Purdue police hold swearing-in ceremony to welcome two new officers

The Purdue University Police Department (PUPD) recently held a ceremony to swear in two new officers.

Officer Jarrett (JT) Gabriel graduated from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, while making the dean’s list for six semesters. Gabriel has experience working for the Tennessee Department of Correction and the Luzerne County (Pennsylvania) Division of Corrections. Gabriel most recently worked for Purdue in the Grounds department.

Officer Gamaliel Ortiz graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He also attended Liberty University, earning his Master of Divinity in cross-cultural studies. Ortiz served in the United States Army and was a campus director in Haiti. He was most recently the pastor of worship and connections at a local church.

“These new officers both bring unique experiences to PUPD, which is immensely valuable in policing,” Chief Lesley Wiete said. “We are thrilled to have them as part of the team and are excited to see what they accomplish here at Purdue.”

PUPD is part of the Administrative Operations organization, which supports the university through safe, reliable and transformative services. Fostering a department with different backgrounds to serve a diverse campus is one of the many ways the organization continues to power Purdue. To learn more about the organization’s daily work, follow Administrative Operations on Instagram at @purdueoperations.