Koepke named new Criminal Justice Program Coordinator/Instructor
North Central State College has hired David Koepke as program coordinator and instructor for the criminal justice program. Koepke recently announced his retirement as Chief of Police from the Bucyrus Police Department after 31 years.
“It has been an enjoyable and rewarding career to serve the citizens of Bucyrus,” Koepke said during his announcement at the Bucyrus City Council meeting. “This teaching position is a fantastic opportunity to continue the calling to serve in a new role in helping students realize their potential and provide a critical service to area communities.”
Koepke worked his way from patrol officer in 1989 to chief of police. He has also served as an instructor of the Owens Community College Police Academy. Koepke says he is most excited about joining NC State College because of the opportunity to guide students and prepare them for successful careers in criminal justice. “One of the traits of a criminal justice professional is being a lifelong learner out of necessity as the issues they face are constantly evolving. Building positive relationships within and among partner organizations and the public is critical to being part of a strong organization and having career satisfaction.”
He cares most about the people he has served, an example of that is Operation HOPE, a program created through the police department. It is a police assisted addiction recovery initiative that helps people struggling with addiction and drug abuse connect with community resources. Addiction is another problem cadets will face when they serve communities, and the success of that program within Bucyrus is another example of the great leadership Koepke can bestow on North Central State College students.
“Serving as a peace officer and in criminal justice is a calling to help others, work with people, build relationships, keep the peace, address community problems and work on solutions,” Koepke says. “North Central State College police academy has an excellent reputation preparing area students for careers in law enforcement.”
Koepke is eager to transition to NC State College to begin a new chapter in his career. He says he hopes to connect students with local law enforcement, “I look forward to networking with area chiefs and sheriffs in the region to encourage hiring North Central State College graduates and identifying future leaders of their departments that might consider continuing their education towards leadership by completing their associate degrees.”
He will join the staff at NC State College on August 13, 2020 and will be instructing three criminal justice courses in the fall semester. He will work alongside Police Academy Commander Brad Copeland to become acclimated with the academy duties during the school year.