Service has shaped nearly every chapter of Ted Eichholz’s adult life, from the U.S. Navy to law enforcement, emergency management, veterans organizations and local government.
The assistant chief of police at the University of Nebraska at Kearney has spent more than three decades in public-facing roles centered on protecting and supporting others, including military service in the 1990s. Since joining UNK Police in 2011, Eichholz has worked as a patrol officer, emergency management coordinator and parking coordinator. He was named assistant chief three years ago.
Outside the university, the Colorado native remains deeply involved in the Pleasanton community – his wife Dayna’s hometown and the couple’s home of 24 years. He serves as commander of the Pleasanton VFW post, senior vice commander for VFW District 11 and chair of the Pleasanton Village Board. He is also active in his church and volunteers at his daughters’ activities.
Eichholz, who earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from UNK last month, said giving back has long been important to him.
“You can sit back and complain about it, or you can get involved. I chose to get involved.”
Why did you enlist in the Navy?
I joined the Navy during my senior year of high school. My parents had to give permission, as I was only 17. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life at that point and the Navy seemed like a good option. The U.S. had just invaded Iraq and I guess I hoped serving in the military would give me some kind of direction.
What led you into law enforcement?
My grandfather was a police officer in 1940s and 1950s just outside Chicago. One cousin and I have followed in his footsteps and chose law enforcement as our careers. Grandpa always had the coolest stories. He would tell us about various burglaries and how they were solved. During the same time frame grandpa was on the fire department, so he would also discuss fire investigations.
In 1993, I became a U.S. Navy police officer and, after completion of my service in 1998, I went to a civilian police academy and was hired by the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado. In 2010, I was hired by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office in Nebraska.
Why was it important to finish your bachelor’s degree?
I took my first college class in fall 1991, just after graduating from high school. I took classes on and off while in the U.S. Navy and a couple more classes after completing my service in 1998. Then in 2017, I decided to combine all my credits and focus on finishing my degree. Between life and work, I took one or two classes a semester, but I did it.
My biggest drive for finishing my degree was that I work at a university and we can take classes for reduced expenses. I also thought I should practice what I preach and not stop learning.
Describe your responsibilities as assistant police chief:
I look out for the day-to-day operations of the police department. I am responsible for the management of personnel and writing and reviewing policies and reports. I maintain and update the university emergency operations plan. I conduct drills and exercises. I also supervise the student ticket-writers, who enforce the parking regulations of UNK. Additionally, I am one of the trainers for the department use of firearms, first aid, Tasers and pepper spray.
What do you enjoy about your job?
I am having the most fun when I am out with people; whether teaching a CPR class, presenting an active-shooter class, conducting range training or just working events. I enjoy the positive interactions we have in our department.
Talk about your involvement with the VFW:
I wanted to give back to the community, and veterans helping veterans seemed natural to me. The Pleasanton VFW post is mostly community oriented with participation in parades, funerals, school assemblies and Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Christmas activities.
Share something unique about yourself:
I am serving in my third year of a three-year term as an elder at Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton. It has been a great experience. I must say the first time I gave Communion to the pastor was a little scary, but it is an honor to be able to give Communion to him and all the members and guests. I enjoy assisting with baptisms at the church, as well.
I also help with my teenage daughters’ Girl Scout events and equestrian show team events. I wish someone would teach me to just say no. Joking aside, I really enjoy staying active in my daughters’ lives and in my community. We make time to go fishing, play catch or just go out for a drive.
Additionally, an interesting piece of my life is that my wife Dayna is a beekeeper. We have three hives on our property. Our youngest enjoys putting on her beekeeping suit and helping, while our oldest stays far away. I am just the landscaper; I keep the area mowed, weed-whacked and clear. I do not put on a bee suit and get into the hives.
