Sergeant John Ritchie has been with the Fairfield University force for 12 years, and he still loves it after all this time.
“What’s not to like? [Fairfield has] a diverse community, continuous changes and the chance to shape the young minds of students,” said Ritchie.
The 38-year-old was chosen by Human Resources as this year’s recipient of the Fairfield University Employee Choice Award because he models what Fairfield is all about.
Mark Guglielmoni, director of Human Resources, has nothing but praise for him.
“Sergeant Ritchie is an example of the many dedicated employees at Fairfield University, and in particular the Student Services Division, who strives to make learning and living at Fairfield a great experience,” said Guglielmoni. “He also represents 25 other members of Public Safety who work to maintain that fine balance between enforcing rules, protecting the campus and keeping our students safe.”
Ritchie is always making the school and the Fairfield community a better place. After many townhouse break-ins, he led workshops on how to make a home less attractive to criminals. He trains new Public Safety officers and even teaches defensive driving to the rest of the Public Safety force.
William Schimpf, vice-president of Student Services, concurred with what others in the University community have to say about Ritchie.
“From assisting in car troubles to serving as a tour guide when prospective students arrive off-hours, John goes beyond the call of duty,” said Schimpf about Ritchie’s role as a Public Safety Sergeant, a member of the University Safety Committee and his work with the Finance Committee for the Credit Union. “John is always polite and courteous in his interactions.”
Ritchie has a wife and two daughters and takes an active role in protecting children by teaching parents how to allow their children to use the Internet safely.
“John makes a strong effort to learn new ideas and concepts in the security and public safety field, and always offers to share what he has learned with his co-workers and with the rest of campus,” said Guglielmoni of Ritchie’s ability and drive to teach others. “You do not have to steal your knowledge from John because he offers it willingly.”
Ritchie came to Fairfield after he interned with the State Probation Office and a boss recommended the University to him.
“I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner,” said Ritchie. “I have two siblings who graduated from here. They were Resident Assistants, and one is a former FUSA president who worked as a part-time dispatcher for what was known back then as Security.”
“We view his selection as a reflection on the entire organization,” said Frank Ficko, associate director of Public Safety. “We are proud of John and all of our Public Safety Officers who strive to make Fairfield University a safe and secure community.”
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