Dec 29, 2010
After 38 years working in law enforcement, Shawnee State University's Chief of Security Bob Pratt has retired and former Portsmouth City Policeman David Thoroughman has been named the new Chief of Security.
Thoroughman has been in law enforcement for more than 26 years, beginning as Security Police in the U.S. Air Force where he spent more than 3 years.
For nearly 23 years he has worked as a city policeman participating on many teams and duties over the years. He was on the Bike Patrol, SWAT Team, supervisor of Speed Enforcement, in charge of the Honor Guard, and trained as a sniper. Thoroughman was promoted to Captain in July 2002 and later promoted to Administrative Captain.
"I look forward to working at Shawnee State," Thoroughman said. "It's a different atmosphere and a change of pace. I think I will really enjoy it - and the new challenges and opportunities working here will present."
As Chief of Security, he will continue to build on the foundation established by Pratt to expand the university security operations into a campus police force.
"Safety is a top priority on our campus," Bane Sylvia, Director of Human Resources and Security Operations, said. "We have made tremendous steps forward in the past three years by bringing the security operations in-house, developing a mass notification system, adding safety related training for students and staff, and enhancing the role and responsibilities of our university emergency response team. We appreciate Bob's leadership during our growth and we look forward to continuing to move forward under David's leadership."
Thoroughman originally majored in computer programming and is currently working on an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Law Enforcement Technologies.
He lives in Minford with his wife, Tanya, and three children, Olivia, 15, Simon, 12, and Carly, 5.
