John Hillenbrand is a Homeland Security Program Analyst for the New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services, Office of Counter Terrorism, Public Safety Unit (OCT-PSU). The PSU enhances New York State’s Counter Terrorism posture by conducting outreach, and prevention activities, and supporting law enforcement operations to enhance public safety across the State of New York. PSU Analysts conduct Red Team exercises across New York’s 16 Counter Terrorism Zones (CTZs) which are pre-planned, concealed identity, “suspicious activity tests” to see whether New York State’s “See Something, Say Something” message has reached critical infrastructure locations and certain business sectors.
John previously worked at the Rochester Institute of Technology Department of Public Safety as a Patrol Sergeant, where he was responsible for the supervision of six officers and all road patrol activities. John was selected as RIT’s Officer of the Year in 2021 & 2023, and he also received a Life Saving Award in 2021 for actions taken to help a student who was choking.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
Throughout my time in the LEPSL program, I was humbly awarded with a DB-MVP award, and an Academic Excellence award, which were a direct result of my interaction, mentorship, and leadership of my peers. As I progressed throughout the program, I did not want my time to end and reached out to Dr. Fritsvold asking to do more. I want to be able to translate my professional and educational skills to current and prospective LEPSL students, ultimately being another resource for success for these groups. Additionally, it is my goal to help while also extending the LEPSL reach to the East Coast and play my part to help the program succeed for years to come.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
I set a personal goal to attain a graduate degree before the age of 30. My parents did not attend college, nor did they have the means to do so; obtaining a Bachelor’s degree was a large enough accomplishment, but I knew that I wanted to do more. I was actually ready to enroll in a similar program on the East Coast, however, there was a lack of flexibility in the class schedule and course offerings. I saw an advertisement and did my own research into USD and knew that the LEPSL program would be right for me.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
I was nervous about picking up school again and adjusting to a regimented schedule after being away for six years.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
The LEPSL program allowed me to become a more relaxed, understanding and compassionate leader than we in the law enforcement world are assumed to be. Courses taught me tangible tactics which allowed me to become a better listener and allowed me to challenge assumptions. Toward the end of my LEPSL journey, past coursework and writing samples helped propel me to the top of an interview process which took me off the front lines of law enforcement and helped me settle into my new role.
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
My advice to prospective students is to not feel intimidated by what may appear on paper. Sure, there is much coursework that will need to be done, however, I challenge you to put trust in the faculty who will guide you to success. Ensure that you are open with your communication, find a routine that works for you, and lean on your classmates to make this experience a memorable one.
Did you have a favorite instructor?
Do I have to pick just one?
Tyler Blondi and Mike Loarie went above and beyond for me in each of their respective classes.
Tyler helped me to build confidence at the very beginning of the LEPSL program in (LEPSL-550 Data Analysis) class. He took time out of his busy schedule to hold group discussions on Zoom, ultimately making the class more enjoyable (and allowing us to see our classmates). I had the privilege of ending LEPSL with Tyler in (LEPSL 599 Capstone). Tyler was engaging, supportive, and proud of the works I had published into my final portfolio. He is a pillar of support that makes LEPSL great.
Mike Loarie challenged me to become a better leader, person, and writer in his (LEPSL 580-Conflict Resolution) class. Mike constantly would make me think outside of the box, learn new techniques to become a more compassionate leader and challenged my writing to ensure I was putting my best foot forward each week. If something was off, Mike pushed me to be better, and I loved his challenges!
I am entirely grateful for these two men who guided me to success throughout the LEPSL program.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
I was balancing being newly married, working off (overnight) hours, overtime, weekends, holidays, and extracurricular activities such as parish councils, vacations, and family functions.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
I stayed motivated by sticking to a very regimented LEPSL schedule. I would do the next week’s DB posts on the Friday before the week begins on Tuesday. I downloaded the Canvas app on my phone to be extremely active on the DBs every day and would strive to get my paper assignments done no later than Friday of each week so that I could enjoy weekends with family. The program is what you make of it, the more invested you are, the more you will get out of it!
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2024