Southern Campus alumnus is Highway Patrol post commander

Photo courtesy of: Southern CampusNicholas A. Lunsford

A graduate of Ohio University Southern is the new Commander of the Ohio Highway Patrol Ironton Post. Sgt. Nicholas A. Lunsford graduated in 2000 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Law Enforcement Technologies.

Lunsford said the education he received at Ohio University Southern provided a background for him to explore during his studies. The curriculum in the LET program allowed him to focus on the various aspects of law enforcement and decide what areas he wanted to pursue.

“(The program) allowed me to get all the information I needed to find the right job for me,” Lunsford said.

With various aspects of police work ranging from crash investigations, criminalistics, evidence analysis and other areas, Lunsford said his time as a regional campus student provided him with contacts “in the field” that he still uses today. “It was a great experience and helped me make good connections (in law enforcement).”

Jamie Stephens is the current coordinator of the Law Enforcement Technologies program. He describes Lunsford as a “very professional individual and a great representative for the Ohio Highway Patrol.” Lunsford serves on the LET program advisory board, which Stephens said will provide “insight and advice to make our LET program stronger and remain relevant in the criminal justice field.”

Lunsford said the best part about being a Highway Patrol officer is being able to help others. “To be on a call and be able to comfort someone, that has meaning,” he said. “It’s not just a police job, it is your life,” he concluded.

Stephens said law enforcement technology students have opportunities in the two-year degree program have opportunities to participate in internships with area agencies, which may lead to eventual employment. He said prospective students may contact stephej3@ohio.edu to schedule an appointment to discuss the career path.

Lunsford actually began his Patrol career the same year he completed the LET program at Ohio Southern and then became a member of the 136th Academy Class. He earned his commission in 2001 and was assigned to the Gallipolis Post. In 2008, Lunsford was selected as Post Trooper of Year. He also earned the Criminal Patrol Award twice. In 2010, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and transferred to the Ironton Post where he served as an assistant post commander.