BY ISAK SMITH
Former FHSU Police Chief Ed Howell has retired and UPD has hired new Police Chief Terrance Pierce to fulfill the duty.
Howell served the FHSU community for many of his 40-year law enforcement career and his retirement resembles passing the torch of excellence in campus safety and security onto the next chief.
Receiving the torch, Pierce mentioned he and Howell had met on a few occasions.
“He has been very friendly, professional, and has offered his assistance if I have questions as I learn my new role here at the FHSU Police Department,” Pierce said.
Howell’s reputation and service are sure to have helped set the precedent for the new chief.
Raised in Olathe, Pierce served as an officer and sergeant for nearly 14 years at the Pittsburg State University University Police Department.
“To become Chief of Police is a goal I have been working toward my entire career in law enforcement,” he said.
Before his service at Pitt State, he worked in Missouri as a police officer and administrator with the Sheriff’s Office.
The new chief offered his optimism about the opportunity to work with UPD.
“I feel very honored to be asked to lead such an amazing group of professionals here at the FHSU Police Department,” Pierce said. “It is also a privilege to work with the great administration, faculty, staff, and students of FHSU.”
Pierce relayed how being an active member of the community he serves has always been a part of what he loves.
“I have always enjoyed helping people… I truly like working with the University community,” he said.
When asked about the direction of campus safety, the chief described how Fort Hays State University is a very safe campus.
“The men and women of the University Police department are professionals dedicated to keeping the campus safe,” he said.
The chief went on to explain that the University Police also enjoy a good professional partnership with the Hays Police Department, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, other State of Kansas law enforcement agencies, Fire and Emergency medical services, and many other professional services in the community.
Questioned about what he would like students to know about him or UPD, the new chief echoed the University Police Mission Statement.
“The Fort Hays State University Police Department’s fundamental duty is to serve mankind and to safeguard lives and property,” Pierce said, as outlined on the FHSU University Police web page.
Chief Pierce has served at FHSU for the past month and looks forward to continued service to FHSU.