For 34 years, John Huber had been working for the Dayton Police Department from January 1977 to January 2011. He transitioned to Sinclair to become a campus police officer where he was Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police from July 1, 2017, to Dec. 2, 2021.
When he was younger in the 1970s, Huber didn’t know what to do with his life before becoming a police officer serving the Dayton community.
‘‘I really didn’t know what to do for a future job and at the time in high school, I really hadn’t given much thought to what I was going to do [when i got] older. The focus was on finding a college, going to college,’’ Huber said.
There is a lot that he loves about his job. Huber says he was a different individual when he was in his 20s and 30s; when he got married in his 40s, he was still a different person. Huber also likes that every day isn’t repetitive and enjoys socializing with the people on campus.
Huber decided his experience could be used elsewhere and joined Sinclair Community College.
‘‘I was 58 years old and thought I still had enough years left in me and experience that I thought could help, ’’ Huber said.
When it comes to his current and former employer, Huber says there are differences between being a part of campus police and the Dayton police force.
‘‘Well, our focus isn’t on law enforcement, it’s just a toolbox. We don’t work call-to-call here; our biggest crime here is people who keep leaving their cell phones,’’ Huber said.
Huber’s initial response was things would be a little different when promoted to chief.
‘‘Well, everyone thought things were going to be the same. I did some cosmetic things, I changed the uniforms, and we took a different approach,’’ Huber said.
Huber said he will miss the people he has interacted with throughout his career on campus
‘‘Oh, the people, they have great people here. Everyone is focused on the mission; we don’t evaluate people based on tickets. Our staff is overall happy with us,’’ Huber said.
Huber says it was his time to retire and his age is slowing him down.
‘‘As I told my wife ‘I think my battery isn’t charged anymore.’ We’re having trouble hiring anybody, most of our officers get the same training as everyone else,’’ Huber said.
The retiring officer encourages students who are looking for a career in law enforcement to apply for the force.
‘‘I would say it is a great career. I worked with the Dayton Police Department, we need young people and there is no trust,’’ Huber said.
Jamario Brown-Tolliver
Intern