OUPD's esteemed Chief Samuel C. Lucido to retire in January

After 11 years as chief of the Oakland University Police Department and a distinguished, 42-year career in law enforcement, Samuel C. Lucido has announced his retirement, effective Friday, Jan. 3, 2014.

The news comes as a bittersweet revelation to many in the university community. Countless colleagues who’ve come to know the chief as a caring, knowledgeable and tireless advocate of campus safety see him as deserving of a restful and rewarding retirement, but also will regret seeing him leave OU.

"Chief Lucido is one of the finest professionals I have ever been associated with, and I know he will be sorely missed here," said Vice President for Finance and Administration John Beaghan. "His dedication, commitment and work ethic have truly distinguished him as an invaluable member of the Oakland University leadership team."

Since joining the OUPD in 2002, Lucido has implemented more than a dozen public safety education programs and grants, organized and managed numerous emergency training exercises, and guided significant enhancements of the university’s emergency response plan.

Through inspired work such as establishing an emergency text messaging system, installing outdoor loudspeaker systems and developing a comprehensive emergency preparedness website, the chief has helped keep the OU campus one of the safest places to be in Oakland County.

Meanwhile, the chief also successfully established and maintained mutually beneficial relationships with other area law enforcement and emergency response agencies. He was able to accomplish this by focusing on and promoting principals of consensus, cooperation and shared goals.

A glowing indication of the respect, gratitude and admiration Lucido has earned from the OU community over the years is the fact that he was named the university’s Outstanding Administrative Professional of the Year in 2010.

"Chief Lucido has been a tremendous asset to Oakland University," said OUPD Captain Mark Gordon. "His steady hand and cool demeanor lent an air of calm to the campus. I learned a lot from the Chief, and I will miss him as a colleague, a mentor and a friend."

His decision to retire was a bittersweet one for Chief Lucido, as well.

"I've thought about this for some time now and decided that the time just feels right to enter this stage of my life and spend more time with family,” he explained.

“I'll miss the talented and dedicated men and women of the Oakland University Police Department, and all the friends I've made in the campus community. I'll always have great memories of my 11 years at Oakland University."

The good news is that the chief will not be completely absent from campus come the new year. He notes that he will continue to teach criminal justice courses on campus.

A national search for a new university chief of police will begin immediately.