Police Chief Bill Bleckman to retire after 37 years
Posted by Andrew Careaga
William C. Bleckman, director of University Police at Missouri University of Science and Technology since 1992, will retire in January 2010 after a 37-year career with University Police.
A committee has been named to conduct a nationwide search for Bleckman’s replacement.
“Bill has been a superb leader for our campus police force and an outstanding law enforcement officer throughout his career at Missouri S&T,” says F. Stephen Malott, vice chancellor for Administrative Services. “His leadership has proven valuable in strengthening campus relations with local and regional law enforcement agencies, and his dedication to the university and our students, faculty and staff is commendable.”
Bleckman joined University Police in 1972 and became interim director in 1991 following the retirement of Richard J. Boulware. Bleckman became director on Feb. 15, 1992.
Bleckman is a member of Community Christian Church, a former member and chair of the Phelps County American Red Cross Board of Directors, and a CPR and First Aid instructor. At Missouri S&T, he is an Honorary Knight of St. Patrick. He also teaches computing courses at Rolla Technical Institute, is currently the president of the Central Region of International Association of Voice Stress Analysts, and a firearms instructor.
According to Malott, the search committee will meet soon to launch a national search for a new director. Dr. Greg Gelles, professor of economics and finance, will chair the committee.
Other search committee members are:
- Dr. Wayne Bledsoe, professor emeritus of history and political science.
- Andy Lamar, director of accounting and fiscal services.
- Dr. Patti Fleck, director of counseling and disability support services.
- William Perkins, director of pre-college programs.
- Laura Stoll, registrar.
- Lisa Olds, senior secretary, University Police.
- Paul Voss, vice president for external affairs, Missouri S&T Student Council.
- Leyla Gardner, Student Union Board president.
- John Butz, Rolla city administrator.
- Jack Watring, chief of police, University of Missouri-Columbia.
