OUPD announces retirement of Officer Woodyard, K9 Alex

The Ohio University Police Department is announcing the retirement of Officer Tim Woodyard after 22 years of service to the Ohio University community. K9 Alex will retire also and remain Woodyard’s family pet.

Woodyard began his career with OUPD in 2000 after working as a boilermaker. Woodyard is also a veteran of the U.S. Army.

During his time at OUPD, Woodyard served as a patrol officer and lieutenant, though his most recent assignment was as OUPD’s first-ever canine handler. Woodyard has been partnered with K9 Alex for the last seven years. Woodyard has received awards at OUPD for community service and for working the most amount of overtime in a year.  With Woodyard at his side, K9 Alex has won the Athens News “Best of Athens” Law Enforcement Officer category for the last three years in a row.

OUPD Chief Andrew Powers recognized the critical role Woodyard played in the formation of the canine program at OUPD.

“Tim’s effort and dedication to the canine program at OUPD will have a lasting impact. He and Alex worked very hard and earned a state-wide reputation as an exceptional team,” Powers said.

Woodyard is married to Tiffany Woodyard and together they have two daughters, Tess and Taylor.

OUPD hosted a retirement party for Woodyard and K9 Alex from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in the Community Room off OUPD’s main lobby. The retirement reception was open to the public.

Those who were unable to attend may pass along well-wishes to Woodyard at woodyard@ohio.edu.