Farewell to UPD's Ron Carpenter

Friday, Dec. 15 is WWU Deputy Police Chief Ron Carpenter's last day on the job as retirement looms, and after 16 years on campus keeping its students and employees safe, Carpenter looked back fondly at his job and his school.

"I graduated from Western in 1998, and never wanted to leave campus," he said, and in 2007 he made that hope a reality when he started at WWU as an officer. In 2017 he was promoted to sergeant, and this past year was promoted to deputy chief.

WWU Chief of Police Katy Potts said Carpenter would be missed, by both his colleagues and the campus he has served.

"I can speak for everyone when I say Ron’s contributions to the Western community will be remembered fondly. He has been a valuable member of our team and has had unwavering loyalty to WWU, and I am personally grateful for the leadership he has provided this department," Potts said.

Former WWU Chief of Police Darin Rasmussen, who now serves as Western's assistant vice president of Risk, Ethics, Safety and Resilience, said Carpenter was a model officer and true professional.

"It was a pleasure to work alongside Ron for all those years, and I know how much he cared about Western and the safety of its community. He is a true leader and will be missed," Rasmussen said.

Carpenter said it was an honor to serve and protect his alma mater and the community that makes it such a special place.

"I will truly miss the camaraderie with my fellow officers, and upon reflection, will miss those at WWU who helped me succeed. There are too many to name, but without their help my job would have been much more difficult," he said.

Congratulations on your retirement, Ron, from a grateful campus! Join Ron and his colleagues in celebrating his retirement on Monday, Dec. 18 from 1-3 p.m. in the Campus Services building, first floor conference room.