parts of Shorewood Hills, Middleton, Waunakee, Maple Bluff, Monona, and more.

Anything else you’d like to share?
My chief hobby is riding my motorcycle. I’ve circled Lakes Michigan and Superior on a motorcycle, and recently spent a week riding in Germany, Austria, and the Italian Alps. My motto is: If it’s a good day to wash the bike, it’s a better day to ride the bike.

Kelly Willan | Security Systems Specialist

» Started at UWPD: 2010
» Hometown: Monona, WI
» Shift: Mon-Friday, dayshift
» College: UW-Platteville – Criminal Justice

What brought you to UWPD?
I was fresh out of college and looking for a job in the criminal justice field, so I applied for a Security Officer position and started in that position in mid 2010.

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
All of my co-workers are great to work with and really make coming to work a joy. I also greatly enjoy working with our campus partners to assist them in their access control needs, it has allowed me to learn so much about all the different things happening on our campus.

What’s something most people don’t know about you ?
In my free time I love to knit and I’ve been knitting since high school.

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
Chocolate Peanut Butter

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Anywhere I can get Babcock Ice Cream!

Anything else you’d like to share?
Along with our son Graham, we also have cat named Wallace and a dog named Zeus.

Charles (Chuck) Cederquist | Dispatcher

» Started at UWPD: November 2015
» Shift: First shift, 6am -4pm
» College: Chandler-Gilbert Community College (Arizona)

What brought you to UWPD?
After a few years of living, working, and finishing up college in Arizona, my wife took a job with the UW in the Dairy Science Department managing the university’s dairy farms. This is what brought us back to the Midwest. When it was time for me to return to work after a year of being a stay-at-home father here in Wisconsin, my wife told me about a dispatcher position that was open with the UW-Madison Police Department. I had worked in law enforcement since 2001 for two other departments and honestly never would of thought dispatch would be as perfect a fit for me — but I immediately knew that UW was where I wanted to be.

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
Having worked in a sworn and non-sworn status in law enforcement, I have experienced the different aspects of what a community is, and I thoroughly love the community that UW-Madison campus is.  UWPD and the coworkers that I have are truly great people, fun, caring, hardworking and above all they are family.

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
Many people may not know how much coffee I drink…so naturally, Babcock Halls Mocha Macchiato is my absolute favorite!

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
I would say that one of the first places I remember visiting on campus was the Allen Centennial Gardens. I took my children to see my wife and eat lunch often at the animal science building and it was an easy walk to take my girls to the gardens. Over the course of that first year living in Madison, I seemed to make it a point to bring all my parents (family) to the gardens to see how beautiful a little hidden oasis it was on campus — and then of course walk to Babcock Hall for some ice cream.

Anything else you’d like to share?
Being a father of three kids (ages 6, 8 and 10), my life away from the police department is always busy! Primarily, if it is not school and friends, its soccer. Soccer in our family plays a huge part of our lives.  Recently, all of my children started playing club soccer down in Rockford, Illinois for the Rockford Raptors. My oldest daughter is part of the Pre-Elite Club National League U12 team — and for this little lady, soccer never stops! My younger two are quickly following in their older sisters’ footsteps and are on track to be amazing little soccer players as well. My wife and I could not be more excited to fill the role of being a soccer parents and will follow these three wherever their journey takes them!

Our lives, of course, would not be complete without mentioning the rest of our amazing family — ranging all the way from northern Michigan, southern Missouri, and all the way down to the gulf shores of Florida.

Pam Killian | Security Officer, Athletics

» Stated at UWPD: December 2011
» Shift: First shift, 7am -5pm
» College: UW Center, Baraboo & UW-Platteville

What brought you to UWPD?
I started working security at the UW football games as a fundraiser for my daughters cheerleading program back with PerMar, then CSC.  I then applied for a security position with UWPD.

