After a remarkable 46 years of dedicated service, David Gatchell is retiring.
David’s career could be defined as a "builder’s spirit." When he started as a security officer patrolling campus with a flashlight and badge, things looked very different. However, through his diligence, he helped shape some early use of technology for physical security and safety across campus.
While hands-free access through parking gates has undergone multiple transitions to what campus enjoys today, David was responsible for finding and installing the first RF solution at the gate on Dorr Rd. Police and fire vehicles could now use a “clicker” to quickly gain entry through that gate for access to the central campus.
David’s desire to support the mission of safety can also be found through the growth of two vital security-related services. He helped solve the challenge of a hard-wired alarm system by using existing phone lines to connect to a central station receiver. This change made the system easier to expand and manage while also allowing the dispatch center to more easily move on two separate occasions. He also installed the university's very first CCTV security camera. What started as a single camera has grown into a massive network of well over 2,000. Fun fact: the number of cameras installed was a campus-related trivia question on table cards at Legends!
For construction projects, David is often the one pouring over the blueprints and suggesting where the cameras should go. On large event days, he is also the “eye in the sky” expertly wielding the CCTV system to spot problems, assist responders, track incidents and team or VIP movements, and advance further investigations.
The ways that the burglar alarm and camera systems have helped solve or prevent incidents are too numerous to count. David didn’t just install equipment - he helped enable safety for all of campus.
We wish David a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement. After four-plus decades, it’s finally time for him to turn in his gear so he can work on his golf score and chase another perfect score in bowling!
David’s last day will be June 30th. A celebration will be announced later.
Happy Retirement, David!