After John Huber retired and a long search for a new Department of Public Safety, on Monday, Jan. 3, Sinclair hired their replacement to run the department: Tom Thompson.
For Thompson, choosing Sinclair was about reaching out to the people in the Dayton region that he cares about.
‘‘I chose Sinclair because of Sinclair’s mission of reaching everybody in the region I value very much,” Thompson said. “I think getting the opportunity to work for an organization is very respectful.’’
Thompson has been in the Air Force and law enforcement and has always wanted to help people the best way he could. Conducting a national search, Sinclair would eventually offer him the job.
‘‘I was very excited to be part of the Sinclair community and the opportunity to work with other people,’’ Thompson said.
He says his new position sets him apart from his other jobs, especially regarding law enforcement.
‘‘I think the biggest one that sets this job apart is with this one, it is educational. With the other jobs they were about municipal policing,’’ Thompson said.
If there is one thing Thompson loves about Sinclair it is the benefit of working with people on campus.
‘‘It’s been a week and a half, and I can say I enjoy the people. I’ve been extended kindness and when I am excited to meet the staff, I’m excited about their enthusiasm,’’ Thompson said.
He even has experience as a city manager in Miamisburg, which gave him better knowledge of how his new position will work.
‘‘It gave me a much better understanding of how the pieces function. It has allowed me to look at how all the components of the department function,’’ Thompson said.
There is a lot for Thompson to get done for the new year.
‘‘For the current year initially, I need to understand the expectations of the staff, police, and the campus community. Once I understand the expectations then I will utilize my role on campus,’’ Thompson said.
Thompson has no plan on leaving anytime soon and hopes to have a long successful career helping to serve and protect the Sinclair community.
Jamario Brown-Tolliver
Intern