Patrick Greenhill '92 chosen to lead BW Safety and Security

The BW criminal justice alumnus brings more than three decades of experience in law enforcement, training and community service to the role.

After 31 years with the Berea Police Department (BPD), former Detective Sergeant Patrick Greenhill '92 is now overseeing Safety and Security at Baldwin Wallace University.

He started his new role as director of BW Safety and Security on Monday, June 9.

After earning a B.A. in criminal justice from BW in 1992, Greenhill went on to serve Berea as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant and detective sergeant, where he gained decades of supervisory and educational experience as a field training officer and instructor.

Diverse experience

At the BPD, Greenhill led the complete revision of agency policy and procedure as project manager and also served as project manager for policy development. Prior to his roles as detective sergeant and range commander, Greenhill was program coordinator for the BPD's Community Engagement Unit and manager of the Field Training Program.

Greenhill has worked in a variety of education and training roles, including commander and instructor at the Basic Police Academy at Polaris Career Center. He is also a certified instructor for ESMD, firearms safety, ALICE training and the Blue Courage program.

Community connections

With a deep dedication to public service, Greenhill has served as community liaison to a variety of community organizations. He oversaw the development of Safe Passages, a unique program that opened law enforcement agencies as access points for treatment services. He served on the executive board of Greater Cleveland Safe Kids and was a program developer of The 4Rs Path supporting officer wellness and holistic health.

Greenhill is a member of the Berea City Club and a trustee of Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Berea Lodge #1815, where he serves as the Lodge Drug Awareness Program chairperson. The Elks "invest in programs which help children grow up healthy and drug-free, undertake projects that address the unmet needs of our local community, and honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans."

Greenhill received the 2018 Berea Elks Lodge 1815 Citizen of the Year, the 2022 Elk of the Year and the Safe Kids/Safe Communities 2015 Member of the Year award for dedication to the improvement of community safety in the Greater Cleveland area.

Positioned for success

The BW safety and security team successfully employs a collaborative working relationship with the Berea Police Department. Berea regularly earns a spot as one of research.com's "Safest College Towns in America," a nod to the city's commitment to safety and its welcoming environment for college students. 

"We interviewed a number of highly qualified law enforcement professionals for this role, but Patrick's experience stood out as a perfect fit," said interim president Greg Flanik, who led the search committee. "Patrick's knowledge of both BW and Berea, his experience in community relations and education, and his leadership on procedure and policy all position him for success. We're happy to have him on board."

Greenhill replaces Gary Black, who recently retired.