Patrolling with Manners
Even in his line of duty, university police Sgt. Gilbert Washington treats his co-workers, family with respect
By IRENE RODRIGUEZ
Among the stacks of paper and envelopes on the desk in Sgt. Gilbert “Andy” Washington’s office are three M&M figurines, which were once filled with candy. But from time to time, his co-workers and friends leave the candy anonymously taped to his door. This gesture represents the appreciation people have toward Washington.
“He is a nice, happy guy who laughs a lot and when he does, you can clearly hear him on the other side of the building,” campus police chief David Huerta said.
Huerta has known Washington for more than 20 years; he promoted Washington to his current position in September.
“It was a good promotion for him and the university, and I was glad to make it,” Huerta said. “He is a good officer, concerned and dedicated to his work and he always strives to learn more. He has a very instrumental role at the university police. Andy was one of the persons who picked up the workload and has never complained about the long hours.”
Washington has been with university police for almost 20 years.
The murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964 played an influential role in his decision to become a police officer.
“I realized I wasn’t going to be able to save the world, but I was surely going to do my best,” he said.
In 1969, when he was living in Washington D.C., he became a police cadet and by 1971, he was a police officer. Washington served in the Air Force from 1972-76.
He has never been seriously hurt on the job, but after all the years as an officer, there is something that still makes his job difficult.
“I’ve never gotten used to crimes involving children,” he said.
While at Fresno State, he said, the suicide of a 15 year-old University High School student in the music building last year was among the most difficult situations he’s had to deal with.
His sensitivity and concern for Fresno State students are characteristics that have made Washington such a likeable and approachable person on campus.
“The students here keep me young, on my toes, and it is our job to look over them,” he said.
And perhaps Washington will soon be a Fresno State student himself. He needs only three classes to receive his bachelor’s degree in criminology. He promised himself he would go back to school once he was promoted.
“It would be interesting to go back because a lot of what the students are learning in the classroom, I’ve already experienced,” Washington said.
Michelle Kelsey, public safety dispatcher at university police, has known Washington since 1987, when Washington began working at Fresno State.
“He will do whatever it takes to help the students,” she said. “He gives them the attention and will always try to give satisfactory answers to their problems. He is someone they can trust.”
Not only did Kelsey emphasize Washington’s care for the students, but also his professionalism.
“He is very professional in his manner, and his language,” she said. “His choice of words is very noticeable. He always replies with a ‘yes ma’am’ or ‘no ma’am.’ The way he dresses is always very proper.”
His wife, Patricia, said that’s not by accident.
“His appearance is very important to him, not for vanity reasons, but for professional purposes,” Patricia said. “He is always well groomed and that was one of the first things I noticed about him when I met him.”
“He has a lot of wisdom and he tries to share it with his children,” she said. “He is not an authoritarian father, but he is a firm believer in setting the limits. He is a really good father.
“He wants his kids to have what he didn’t, that’s probably the reason why I never hear him complain about working extra hours.”
Having to work extra hours, however, may soon come to an end. Now, at age 53, Washington said retirement is something he is already thinking about.
“I would like to retire when I’m 55, but with the new additions to the department and the process of rebuilding it, I’ve been rejuvenated. I’m having a lot of fun,” he said.
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