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The Ohio University Police Department is announcing the retirement of Lt. Eric Hoskinson after over 25 years of service to the Ohio University community. Hoskinson’s last day will be Monday, May 31, 2021.
Hoskinson will have a total of over 28 years of law enforcement service, having previously worked for the Orange County (Calif.) Sheriff’s Department and the Perry County (Ohio) Sheriff’s Office. Hoskinson is also well known as a proud former Marine, having served in the Gulf War in both Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm as well as in Somalia as part of Operation Restore Hope.
During his time at OUPD, Hoskinson worked in numerous roles including those of field training officer, firearms instructor, SWAT commander, and active shooter instructor, to name a few. Hoskinson was promoted to sergeant in 2007 and then to lieutenant in 2010. As a lieutenant, Hoskinson commanded first watch (day shift), supervised OUPD’s community relations initiatives, led the explosives detection canine program, oversaw the department quartermaster system, managed OUPD’s patrol fleet, and acted as a Regional Information Coordinator for Ohio Homeland Security Region 7 as part of the Intelligence Liaison Officer Program. Hoskinson is also a 2018 graduate of the Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public Affairs - Public Safety Leadership Academy.
Hoskinson received several awards during his career, including twice being named OUPD’s employee of the year (1997 and 2015). Hoskinson also received awards for community service, attendance, deployment, and for working the most overtime in a year.
OUPD Chief Andrew Powers will remember Lt. Hoskinson as his go-to for last minute problem-solving. “Lt. Hoskinson is very efficient and effective at getting a wide variety of jobs accomplished in seemingly impossible conditions and timelines. I jokingly refer to Eric as my ‘Radar O’Reilly’ from the TV series MASH because he is often able to anticipate a problem and have it solved before I ask about it! I greatly appreciate his contributions and will miss his expertise,” Powers said.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, rather than meet in person, those who want to send well-wishes may direct them to Lt. Hoskinson’s email at hoskinso@ohio.edu .