Ben Schaefer honored for 2024 Wright State University Officer of the Year

The Wright State University Department of Public Safety honored several police officers, dispatchers, a community member and staff member for their hard work, dedication and support over the past year.

At its annual public safety award ceremony in March, the department recognized the Officer of the Year and presented the Departmental Community Connection Award, Distinguished Citizen Service Award and Three-Year Service Awards.

Police Sgt. Ben Schaefer, who has served in the Wright State Police Department for three years, was named the 2024 Officer of the Year. Schaefer, who graduated from Wright State with a bachelor’s degree in 2018, was also promoted to sergeant during the ceremony.

“I grew up in the Fairborn area and this place has been my home for my entire life,” he said. “It’s great to give back to the community.”

The department recognized Joe Dick, associate director of facilities and operations at the Wright State University Nutter Center, and Adam Kempf, director of operations at the Mental Health Recovery Board in Greene County, received the Distinguished Citizen Service Award.

Officer Dan Doherty received the Community Connection Award for his training over 1,000 faculty and staff in Narcan use; Run, Hide, Fight; and suicide prevention.

“The training that he provides for our campus community is needed,” said Police Chief Kurt Holden.

The department also gave the oath of office to Dave Cox as emergency management lieutenant and Chad Oleyar as police captain and honored three officers and two dispatchers for over three years of service.