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
I think working with in the athletics department has to be my favorite part of my job.  I have gotten to know many people within the Athletics Department and enjoy seeing them daily.  I have become more active in attending UW sporting events. I have attended volleyball, softball, women’s basketball, men’s basketball and wrestling events as a spectator and continue to work all of the football games.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I like to draw/doodle, although a lot more people know since I started working with Athletics. There are many of my drawings in offices within the Athletic Department. I have also drawn many UW athletes with my doodle style and given them to the athletes to keep.

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
Chocolate Peanut Butter

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
I think my favorite spot on campus would have to be the Field House during a home volleyball match. The electricity from the crowd is always amazing.

Anything else you’d like to share?
I love to go fishing in the summer (not ice fishing). I especially like fishing for catfish on the Mississippi River. The biggest catfish that I caught was 55 lbs.

I have two dogs named Astro and Sassy. Sassy lives up to her name and then some. She is a shepherd/poodle mix with a ton of energy and loves to hog the attention. Astro is an Australian shepherd/lab mix.

The other thing I will share is that I am a first time grandmother — Henry was born May 9, 2023.  Love spoiling him every day I can.

Patrick Bucci | Security System Specialist

» Stated at UWPD: February 2022
» Hometown: Madison, WI
» Shift: Weekdays

What brought you to UWPD?
My father works for the UW and passed my name along when the department asked for anyone who had access control experience.  One thing led to another and here I am!

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
The people.  Everyone was so warm and welcoming starting here, and it has made even the otherwise stressful moments so much easier with a supportive group around you.  I also really enjoy the ability to ‘leave the office’ and walk to the buildings while enjoying the scenery of campus.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy gardening, we have a line of peppers that we harvest seeds from and use to plant the following years.

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
Orange Custard Chocolate Chip

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Memorial Union – nothing like a cold drink and ice cream along the water on a hot day.

Anything else you’d like to share?
I like to play D&D. I have a 20-sided dice I keep on my desk at work to help me make those tough decisions.

Kendra Hendricks | Accreditation & Policy Compliance Coordinator

» Hometown: Fort Atkinson, WI
» College: Blackhawk Tech & Upper Iowa University
» Shift: Weekdays, 7:00am – 3:00pm

What brought you to UWPD?
I initially wanted to be a police officer when I graduated from college — so when I saw UWPD was hiring for dispatch, I thought what better way to get some experience and my foot in the door. Here I am, 12 years later!

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
I enjoy the “family-like” environment at UWPD.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I’m ambidextrous

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
Praline Pecan

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Not technically “on campus” — but I love the Arboretum. Picnic Point would be my second pick!

Anything else you’d like to share?
I live in Lake Mills with my daughter, Ella, who is seven, and my husband, Jon (fun fact: he’s a triplet!). We have a French Mastiff, Winston as well. We enjoy spending our time vacationing.

Security Supervisor Larry Schultz

» Started at UWPD: 2012
» Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
» College: MATC, Mequon
» Shift: Weekdays, 9am-5pm

What brought you to UWPD?
Moved from the Milwaukee area to this side of the State and found an opportunity to work on campus.

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
Being able to help new employees and getting them acclimated our department.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I am on the Board of Directors for the Madison Credit Union, on the Board of Directors for the Albany Lions Club, on the Fire and Police Commission for the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, and on the Constitution Committee for the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, which is a Native American Tribe that I am an Enrolled Member.

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
Salted Caramel Toffee

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Memorial Library

Bonus Fun Fact:
My wife rescued three cats and they somehow cling to me. I also like to get out on the golf course and enjoy the scenery — when I’m not looking for my golf balls in the woods (which is more than not!). I am proud to say my grandson, (who is 14 years old), is working on his sixth Cd, (all EP’s), soon to be released on the main streaming venues coming in the spring/summer of 2023. So, I spend my spare time working with him and his music — as well as in the music studio.

