John Wayne, or at least a version of him, has been with Lt. David Lehmitz ever since he joined the Moscow Police Department 26 years ago.
Lieutenant David Lehmitz of the University of Idaho Police Department works at his desk. His office is located on the second floor of the Idaho Commons. Lenmitz oversees the Campus Division of the Moscow Police Department.
A sketched portrait of the rugged American icon has appeared in every office Lehmitz has occupied, from detective to head of Campus Division at the University of Idaho.
“He’s kind of a hero of his,” said Cpl. Art Lindquist, who is a part of Campus Division and has known Lehmitz for 20 years.
Lehmitz said he worked security for Washington State University, before starting his career in law enforcement with the Latah County Sheriff’s Office.
“I didn’t grow up wanting to be a cop, but I just kind of fell into it, so to speak, and just stayed with it,” Lehmitz said.
Lindquist said Lehmitz is a great officer to work with, because he is dedicated and professional. He said Lehmitz often identifies problems quickly and finds creative solutions to solve them.
“He identifies the problem then works with you to help solve it,” Lindquist said.
Lehmitz said he originally moved to Moscow to be closer to his parents when he was 19, and grew to like life on the Palouse.
Lehmitz said Campus Division is responsible for providing police services for the UI campus. He said he runs security for the athletic department, works closely with the residence halls and Greek houses to reduce risk and works as a liaison between the MPD and UI administrators.
Matt Dorschel, executive director of public safety and security, said his department has a close relationship with the MPD. He said he has daily contact with Lehmitz about police activity on campus and overall safety concerns.
Dorschel said MPD and UI security forces communicate frequently, and work together when situations on-campus escalate.
Lehmitz said his position focuses on crime prevention through notifying administrators and students of possible dangers affecting the campus community.
Lehmitz and Dorschel meet weekly with the Dean of Student’s Office to discuss general safety concerns on campus, and plan security for large university events. Lehmitz said Campus Division provides a police presence at UI sporting events like football and basketball games, and also covers personal security for visiting athletic teams.
He said his division has had a large part in changing the tailgating culture at UI into a safe and controllable event.
“We had a lot to do with tailgating, and getting the tailgating structure changed so it wasn’t some big debauchery,” Lehmitz said. “It was just a mess, so we worked with the university to change tailgating rules.”
Lehmitz said he sets up security arrangements on away games for the football team, and also travels with the team to provide on-site security.
Lindquist said the campus division is comprised of three uniformed officers — a lieutenant, a corporal and a patrol officer. He said his position with campus division rotates every two years.
Dorschel said Lehmitz has done a great job as Campus Division lieutenant by building positive and professional relationships throughout multiple UI departments. He said Lehmitz cares deeply for the UI community and goes above and beyond in many ways.
Lehmitz said it is the camaraderie with the people he works with and his fellow officers that keep him passionate about his position, along with providing police services to the community.
Ryan Tarinelli can be reached at [email protected]