Collegiate Times

Virginia Tech Police Chief Wendell Flinchum was a main face and voice at the many press conferences that followed April 16.

While facing much pressure from the community and nation, he reacted to the events with pride in his police force and the confidence needed to lead through a time of grief. Flinchum's interview was conducted over e-mail at his request. 

Kevin Anderson: After one year, how do you feel? Has anything changed emotionally?

Wendell Flinchum: I still feel the grief and anger of April 16.  I'm not sure that's something that ever goes away for those of us who were touched by it.  And I still feel pride in the way my officers responded to the emergency.  As terrible as the loss of life was, I know they also saved lives that day.

KA: How did the shootings affect you personally?

WF: That's tough to answer. Any law enforcement officer who has dealt with a homicide will tell you they were changed by it -- but violence on this scale, and in a community that's so close to my heart, probably has changed me in ways I'm not even aware of.  I know this: It has only strengthened my sense of pride in my officers, the university community and the local community. 

KA: Have these events changed the way you do your job?

WF: In some ways April 16 changed the public expectations of every campus administration and law enforcement agency across the country, especially in terms of emergency notification. There are also other measures being considered for our campus in the areas of security, surveillance and tracking -- things that don't actually change the way we do our jobs, but can give us some additional tools.

KA: Do you have anything planned this year for the anniversary in terms of speaking with families or the injured?

WF: I will be available to speak with the families and injured if they wish.   

KA: Do you feel the media has taken these events out of proportion and has treated the university unfairly in any way?

WF: I'm not sure it's fair to think of "the media" as one entity.  Some reporters have covered the tragedy with accuracy and sensitivity, others not as well.  One thing I think most of them have captured well is the Hokie spirit and the determination of this community to pull together and, as Nikki said, to "prevail."  The world really has seen what an extraordinary place this is.

KA: What are your views on concealed weapons on college campuses?

WF: The university administration has made the weapons policy very clear, and I support their position.

KA: What are your future plans as Chief?

WF: I want to continuously improve the police department so we can provide the best possible service to the university community and provide a safe and secure learning environment.

KA: Lastly, do you have anything to say to the university community now that one year has passed?

WF: I'm so grateful for the support my department has received from the community over the past year, and for the ability to draw strength from each other as we mark this very difficult anniversary and remember the friends we've lost.  The ovation for me and the first responders at the East Carolina football game was very moving and will be remembered for a long time.