Retired UT Police Department K9 Bira passed away on Thursday, October 22. She was 8.

UT Police Department Officer Kyle Botica was off duty and on his way to run errands the afternoon of October 21 when he drove past a burning camper trailer on Interstate 40 west near Pellissippi Parkway. His quick action to render aid to a man who collapsed saved his life.

The concerns relative to recent criminal events around our campus are understandable. I am writing to provide each of you with resources available, trends, actions and plans to address these reoccurring incidents on and around campus.

The UT Police Department has been investigating a rash of motor vehicle thefts and burglaries on campus over the last two weeks. UT Police is offering these tips to help prevent vehicle thefts and burglaries.

Four UT Police Department officers spent last week jumping curbs, dodging rocks, and riding down stairs on bicycles—all in the name of service to the Volunteer community. The exercises were part of the curriculum to become a certified bicycle officer through the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) Commission.

UTPD Chief Troy Lane was sworn in today as president of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police. He is the first campus police chief to hold the position.

Today is National Women’s Equality Day, which commemorates the ratification of the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote. We want to take the opportunity to recognize the women leaders of the UT Police Department for their dedication and service to UTPD and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Tom Freels, a retired UT Police Department captain who served the university for almost 40 years, passed away on July 31. He was 76.

CAK senior Carson Welch spent her summer making baby blankets that will shelter newborns who have been surrendered in Knox County. Welch recently donated two—a pink and blue blanket—to the UT Police Department. UTPD is one of 45 facilities in Knox County that is designated as a Safe Haven, a location where a mother may surrender an unharmed newborn.

UT’s Jillian Paciello, who has been instrumental in making safety information more accessible to the campus community and the university’s Clery Act crime reporting data more effective, has been named the Clery Compliance Coordinator of the Year.