Former EMU Police Chief Greg O'Dell to be honored at ceremony in Student Center
Former Eastern Michigan University Police Chief Greg O'Dell will be honored at a remembrance ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the school's Student Center ballroom.
Former EMU Police Chief Greg O'Dell will be remembered by the Eastern Michigan University campus community on Wednesday.
O'Dell, 54, was found dead Dec. 23 from what police called a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
O'Dell served as EMU's police chief for four years. He took a brief hiatus to serve as the University of Michigan's police chief from August to November, but left U-M's top public safety post to return to EMU. Prior to his tenure at EMU, O'Dell spent 20 years with the Ann Arbor police department, eventually becoming deputy chief.
The remembrance ceremony will take place from 3 to 5 p.m., according to EMU spokesman Geoff Larcom.
EMU President Susan Martin gave a tearful eulogy at O'Dell's funeral service on Dec. 29.
EMU staff, faculty and students can share thoughts and memories of O'Dell during the event, Larcom said.
Lt. Robert Heighes is serving as interim police chief as EMU searches for someone to fill O'Dell's position. This is Heighes' third stint as interim police chief. He assumed the temporary post before EMU originally hired O'Dell in 2008 and when O'Dell left for U-M last year.
Comments
moretothestory
Mon, Jan 9, 2012 : 10:13 p.m.
I hope this isn't a mistake. With his death by suicide I fear this will romanticise the act. Some people in despair fantasise that --oh they'll show him/her how much they hurt me, I'll kill myself or attempt to kill myself just to shake them up. As much as I feel for Mr. O'dell and the pain he must have been in, he still did leave a legacy for his daughters and other admirers. It is common for suicide in a family to have had or to start a legacy as suicide as a way out.
sarah
Sat, Jan 14, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
In response to the reply to your comment.... They did not hold a ceremony to remember the suicide, but to remember the life of an amazing man. There were many faculty and students who were out of town for the holidays when the original memorial was held who wanted to say their goodbyes.
Samantha Towler
Tue, Jan 10, 2012 : 2:11 a.m.
I adored Greg, but I agree with you. Move forward. Suicide is not a ceremonial remembrance. Nuff said....
godsbreath64
Mon, Jan 9, 2012 : 5:18 p.m.
Awesome!