Metro Story WSU's Jewish Cop Cary Glazer helps keep students safe at his alma mater. Francine Wunder Special to the Jewish News W Joel Kirsch recently returned to the area after completing his chiropractic education out of state. He grew up heating about Hebrew Free Loan from his father, the agency's Major Gift chair. "I've been involved with Hebrew Free Loan for most of my life because of my dad's passion for it," Joel says. "He told me the agency provided help to families and individuals who weren't able to enjoy the advantages we had. Now that I've moved back to Michigan and witnessed some of the economic struggles, I'm more convinced than ever of the importance of Hebrew Free Loan." Joel is passionate about supporting the community. "I believe strongly in philanthropy and giving others a chance. No matter what the gift is, it's important to attach meaning to your contribution. Give to something you believe in. It makes me feel good to know I could be helping someone who needs it, and who may turn out to be a donor someday." Donate to Hebrew Free Loan. Your family, friends and neighbors need you. Hebrew Free Loan provides interest- free loans for living expenses, medical fees and many other needs: small business start-up costs, tuition assistance, summer camp, training, and much more. If you or someone you know needs help, please click or call. www.hfldetroit.org 248.723.8184 HEBREW FREE*LOAN hfldetroit.org .0 ■ 11 -- . We Provide Loans. We Promise Dignity. tui Jewish Federation WERE PART OF THE TEAM A18 October 30 • 2008 hen Cary Glazer was grow- ing up in West Bloomfield, he never questioned what he would be when he grew up. Rather than becoming a doctor or law- yer, Glazer knew from age 4 that law enforcement was his calling. Today Glazer is one of the many highly trained officers on Wayne State University's Police Department (WSUPD), which provides the univer- sity community with police service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Students, residents, small business owners and others thrive in midtown Detroit with the knowledge that Wayne State's secu- rity force is monitoring and protecting their safety. "This is one of the most sophisticated police operations I have ever seen or been a part of' said Glazer, who served as a veteran police officer in Pontiac for more than six years and was decorated with eight meritorious letters of com- mendation. "As a former SWAT officer and field training officer, I have seen and responded to crimes more violent than most law enforcement officials experi- ence over the expanse of their careers," he said. "I have never seen a department better equipped to squelch the potential for criminal activ- ity, based on the level of training and technology it provides!' The sophistication of Wayne State's Police Department is exemplified by the new Albert Kahn Associates-designed headquarters. This state-of-the art facility serves as the university's nerve center for surveillance, dispatch, train- ing, crisis communications and com- munity engagement activities. Located at 6050 Cass Ave. in Detroit's New Amsterdam Historic District, the 33,260 gross-square-foot structure is home to '"^••••• Officer Cary Glazer in the nerve center of Wayne State University's new police headquarters. WSUPD's 54 police officers and 44 civil- ian employees. "During the planning process for our new facility, we insisted that two major goals be considered in the design stage — security and safety for our visitors and the latest technology available to police departments," said Anthony Holt, WSU chief of police. "This building reflects those goals, offering to the university com- munity and Detroit area an outstanding police facility that reflects our mission!' Glazer credits Holt and his command with the department's ongoing suc- cess and quest for continuous improvement. In fact, a 2006 crime report by the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center, shows that Wayne State had fewer inci- dents of violent crime than either the University of Michigan or Michigan State University and, per capita, mid- town had fewer incidents than Oakland County. "There are times when criminals don't realize they are on the periphery of our campus," Glazer said. "They are Wayne State U. is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 12 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students. shocked when our officers respond in less than three minutes and descend upon them like a swarm of bees!' He added that it is not uncommon for com- manding officers to leave their desks in suit and tie to respond to a call and make an arrest. Glazer graduated from West Bloomfield High School in 1985, and from Wayne State University in 1994 with a bachelor's of science degree in criminal justice and a minor in psychol- ogy. After college, he began a short-lived career in commercial real estate and other business ventures, but soon real- ized that he had no choice but to fulfill his calling as a law enforcement officer. Glazer said that returning to his alma mater is a comfortable fit, not only because he works for the university, but because he finds campus life to be safe and welcoming for Jewish students, fac- ulty and staff. He enjoys regular visits to Hillel at the Student Center Building, which provides the only kosher meals available in the city of Detroit. "The Hillel House welcomed me with open arms and even complimented my department," Glazer said. "It is wonder- ful to know that I am part of a growing Jewish community at Wayne State, and I feel very much at home here. In fact, I could definitely see myself living in midtown — even if I wasn't a police officer!' ❑ Francine Wunder is WSU director of cor- porate and public affairs.