WMPD welcomes new captain

New captain There's something about the Ed's. Ed Schardein is just the third captain of the WMPD's 35 year old force, two of the three have been named Ed. Photo by Suzanne Seurattan

Chief chat Schardein (r) talks with William & Mary Police Chief Don Challis (l). Photo by Suzanne Seurattan

Force reaccredited Members of the WMPD and local law enforcement agencies celebrate the WMPD's reaccreditation.(l to r)Jolene Nagle, office manger and accreditation officer; Capt. Ed Schardein, WMPD; Chief Don Challis, WMPD; Chief Emmett Harmon, James City County Police; Gary Dillon, program manager, Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission; Lt. Ron LaCasse, WMPD and Father Mike Pacella, WMPD Chaplain. Photo by Suzanne Seurattan

by Suzanne Seurattan | September 15, 2009

The William & Mary Police Department has welcomed to its ranks just its third captain in their 35 year history. Ed Schardein comes aboard at William & Mary from a 22-year career with the Portsmouth, Virginia Police Department. He began at the college in late June.

“In the short time Ed has been with the department he has already shown a strong understanding of the unique and dynamic nature of a college campus,” said WMPD Chief Don Challis. “He has already reached out to our community partners and cemented exiting relationships while fostering others.”

Schardein brings diverse experience to the department. While with the Portsmouth PD he served on Uniform Patrol, SWAT, the Marine Enforcement/Dive Team and with the Tactical Response Unit which handled special investigations, vice and dignitary protection. He commanded Forensic Services and Community Policing units and served as Special Operations Division Commander which included oversight of Special Investigations/Narcotics and Emergency Preparedness/Homeland Security among other units. At William & Mary, Schardein will serve as deputy police chief and captain.

Schardein noted he came to William & Mary because of its reputation as a professional and accredited force, its size and because it allowed him to remain on the Peninsula.

“The captain/deputy chief position allows me to oversee a large portion of the police department challenging me and my leadership and policing skills,” he said.

“I am an avid supporter of community policing,” Schardein added. “The safety of our community takes the efforts of all of us. We cannot do our job alone. We need the participation of the students, faculty and staff to keep William & Mary of safe learning environment."

The WMPD is among just 72 Virginia Law Enforcement Agencies and four collegiate law enforcement agencies accredited by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. Originally accredited in 2001, the department received reaccreditation last month. In 2003 WMPD was recognized by the Virginia Association of College and University Housing Officers, the South Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls, and the National Association of College and University Residence Halls for their extraordinary efforts during Hurricane Isabel.

Schardein fills the post of Captain Ed Davis who retired in February 2009 after nearly 20 years with the university.