Sgt. Nicki Zautner & K9 Kobalt

» Started at UWPD: 2013 / 2018
» Hometown: Sun Prairie, WI / Holland
» College: UW-Eau Claire / Shallow Creek Kennels
» Shift: 9pm-7am

What brought you to UWPD?
Nicki: The number of specialty units and training/career opportunities. My personality fit well with what this department required.
Kobalt: My personality fit well with what this department required.

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
Nicki: The variety of calls for service and experiences I’ve had; it’s a very unique environment to police in.
Kobalt: This area is very dog friendly and there’s a ton of green space to run in.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Nicki: I love baking.
Kobalt: I look intense, but I’m a big softy when I’m not working.

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
Nicki: Salted Caramel Toffee
Kobalt: K9s are lactose intolerant 😊

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Nicki: Lot 60 boat launch at sunrise
Kobalt: Nielsen Tennis Stadium (sooooo many tennis balls!)

Bonus Fun Fact:
Kobalt can run up to 30mph! He loves running along while we go ATVing — and we’ve confirmed this speed many times.

Julie Dahmen | UWPD Court Liaison

» Started at UWPD: 1985
» Hometown: Sun Prairie
» College: Madison College
» Shift: Weekdays

Julie is a treasure at UWPD. As our Court Liaison, Julie ensures we are well-connected with the Dane County court system — among many other things, she makes sure cases and citations are completed and submitted properly. She also works every home football game, processing arrests and citations.

Julie started her career at UW-Madison in the Admissions Office in February of 1981. She then made her way to UWPD in 1985. If you’re doing the math, you now know she has been at UW-Madison for more than 41 years — and we’ve been fortunate to have her for 37 of those years. This fall, Julie will be officially retiring.

Julie’s work at UW-Madison actually started well before 1981. When she was 13 years old, she was a member of the “clean-up crew” at Camp Randall, working after every Badger Football home game.

Her last home game working for UWPD will be November 26, 2022 — thus ending her 48 year “streak” of working football Saturdays.

Julie has been and always will be a Badger — her family has had season tickets for football and men’s hockey for more than 35 years. Although she’s been unable to utilize the football tickets because of work, her family has enjoyed them — and she looks forward to sitting in the stands for the 2023 football season.

From all of us at UWPD — thank you, Julie, for your incredible dedication to our campus community through your decades of service. We will miss you!

Jessica Rodin | Records & Data Analyst

» Started at UWPD: 2012
» Hometown: New York City
» College: Madison College
» Shift: Weekdays

What brought you to UWPD?
I knew I wanted to do something in the law enforcement field but I wasn’t sure what and one of my teachers from MATC recommended applying for a position at UWPD to get my foot in the door and experience different parts of the department.

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
The people. I work with a great group of people who make the work day more enjoyable and provide some good laughs when needed.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I’m not sure this is a big secret but I hate winter in Wisconsin. There isn’t a single thing about it that I like. I don’t enjoy the cold. I don’t enjoy the snow. It’s all awful. Every winter I say that this year is it and I’m moving to warmer weather but it’s 2022 and I’m still here… (editor’s note: we’re glad Jessica is still here!)

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. It’s pretty much my favorite flavor across all ice cream brands.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Picnic Point because I can bring my dog to walk around on the trails.

Anything else you’d like to share?
I like to clean. Some people laugh because when I go into their office I will dust or clean things. It brings me comfort and helps relieve stress.

K9 Maverick | Explosives Detection K9

» Started at UWPD: April 2022
» Hometown: Soest, Netherlands
» College: Tarheel Canine in Sanford, NC
» Shift: Weekdays

What brought you to UWPD?
My handler in a Ford Explorer

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
The people have been so nice to me — no treats yet, though. I haven’t met many students yet, but the staff I have met have been wonderful!

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I love to play soccer with my family when I’m not working.

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
My handler doesn’t allow me to have ice cream, but the orange custard chocolate chip looks amazing.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Memorial Union and Picnic Point. I love sitting in the Terrace chairs and enjoying the views of Lake Mendota. I also love hiking the paths of Picnic Point.

