Don Burling, chief of police and security at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP), has retired after 30 years of service.

"I enjoyed my time at the university and the people I�ve worked with in the protective services unit," said Burling. "I�m thankful for all the support over the years, including the support of the administration and the many city and county police officers who help make the campus and community safe for students and residents alike."

A native of Berlin, Burling began his career at UWSP in 1971 as a security officer. Prior to joining UWSP, he was a member of the U.S. Army�s military police. In 1974 he was promoted to lead officer for the campus, and three years later, became a supervisor. In 1980 Burling was promoted to assistant director for protective services. He became acting director in 1984 and was appointed director three years later. In 1997, with the approval of the Faculty Senate, he was sworn in as chief of police and security, with law enforcement authority for the campus.

Highlights of Burling�s career include instituting a Student Security Patrol in 1989. The additional student patrols have been instrumental in reducing the number of property crimes on campus and in student parking lots. Protective Services also created a Student Transit Service with funding from Student Government in 1994. Individual officers within the unit took on additional duties in the areas of investigation, crime prevention, fire safety and student patrol, providing them with promotional opportunities, but, more important, providing additional services to the campus community and assistance in reducing campus crime each year since 1991. Since its inaugural report in 1999, the annual Crimes Against Persons Index, a national ranking of 1,500 four-year colleges, has confirmed that UWSP is a safe campus.

Burling served on various campus committees such as Environmental Health & Safety and the Campus Crisis Team, as well as the Portage County Crisis Management Team. He has been a member of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) for 17 years, and served as secretary treasurer, vice president and president of the Wisconsin Chapter. Burling holds associate degrees from Madison Business College and Mid-State Technical College.

Burling and his wife, Nancy, will continue to live in the area. He will tackle odd jobs around the house, hunt, fish and play golf. In addition, he plans to spend time with relatives, especially two daughters and a grandson.

John Taylor has been appointed interim director of the protective services unit.

-30-

tmiller/vc/burling