U of A Police Department Detective Isidro "Sid" Ramirez has lived a storied life. As a young man, he began a 10-year career as a professional bullfighter in Spain. After retiring from bullfighting, he moved stateside, and then to Northwest Arkansas, to become a patrol officer for the city of Springdale. He enjoyed his time in Springdale, but after hearing about the benefits of working at the U of A, Ramirez decided to apply for a job with UAPD.

"One of the guys I knew said, 'You have kids who are going into college. You should get the benefits for education,'" Ramirez said. "My wife wanted our kids to graduate from the University of Arkansas." 

Along with benefits for his family, Ramirez felt he could make a difference by working with U of A students. Specifically, he wanted to serve the Hispanic student population. According to Ramirez, UAPD is dedicated to hiring a diverse class of officers to serve the campus community. 

"A department should reflect the community they represent, and I think we are one of the most diverse police departments in the state," Ramirez said. "We try to get the best officer. We don't care what race, religion, orientation, political background you are. I think the chief has done a great job of recruiting people from all areas of life. Our officers care about community and do their best." 

After 10 years as a patrol officer, Ramirez was promoted to a detective role. He was initially reluctant to take the role because he would not get to interact with students as much, but he has found the work to be rewarding. To stay involved with the students, Ramirez makes it a point to support the international community outside of his work, such as providing them meals at Christmastime, when a lot of the students cannot afford to go back home. 

"I try to attend any international event, especially orientation," Ramirez said. "I like our international and Hispanic students to see an officer who can speak Spanish. I'll wear the Spanish flag on my uniform, and it opens a door for conversation." 

Meeting students was one of the greatest joys of being a patrol officer for Ramirez.

"Working patrol, you meet students who are having struggles on their first day. Maybe they can't find a classroom or have a flat tire," he said. "Then, over their four years as a student, you break bread with them and help them out with some things.

"It's amazing how many times our officers will help students, and it just goes unspoken. Then the students go on and graduate, and then they invite you to their wedding, and the next thing you know, they have a baby and invite you to the christening. I think the best part of this job is the connection with the students. I've especially enjoyed connecting with students from countries like Spain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and many other countries." 

Reflecting on his career at the U of A, Ramirez identified unique benefits and experiences. 

"We're family here — the chief looks out for his people," Ramirez said. "If you're having an issue, whether it's a sick child or a parent, they give you the freedom, time and resources to handle it. That's a big deal." 

He has also had unique experiences serving as security when famous speakers come to campus. 

"At the U of A, I've had the opportunity to shake hands and speak to incredible people," Ramirez said. "We have a dignitary protection team. We have received training from the Secret Service, and we assist Secret Service when former presidents and other dignitaries come to speak at campus."

"I've served Dalai Lama, Laura Bush, Bill Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto from Pakistan, 3 Doors Down, Train — I even got to spend two days with Robert Redford." 

Ramirez recommends that anyone who has worked as a police officer consider the benefits of university policing. 

"Especially for someone who already is in law enforcement and is looking for the next opportunity — I've done the run-and-gun in a municipal agency or chased bad guys on 100-mph car chases," Ramirez said. "If you want to change it up a little bit or get your degree, you can still be doing your job and helping the community. I just think of the opportunities and support we get makes a significant impact on career satisfaction." 

About the Employee Spotlight Series: The employee spotlight series highlights U of A faculty and staff members, the impact they have on campus and the community more broadly, and what makes the university an employer of choice for them individually. Each U of A employee plays a critical role in advancing the 150 Forward strategic priorities: advancing student success, achieving research excellence and enhancing the university's status as an employer of choice. If you have a recommendation of an employee to interview, contact Rachel Gerner at rgerner@uark.edu.