Anything else you’d like to share?
My human family is great — but there’s an evil furry thing, the humans call a cat, that will chase me around the house from time to time.

Learn more about our UWPD K9 teams »

Kim Brunner | Law Enforcement Dispatcher II

» Started at UWPD: 1994
» Hometown: Belleville, WI
» College: Madison College
» Shift: Weekdays

Why did you want to work in law enforcement?
I started working here as a security officer to gain experience in the hopes of eventually becoming a police officer. The opportunity opened up for dispatch and again, I originally thought it would provide good experience towards being an officer. Turns out, I’m pretty good at dispatching — AND I get to be in a climate controlled environment (no rain, snow, or excessive heat!), not subjected to potentially violent people, and still get to help folks!

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
I love working here because I work with a bunch of great people and my job is always challenging. Every day is different and we get lots of opportunities to work with specialty units within the department. For instance, I was one of the first civilian members of our Honor Guard! The UW-Madison campus is so diverse — there are so many wonderful people I’ve been able to interact with through the years!

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I’m part of a committee that plans a yearly motorcycle ride to benefit veteran’s organizations. Also, I sing in a local cover band (KARL) and have sung the National Anthem for several different UW Athletic events!

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
Badger Blast (chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!)!!!

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Allen Centennial Gardens and anything along the Lakeshore!

Anything else you’d like to share?
Even though I’ve worked here 27 years, there’s still nothing like the atmosphere on Badger Football home game days — you can feel the anticipation and excitement in the air. I love it!

Diego N. Lema Hernández | Downtown Community Liaison Officer

» Started at UWPD: 2017
» Hometown: Salto, Uruguay/Evansville, WI
» College: Edgewood College
» Shift: 2pm-midnight or 4pm-2am

Why did you want to become a police officer?
I honestly never wanted to be a police officer, until I was working in community outreach and mental health. I quickly learned that police officers were oftentimes involved in a lot of different cases and calls for service, serving in different capacities depending on the situation. I never knew, until I became a police officer, that police were called upon to help with anything and everything – from someone having lost their pet, to someone experiencing a mental health crisis. The endless possibilities to connect with the community as a police officer intrigued me, and I hope I’ve been able to do that since joining UWPD.

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
Being able to interact and build community with the UW-Madison community and visitors. Every year, a new group of students arrive on campus and it provides us the opportunity to make new connections while maintaining previous ones as students progress through their time at UW-Madison.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
During my free time, I volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club. I also coach for a local Special Olympics Team — coaching sports from basketball, to soccer, to bowling…don’t ask me for bowling tips though.

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
All the scoops of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Union Utopia. Calories don’t count when you’re eating ice cream!

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
So many to choose from, so I’ll list a few: Red Gym, Memorial Union, and Hillel (although it’s technically “off campus”).

Barrett (Bear) R. Erwin | Lower Campus Community Officer

» Started at UWPD: 2014
» Hometown: Lake Mills, WI (Go L-Cats!)
» College: THE University of Minnesota
» Shift: Weekdays, during daylight hours

Why did you want to become a police officer?
I saw policing as problem solving and caring for people during their worst crisis. I have always felt the pull toward public service and thought this was the way I could have the most impact.

What do you like most about working at UWPD and on the UW-Madison campus?
I get the most out of crisis situations that need quick responses, with clear, cool heads, and seamless teamwork. I truly love seeing my partners at work — their kindness, empathy, and creativity. Deescalating a crisis situation, resolving it peacefully, and working to find long-term solutions that address the underlying problem is what keeps me coming back for more! I am so proud of the heart and courage my coworkers put into this campus every day.

What’s your favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor?
The Blueberry Swirl is like frozen paradise in a bowl!

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Too many to choose from — but if I had to, I like Memorial Union’s summer Terrace concerts.