 |
|
Who's Who
Eddie Rodriguez |
|
Eddie Rodriguez not only serves the university community with distinction, but he also has become a role model beyond the confines of campus. At least once a week, Rodriguez makes it a point to stop between the 1200 and 1300 blocks of West 41st Street to check on the children in the neighborhood. Occasionally accompanied by Sean Stevenson, a fellow police officer, Rodriguez parks on the side of the road and hits the siren to signal his arrival. The children, ranging in age from 5-13, rush out of their homes to greet him. Rodriguez gives out a cash reward to the student with the highest grades that week as a way to motivate them to succeed, as well as build relationships between Old Dominion and community residents. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Rodriguez has been in the field of law enforcement 13 years. After going through police academy in New Jersey, he spent nine years working for a New York investigation agency and becoming the director of security. In 1997, Rodriguez moved to Virginia Beach and later joined the Old Dominion police force. Rodriguez, who has been with the campus police two years, takes his job seriously. While his primary role is to protect and serve the university and campus community, he believes that an important part of his duties also is to communicate with those who are younger than the traditional-age college students. In a nation where many urban youth view police officers in a negative way, Rodriguez feels it is important to portray a positive and supportive image among youngsters growing up in inner-city neighborhoods. "Many urban youth may have a hardened shell about them, but deep down they are interested. Once you break through that shell, then you realize that these are great kids who want to be encouraged," Rodriguez said. Rodriguez's actions have not gone unnoticed. Walter Schmidt, a resident of the 1300 block West 41st Street, took the time to write to Cliff Rice, Old Dominion's director of public safety, lauding Rodriguez's efforts. Referring to the officer's weekly cash awards, Schmidt said, "This not only helps the kids do well in school, but lets them know that the police are people that care and can be trusted." Schmidt, who went on to describe Rodriguez as "a shining star and a good example to the kids," added: "I have lived here for the last five years and have seen a change for the best in this area due to the outstanding job of men like this. We thank you for your help in turning this neighborhood around and for the fine job of Officer Rodriguez." Rodriguez also works to build relationships with the kids by teaching them about his job. For example, one day he decided to park in the Lamberts Point area to see if the children would be interested in his radar gun. Once he saw they were intrigued, he got out of the car and showed them how to use the device. Officer Rodriguez has a genuine love for his job and relishes these moments in the neighborhoods adjacent to campus. He also has a great respect for the students of Old Dominion University. "The students here are great. They know that we are here for their benefit. They also know that if they get out of line they will have to suffer the consequences, but all in all, Old Dominion students are great people. I enjoy interacting with them." When asked how he would like to be viewed as a police officer, Rodriguez said that, by his peers, he would like to be thought of as a man who will stand strong in the toughest situations. As for the kids he encounters in the neighborhoods near campus, he wants them to know that they can talk to him because he is willing to listen and help. He firmly believes that this is what serving the community is all about - he doesn't want these youngsters to automatically attach a negative stereotype to someone who happens to be wearing a blue uniform. Rodriguez is humbled by comments such as those from Walter Schmidt, but he points out that his fellow police officers are also out there every day protecting and serving.
|
|
|
|