VCU news

By Mike Porter

David Welch, a third-generation police officer, has been promoted to deputy chief of patrol following a nationwide search. He replaces Capt. Tina Buck, who retired in April 2006.

Welch, who moves from lieutenant to captain with the promotion, became a VCU security officer in 1980. Two years later, he joined the VCU police patrol division and moved through the ranks to become lieutenant in 1987, a rank he carried until this week.

“Some of the officers thought lieutenant was my first name because I’d been here that long,” Welch joked.

Welch, who is responsible for day-to-day operations of 63 officers in the uniform patrol division, also serves as the department’s accreditations coordinator and lead defensive tactics instructor. He is a police academy coordinator and officer survival training instructor at the teaching academy.

During his tenure, Welch has seen the force grow from 40 officers to 84. He has witnessed improvements in strategy, such as the introduction and promotion of community policing. Technology has also advanced greatly during his career, but Welch said the basic principles of police work remain the same.

“Law enforcement officers must always be professional and treat people with respect – every day,” Welch said.

VCU Police Chief Col. Willie Fuller believes Welch is well qualified for the job.

“We had a national search, and it’s great to see that we have knowledgeable, professional and skilled people to promote from the inside,” Fuller said. “Captain Welch has a long and distinguished career with the force. He deserved the promotion and he earned it.”

Welch said law enforcement is in his blood. His grandfather worked for the Richmond police department for 32 years.  His father, Aubrey, enjoyed a 27-year-career with the VCU police force.