by Christopher Broderick
July 7th 2020
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Willie Halliburton was sworn in Tuesday as the Director of Campus Public Safety and Chief of Police, capping a law enforcement career that spans three decades characterized by his proven commitment to community policing.
Halliburton, a Campus Public Safety Office (CPSO)Fe sergeant since 2016 following a 32-year career as a police officer primarily in Portland, was sworn in by President Stephen Percy in a brief campus ceremony that included his family, university officials and community members.
“My commitment to this university and to this city is to treat all people with respect,” he said. “We have to get better … not by words but by actions.”
Halliburton said the police killing of George Floyd in May in Minneapolis “changed the world” as people rose up to call for racial justice, police reforms and fundamental changes in public safety.
“Our community is hurting right now,” he said. “It’s time for healing.”
President Percy praised Halliburton as “an excellent role model and mentor to our officers and our students” and as a leader who has worked to build relationships and trust during challenging times.
Vice President for Finance and Administration Kevin Reynolds, who oversees CPSO, added: “For those of us who have been fortunate to work with Willie, you see this philosophy drives all that he does. There are a number of adjectives that spring to mind: genuine, caring, optimistic, collaborative.”
A graduate of Kansas State University, Halliburton with the Portland Police Bureau from 1990 until his retirement in 2016. He replaces Joe Schilling, who returns to his prior role as CPSO lieutenant.