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DPS Celebrates Promotions With First Pinning Ceremony

by Joe Barker on 11/17/2022

11/17/2022

Nine Saint Louis University Department of Public Safety Officers took part in a first-of-its-kind ceremony on Wednesday morning.

In an effort to recognize the promotions and appointments of nine officers, DPS hosted its inaugural pinning ceremony. 

Pinning ceremonies are common in law enforcement, the military, and with other first responders. During the ceremony, a newly promoted officer gets their new badge and rank pinned on their uniform. The actual pinning is performed by a person selected by the officer. 

Saint Louis University Department of Public Safety Officers recite an oath of affirmation during a ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. Photo by Joe Barker. Launch SlideshowSaint Louis University Department of Public Safety Officers recite an oath of affirmation during a ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. Photo by Joe Barker.

“We had a lot of changes this year,” said Melinda Heikkinen, AVP/Chief of Public Safety. “We have a new command team, an enhanced command team in place, and people who have been here a long time who have been promoted. We were wondering, how do we celebrate that and how do we make sure we are stating our commitment. We decided, let’s do this — let’s borrow from that tradition.” 

Heikkinen, who took over as the chief of DPS in February, took part in the ceremony as well. She received her pin from SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. Other officers invited their families and colleagues to assist in the ceremony. 

Johsiey Litherland, Lieutenant/Training and Accreditation Manager, took part in the ceremony on both sides. She received a promotion and helped two of her colleagues mark their promotions. 

To recognize her promotion to lieutenant, Litherland asked her father, Warren, to assist with the pinning. It was a process the two had done before, only the roles were reversed. When she was eight, Litherland pinned her father during his military promotion to lieutenant. Years later, Warren Litherland flew in from Texas to pin his daughter. 

“It was very rewarding and nice being recognized for the hard work that we all have put into this department, especially this year,” Litherland said. “I was beyond excited to have my father here to pin me, and it was even more rewarding to be able to pin two of my co-workers who have a very special place in my heart.” 

Following the pinning, Heikkinen led the DPS officers present in an “oath of affirmation.” Because DPS officers don’t take an official oath of office, Heikkinen said the oath of affirmation was a way to affirm and recognize all the work the officers do daily. 

Heikkinen was the first to recite the oath. Other officers followed — Heikkinen said the plan was to visit each shift to make sure every DPS officer recites the oath. 

“I think it’s something that’s important to say out loud,” Heikkinen said. “I think it means something to them. This is an amazing team that is truly committed to what they’re doing.”

Officers Recognized