Ohio University Police Department Chief Michael Martinsen announced yesterday he was stepping down to take a new position closer to family in Cincinnati.
Martinsen will leave the university on Sept. 30 and the search for a new chief will begin as early as next week, said David Hopka, assistant vice president for Safety and Risk Management.
He has great affection for the university and the people that work here
Hopka said of Martinsen. But Mike had family pressures that really warranted him making a tough decision to move back to the Greater Cincinnati area to be closer to his immediate and extended family.
Hopka said the department will be able to continue the work they did under Martinsen's leadership and is confident that his resignation will not create any safety issues.
Martinsen earned $103,092 annually while at the university. An interim chief has not been decided but will be announced soon.
I certainly felt privileged to work with Chief Martinsen Hopka said. I thought he was unique and his real love for his students and staff here. He brought just to me a fantastic blend of the authority of being a police chief balanced with a really engaging warm personality. I think that's going to be a tough role to fill for a replacement.
Martinsen was unavailable for comment yesterday.
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