ISSUED: 30 April 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University wrapped up its Conversation with Strangers program on April 15 with a virtual visit between Martinsburg Police Department Chief George Swartwood and four sociology majors with a criminal justice concentration.
Students who took part include Tobey Lyn Spates, Falling Waters; Sarah Leonguerrero, Charles Town; Marley McLaughlin, Haymarket, Virginia; and Jensen Flannery, Frederick, Maryland.
“I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed participating in your program and conversing with your amazing students,” Swartwood said. “What an exceptional group of young adults who will be a true and valuable asset to whatever discipline of study or profession they so choose in their future.”
Swartwood said the program allowed him to showcase the Martinsburg Police Department, its officers and their dedication to making the community even better, and to let the students know what the department has to offer to those seeking a career in law enforcement.
“This was made possible while gaining insight and the open exchange of ideas and questions from this remarkable group,” Swartwood said. “I am humbled and honored to be invited as a speaker and would gladly participate again.”
Swartwood has served the Martinsburg Police Department for more than 36 years, progressing through the ranks of patrolman, detective, detective sergeant, detective lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief. In June 2020 Swartwood became chief.
“I was very thankful to have been given the opportunity to visit with Chief Swartwood,” said McLaughlin, who was initially interested in becoming a special agent but had decided to go into real estate instead. She once again is considering a law enforcement career.
“After talking with Chief Swartwood, I have rethought my career plans and am interested in learning more about becoming a special agent with the FBI or Homeland Security. He talked about his K-9 units and that really interested me as well,” McLaughlin said.
“The opportunity to visit with Chief Swartwood was an unforgettable experience that I will be forever grateful for,” said Leonguerrero, who hopes to work for a federal agency. “Participating in this event will benefit me in the short- and long-term because it has opened my eyes to see that there are opportunities at the local level and not just the federal level of law enforcement. Also, I was able to network with individuals who I normally would not have had the opportunity to network with.”
Flannery, who hopes to become a forensic psychologist, said she is grateful for the opportunity to talk with Swartwood.
“It was great to hear about how much he loves the City of Martinsburg and how much pride he has in his officers,” Flannery said. “Participating in this event has given me more insight into policing and helped me understand some of the issues that Martinsburg police officers face.”
Conversation with Strangers is an adaptation of Dinner with Strangers, a program that started in 2018 and pairs students with a community member who is in the career field they are studying.
— 30 —
