Newsmaker: John F. Swank Jr.

Noteworthy: Swank, a Greensburg Police detective sergeant, was named 2017 Distinguished Alumnus at Westmoreland County Community College near Youngwood.

Age: 48

Residence: Greensburg

Family: Wife and daughter

Background: Students, faculty and administrators honored Swank at the May commencement with the Distinguished Alumnus Award for his support of the college and ongoing excellence within his law enforcement profession. Swank graduated from WCCC in 1997 with an associate degree in criminal justice and has been working in law enforcement since then. He has served as an adjunct faculty member at the school since 2009. WCCC President Tuesday Stanley noted that Swank displays his passion for the law enforcement and criminal justice profession throughout the community, often speaking at high schools about the profession, career opportunities and on drug and alcohol issues. Swank holds a bachelor's degree in administration of justice from the University of Pittsburgh, a master's degree in law and public policy from California University of Pennsylvania and is working on his doctorate in criminal justice: organizational management, which he anticipates completing in the fall.

Quote: “It certainly has been an enjoyable experience here. The thing I found most beneficial here while a student was working with the professors. Practically everyone comes from within the profession ... works in law enforcement or the criminal justice system field, so that really bridges the gap between lectures, textbooks and the actual reality of the job.”