The man behind the security badge Get to know friendly campus officer Chris Thompson

Author: Lisie Mehlman

Chris Thompson is my favorite Public Safety officer. I'm not exactly sure why. It could be because sometimes when he comes into parties, he does crazy dance moves and I like that. Or, it could be because when I was a first-year, all confused and lost in my first week at the big College, he let me in to good ol' Battell when I had forgotten my access card. Now, most likely, Chris does not remember any of these incidents. But he is uber-cool, and so I thought maybe other Midd-kids of the same opinion would be interested in getting a peek into his mysterious life.



The Middlebury Campus: So, how long have you been the coolest Public Safety officer at the College?



Chris Thompson: I have been employed at the College for approximately two years. I started as a Public Safety Officer and instantly loved the job. My co-workers are amazing and the students make you feel as though you are a part of their extended family. It's been a wonderful experience that I wouldn't trade for anything.



The Campus: What did you do before you started working here at Midd?



Thompson: Before being employed by Middlebury College, I actually worked at Standard Register for 10 years, which is a big printing company in Middlebury. The job was okay but my true love was my DJ business. I owned a company by the name of Madmixx Entertainment with my brother-in-law. We DJed weddings, class reunions, parties and, of course, we played at local clubs in Vergennes or Burlington. We would usually play every Friday and Saturday night. It was so much fun to keep the dance floors packed and to have the opportunity to meet so many great people! When I started at the College, my Friday and Saturday nights became instantly booked (with patrolling the campus). But I really enjoy getting to know people. I've always liked to help people and this job gives me the chance to do that.



The Campus: Do you have a family? Kids? Kittens?



Thompson: I've been happily married for 13 years. My lovely wife Kristi and I have one of those fairy-tale relationships. We met in junior high school and have been together ever since. She was the captain of the cheerleading squad and I was captain of the basketball team. She has always been my hero and I love her more than words can say. I have a 9-year-old daughter Chelsea, who is gifted and who just amazes me. I also have a 5-year-old son Ryan. He is a little duplicate of me. It's so funny to watch him do the same things that I did when I was a child. He is going to be athletically gifted. He's very tall and strong for his age. They both fill my heart with love! My wife and I are also expecting our third child in May of 2005. We do know that it is going to be a boy, and are very excited! I'm really blessed with a wonderful family.



The Campus: In your off time, what do you do? Hobbies, interests? Big into Harleys or anything creepy like that, that you try to keep hidden?



Thompson: During my time off, I like to mess around with my DJ equipment. I like to listen to all types of music, but I like hip hop the most. I suppose that's because my brother Kyle (a.k.a. Fattie B) is an MC in Burlington and has had great success. He has played with several different groups, which have toured Europe and the United States. He has opened for artists such as KRS-One, Beastie Boys and Tribe Called Quest. I also like to play video games, watch sporting events and go hunting or fishing on my days off.



The Campus: What is the craziest thing you've seen during your time as the coolest Public Safety Officer at the College?



Thompson: I'm not sure as to what I would consider to be the craziest thing I've seen on campus. I think that some of the things the students do I would consider to be "crazy." But then I think, these are just young people trying to have fun. As long as they are not endangering themselves or

anyone else, Public Safety doesn't really have an issue with the students' behavior. Some of the things they do appear to be quite fun. Then I get jealous that I didn't think of it first.



The Campus: What do you think - could you go back and be in college again? Would you want to?



Thompson: I would love to be in college. The students' camaraderie is great and I would like to be a part of that. The classes are never appealing, but it's definitely the greatest time of a young persons' life.



The Campus: What do you find funny or ironic about the college students today with whom you are constantly interacting?



Thompson: I think the thing about college students that I find ironic is the level of understanding that exists. I've written up a student for breaking College policy before. Then the next evening, that same individual will come up to you and ask about your plans for the weekend. They realize that we at Public Safety have a job to do and are here to keep the students safe. If sometimes we come off as a little rough, it's only because we are genuinely concerned about the students' welfare. It's scary if you find a student who is ill or unconscious. That students' welfare is in the hands of the Public Safety officer and any medical personnel that may respond. Sometimes it's a stressful job, but overall. It's all worth it.



The Campus: If you weren't the coolest Public Safety officer, what other job do you think you might have liked?



Thompson: If I weren't a Public Safety officer, I think that I would have pursued the DJ business a little further. I actually always wanted to try to be a DJ at a radio station, but I was turned off by the lack of income. Being a Public Safety officer is definitely the best job for the type of person I am.



The Campus: What is your favorite book?



Thompson: This would have to be "Where Did I Come From" by Peter Mayle. This was a book that my parents had me read when I was reaching adolescence. It explains "the birds and the bees" and I have never been able to get the images out of my head. In all seriousness...probably the "Harry Potter" books.



The Campus: If you could create your own Middlebury Security SWAT Force with any cops from TV, movies or superheroes who would the squad consist of?



Thompson: If I could choose my very own SWAT squad, it would consist of Frank Drebin from the "Naked Gun" movies. This guy would make even me look intelligent. Then I would choose Magnum P.I., so that our cruisers could actually be Lamborghinis. But really, I couldn't ask for a better group than those that I work with. I feel like they don't get enough recognition and don't get the appreciation that they always deserve. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the people I work with; from the director, assistant directors, the sergeant, my fellow officers to our telecommunicators. Every person involved does their part to make the job easier. I wouldn't be able to do my job if it weren't for everyone in my department.



- Interview by Lisie Mehlman