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CHAMPION -- The Mill Creek MetroParks Police Department's former chief has been named manager of Kent State University at Trumbull's Public Safety and Police Academy program.
James Willock became chief of Mill Creek MetroParks Police Department in 2009. He also was police chief in Goshen Township.
Because Willock had to resign his position at Mill Creek Park, his assistant Randall Campana was named the new parks police chief.
Willock said he is excited about his new job on the Champion campus.
"This is a great opportunity for me to help train the next generations of law enforcement professionals," Willock said. "I want to make sure our cadets are ready and equipped to handle the ever-changing role of a law enforcement officer in society."
Willock has taught various police academy and justice studies credit courses and has been an instructor at KSU.
Beginning this fall, KSU at Trumbull's police academy counts as college credit, according to Bill Burgess, the campus marketing coordinator.
Officers completing the academy or any other Ohio Police Officer Training Academy or Ohio State Highway Patrol training, are eligible for up to 22 credit hours that can be applied toward the criminology and justice studies degree offered by KSU.
"We are excited that Jim will be leading our police academy into the future," Josna Neuman, interim assistant dean of KSU at Trumbull, said. "He brings with him a tremendous amount of energy and expertise."
Willock holds a master's degree in criminal justice law enforcement administration from Youngstown State University and has had professional training at the FBI National Academy, the Blue Courage Academy and the Police Executive Leadership College. He has been a certified law enforcement executive since 2007.
Willock also serves as chairman of the education committee in the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, and previously served as curriculum chair of the Certified Law Enforcement Executive Advisory Board, and as the president of the Mahoning Valley Chiefs of Police Association.
He said he plans to remain active in the training and development of law enforcement leaders in Ohio.