By GARNET DEAKINS
garnet@newsroom.byu.edu
After 38 years of service at BYU, the University Police chief has announced his retirement.
In that time, Robert W. Kelshaw has worked hard to establish a safe environment for students and staff at BYU.
'I take my job very personally,' Kelshaw said. 'I like to look at and treat each student as if they could be my own son or daughter.'
Kelshaw said when he was first appointed chief in February 1974, he was very concerned about the rising crime rate on campus. One of the major goals of his administration was to decrease that crime.
'I felt that we had not addressed or targeted specific goals and objectives to reduce the increasing crime,' Kelshaw said.
In cooperation with university administraters, Kelshaw and his staff have been responsible for making some major improvements to make campus safer, including the installation of emergency phones and the addition of street lights, especially around the perimeter of campus.
'Since that time, crime on campus has shown a steady decline. I am very proud of our staff for that accomplishment,' Kelshaw said.
Kelshaw came to BYU in 1961 as a first-year student officer. In June of 1962 he was extended a full-time position and he has been a permanent fixture at BYU ever since.
Throughout the years, Kelshaw has had the opportunity to visit and apply for positions at other institutions, but he said no other university could measure up to his experience at BYU.
'As I went around and visited other institutions, I could not find another place that could compare in any way to what we have here. The cleanliness of the buildings, well-groomed landscape, the family togetherness atmosphere of the students, staff and faculty is outstanding,' Kelshaw said.
Kelshaw said that the university hopes to find a new chief by the end of December and he intends to spend as much time as needed to help ease the transition to the new police chief.
'I don't want to lose the momentum that we've made over the past 38 years. I want to leave with full intent that the department will continue to excel,' Kelshaw said.
Kelshaw said the pressures of law enforcement can really take a toll on a person and he hopes to retire while he can still enjoy his life.
'My wife and I like the idea of enjoying the remainder of our years. I look forward to staying at home on our seven acre ranch with our 18 llamas, 5 miniature horses, and 30 ducks.'