4 Purdue police officers promoted at pinning ceremony, Chief’s Awards given

The Purdue University Police Department marked the promotion of four officers at a recent pinning ceremony. Family members, representatives from surrounding law enforcement agencies and members of the Purdue Fire Department were present as the officers were sworn into their positions.

Andy Standifer

Andy Standifer was pinned as patrol captain. Standifer has been with the police department since 2004 and served as a patrol lieutenant before his promotion. He served as a canine handler for 15 years, a field training officer, and the liaison for Purdue Athletics and the football team. He graduated from Purdue with a bachelor’s degree in law and society.

Kevin Balzer

Kevin Balzer was pinned as a patrol lieutenant. Balzer has been with the police department since 2009 and served as a patrol sergeant for five years prior to his promotion. Along with his new role, Balzer has served as a canine handler for 11 years and field training officer. He previsouly served in the U.S. Air Force.

Jon Selke

Jon Selke was pinned as a patrol sergeant. He has been with the police department for two years and previously was an officer in Arkansas. He is a hostage negotiator and field training officer. Selke served in the U.S. Army.

Wilcher Smith

Wilcher Smith was pinned as a patrol sergeant. Smith has been with the police department for three years. He serves as a bike officer and hostage negotiator. He was an officer in Mississippi for five years before joining Purdue and served in the U.S. Army.

“I instill in my officers that they are leaders in the department and within the campus community, regardless of their rank,” said Lesley Wiete, police chief. “These promoted individuals have gone above and beyond to demonstrate their commitment to policing on a college campus and to grow in their roles.”

Following the formal pinning ceremony, Wiete honored Wyatt Carmony in the grounds department and Haley Arnold in human resources with Chief’s Awards for their dedication and partnership with the Purdue Police Department. Carmony and Arnold are the eighth and ninth recipients of Chief’s Awards, which were first given in 2004.

The Purdue University Police Department is part of the Administrative Operations organization, which supports the university by providing safe, reliable and transformative services. Recognizing and promoting the dedicated men and women of our police department is just one way the organization continues to power Purdue.