AU graduate sworn in as Springfield Township Police officer in Summit County

Dan Fidoe gives Ashland University a great deal of credit for helping him earn his newest position as an officer with the Springfield Township Police Department in Summit County.

Fidoe, a 2018 AU grad with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, said Ashland’s strong reputation played a meaningful role in his agency’s decision to hire him. He was officially sworn in this spring.  

“Additionally, the university’s faith-based heritage resonated with my values and those of my chief, who shares my Christian beliefs and attends the same church,” Fidoe said. “In a world full of average institutions, Ashland stands out as a respected and trusted choice for a quality college education.”

What Fidoe said he appreciated most about AU was its supportive and welcoming learning environment; smaller class sizes so it was easy to connect with professors, many of whom brought valuable real-world experience into the classroom; and practical and engaging classes.

“Beyond the academics, I was especially grateful for Ashland’s emphasis on leadership, ethics and service, which helped shape my personal values and prepare me for the responsibilities of a career in law enforcement,” Fidoe said.

All that Fidoe learned at AU supplemented his already extensive law enforcement career, which began with the Stark County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy, followed by time with the Twinsburg Police Department.

Four months after he joined the Twinsburg Police Department in 2008, Fidoe had an event that he said shaped his drive and passion for law enforcement moving forward.

“I responded to a backup call from my colleague, K-9 Officer Josh Miktarian,” Fidoe said. “Upon my arrival, I found Officer Miktarian lying next to his cruiser, having suffered grave injuries from multiple close-range gunshot wounds to the head, along with additional shots to his torso. Together with another officer who arrived shortly after, I made a concerted effort to drag him to a safer location to render aid. The suspect was apprehended shortly thereafter and is currently on death row.”

During his time at Twinsburg Police Department and Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Fidoe received several honors, including commendations for life-saving efforts and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving TOP COP Award for the Northeast Ohio Chapter. He also served as a tactical officer and team leader for Metro SWAT, as well as contributed to law enforcement education, which included introducing advanced tactical training.

Before law enforcement, Fidoe had an impressive military career, which included a deployment to Iraq. He was honorably discharged with distinction from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003.

Growing up on an 800-pig, 100-acre farm in Hanoverton, Ohio, Fidoe enlisted in the Marine Corps in December 1999 after graduating from United Local High School that spring.

As a United States Marine, Fidoe said he has high standards for everything he does, including education. That’s why he chose Ashland University for his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

“It exceeded my expectations, and it will always be a contributing factor in my growth and success as a law enforcement officer,” Fidoe said about AU. “At the end of the day, we’re only here for a short time, and I’ve made it my mission to make the biggest positive impact I can in the field of law enforcement. Ashland University has played a meaningful role in that mission.”