GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety Dennis Bish was recognized on Oct. 11 by the Pennsylvania Society Sons of the American Revolution with the organization’s Law Enforcement Medal and certificate.
Emmett J. Haralson Jr. is the president of the Benjamin Franklin Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society Sons of the American Revolution and the public service and heroism awards state chair. He presented Bish the award in Weyers Lounge in the Howard Miller Student Center.
“Chief Bish’s exemplary record as a selfless public servant is outstanding,” Thiel College Vice President for Student Life Mike McKinney ’02 said. “He brings the same level of dedication that made him successful in helping Greenville to be safer community to our campus. We stand with the Sons of the American Revolution in its recognition of Dennis.”
Pennsylvania state Senator Michele Brooks gave Bish a citation from the Pennsylvania legislature as part of the ceremony.
Bish—a former helicopter crew chief in the U.S. Army, park ranger and municipal police officer—was a natural choice for the medal, Haralson said. Bish’s “dedication, commitment and personal sacrifice” to serve as first-responder for more than 20 years earned him the award. Haralson said that many people take our first-responders for granted and this award is an effort to recognize first-responders and generate awareness in the community of the importance of devoted public safety officers.
Bish said he takes a lot of pride in his job and that the recognition was humbling.
Bish was a police officer for the Greenville-West Salem Police Department for 16 years before coming to Thiel College. He has also served as a park ranger for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for nine years. Previously, he served in the U.S. Army as a helicopter crew chief. He graduated from the Mercyhurst College Municipal Police Training Academy at Thiel College.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.