Nicholas Quillen honored as 2025 Wright State University Officer of the Year

Police Sgt. Nicholas Quillen, left, was honored as Wright State’s 2025 Officer of the Year. He is pictured with Capt. Chad Oleyar.

The Wright State University Department of Public Safety honored several police officers, dispatchers and university staff members for their hard work, dedication and support over the past year at the annual Public Safety Awards ceremony on April 23.

Police Sgt. Nicholas Quillen, who has served with the Wright State Police Department for five years, was named the 2025 Officer of the Year. In his short time with the department, Quillen has taken on several roles, including serving as a detective, bike patrol officer and member of the Crisis Intervention Team. Most recently, he was promoted to patrol sergeant in 2024.

“Being named Officer of the Year is truly an honor and something I’m grateful for,” said Quillen. “This award reflects the support of my fellow officers, supervisors, family and the community we serve.”

Wright State Police Capt. Chad Oleyar said Quillen regularly applies his crisis intervention training when assisting individuals experiencing mental health crises.

“His commitment reflects positively on Wright State University, the law enforcement profession and the Fairborn community,” Oleyar said.

Several other public safety team members were honored for their accomplishments and years of service during the ceremony.

Officer Katherine Wright received the Community Connection Award for her efforts with the Community Policing Program, which focuses on building relationships across campus. Capt. Zachary Norman and Oleyar each received the Distinguished Service Award, while Officer Daniel Doherty was promoted to sergeant.

Wright State Police Officer Daniel Doherty received his sergeant pin from his father, Greene County Sheriff Chief Deputy Doug Doherty.

Doherty, Sgt. Ben Schaefer, Officer Gianni Parise and Communications Center Operators Beck Lenz and Lori Swartz received Three-Year Service Awards. Support Services Specialist Ben Lootens received a 10-Year Service Award, and Chief of Police Kurt Holden was recognized for 15 years of service.

The Department of Public Safety also honored CaTS with the Distinguished Service Award.

Together, the awards highlighted the university’s commitment to campus safety through the efforts of both officers in the field and staff behind the scenes.