From: Megan Koeth Date: December 9, 2025 Subject: The Division of Public Safety Newsletter
Winter Break Security Tips
The holiday break is a great opportunity to recharge and spend time with family and friends. If you’ll be away during Winter Break, take a few simple steps to keep your belongings secure before you go:
Secure Valuables: If possible, take any valuable items home with you. Lock laptops, gaming systems, cash, jewelry, passports, and gadgets in a safe or lockable storage. When valuables aren’t visible, they’re far less likely to attract unwanted attention.
Communicate Plans: Inform your co-workers, roommates, and neighbors about your plans for the break and encourage open dialogue regarding security measures. Have a plan for your mail and any scheduled deliveries while you’re away.
Lock Up: Double-check doors, windows, and office spaces, especially ground floors. Ensure that all entry points are properly sealed to prevent unauthorized access. Lower the shades and close your blinds.
Stay Connected: Familiarize yourself with campus security protocols and emergency contact information. Contact 216.368.3300, use the Spartan Safe App, or visit case.edu/publicsafety.
CWRU Joins NPS-AID
We are proud to share that the Case Western Reserve University Police Department has officially joined the National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities (NPS‑AID), making us the first university police department in Ohio to adopt this innovative platform and establish a local NPS‑AID chapter!
This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to building a public safety model rooted in accessibility, dignity, and community care. NPS‑AID is transforming how law enforcement and individuals with disabilities and special needs connect, communicate, and collaborate. By joining the alliance, we are strengthening our ability to serve every member of our campus community with understanding, preparedness, and respect.
If you have any questions about NPS-AID or would like to like to join our initiative, please contact Deputy Chief Gilmore or visit the CWRU PD NPS-AID Portal.
Battle of the Badges: Results!
We are excited to announce the results of this year’s Battle of the Badges Food Drive. Thanks to your generosity, we collected an incredible 4,904 pounds of food to support those in need!
A heartfelt thank you to our partners at Cleveland Clinic Police and University Circle Police for joining us in this friendly competition, and to our campus community for making it such a success. The Battle of the Badges is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. As the holiday season continues, let’s keep this spirit of generosity alive to ensure no one in our community faces hunger alone.
Behind the Badge
With Transportation Program Manager, James Vondrak
In this edition of Behind the Badge, we are proud to feature James Vondrak, Transportation Program Manager for the Division of Public Safety. With nearly seven years at Case Western Reserve University, James brings experience, dedication, and a strong commitment to his colleagues and the campus community.
James says the most rewarding part of his role is working with great people and facing new challenges each day. “My day-to-day interaction with some really great people here within the division, coupled with the fact that my job poses different daily challenges and is not monotonous, would have to be at the top of my position's attributes,” he shared.
Outside of work, James spends time with his daughter and four grandchildren and is restoring a classic 1955 Chevrolet 210 Sedan, a project he describes as a labor of love.
His career spans 28 years at General Electric, six years as a corrections officer with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and now nearly seven years at CWRU. Earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree later in life gave him a broader perspective and appreciation for organizational work.
Married to his wife Jane for 44 years, James is a proud father and grandfather. He fondly recalls one of his favorite childhood gifts, a Schwinn Stingray Fastback 5-speed Muscle Bike, which made him “king of the neighborhood.”
Reflecting on his time at CWRU, James notes: “I have been treated with respect beginning with my first day on the job and enjoy having an actual voice in helping shape policy within our division.”
Stay Warm this Winter!
As winter temperatures drop, it's important for students to stay warm while navigating campus. Here are a few tips to help you stay cozy:
Start by layering up! Rock three layers: a comfy inner layer, a snuggly insulating layer, and a wind- and water-resistant outer layer. When you’re inside, ditch the extra layers to avoid turning into a sweaty snowman, and go for waterproof gloves, boots, and gear.
Keep an eye out for frostbite—cold, pale skin with tingling or numbness, and if it gets worse, dark skin and no feeling. Hypothermia starts with shivers and confusion but can get serious fast, so stay alert and stay safe!
Holiday Light Safety
Holiday lights add warmth and cheer, but a few quick safety checks can prevent common seasonal hazards:
Inspect all light strands for broken bulbs, frayed wires, cracked sockets, or sections that don’t illuminate. Replace damaged or outdated lights.
Use the right extension cords for indoor or outdoor use, and ensure they’re in good condition. Avoid overloading outlets.
Keep cords unobstructed and never run them under rugs, furniture, or through doorways.
Message from Executive Director Koeth
As we move into the holiday season, I want to remind everyone to stay safe on the roads and take extra care as winter weather arrives. Please remember to bundle up and look after yourselves as temperatures continue to drop. Cold air can be surprisingly dehydrating, so keep water close and listen to what your body needs. This is also a great time to winterize your home, check your insulation, seal any drafts, and make sure your emergency supplies are up to date. Whether you're traveling or staying close to campus, I hope you find moments of rest, joy, and connection. Wishing all our students, faculty, and staff a warm, safe, and fun holiday season!
#WinterReady❄️
As Cleveland’s temperatures drop we want to remind all students, faculty, and staff to take precautions against cold weather risks. National data shows that 63% of temperature related deaths are linked to extreme cold exposure, underscoring the importance of preparation.
To stay safe this season:
Check heating systems and space heaters for proper function and safety.
Keep emergency supplies ready such as blankets, food, flashlights, and batteries.
Know where to go for warmth including campus resources and local centers.
Support one another especially those more vulnerable to cold conditions.
By preparing now, our campus community can reduce risks and strengthen resilience during the winter months.
On December 1st, we celebrated the birthdays of K‑9 Athena and K‑9 Maverick! Maverick turning 3 and Athena turning 1. Thank you to everyone who came out and joined the division at TVUC; you all made the day truly special. It’s because of your continued support that our K‑9 program continues to grow and make a meaningful impact on campus.
Division Whoa!
CWRU’s Division of Public Safety patrols the university’s 267-acre campus and Thanks to agreements with Cleveland Police and University Circle Police, CWRU officers also operate within an expanded, shared-patrol zone that enhances coverage throughout University Circle. This cooperative jurisdiction ensures fast response times, coordinated policing, and a safer environment for students, staff, and visitors.
Did you Know?
Cleveland is home to one of the most famous holiday movie houses in the world, the actual home used in A Christmas Story?Cleveland’s Christmas Story House in Tremont is a fully restored, film-accurate replica of the home featured in the classic 1983 holiday movie A Christmas Story. Visitors can tour the house, explore the museum campus across the street, and even book an overnight stay surrounded by iconic props like the leg lamp and Red Ryder BB gun. It has become one of Cleveland’s most popular and nostalgic holiday attractions!
