University Police will lose one of its finest today when Sgt. Albert “Swede” Ekstrom retires.

Ekstrom, a lifelong DeKalb County resident, grew up on a farm near Kingston and graduated from NIU with a degree in education. After working at various jobs, from insurance sales to disc jockey, he began his police career with the UP on April 6, 1978.

Most recently, Ekstrom was a first line supervisor patrol. He said this includes many duties, from overseeing the work of others during his shifts, granting vacations, viewing reports and taking telephone calls.

Ekstrom has seen many changes in his 25 years on the force. Two of the biggest changes are technology and equipment.

“We have computer systems now we never thought were possible,” he said.

He gave examples of logs now completed on computers instead of typewriters, computers and cameras in police vehicles and digital cameras used to photograph crime scenes.

Personnel-related changes have occurred since he began as well, Ekstrom said. Uniforms were previously brown, salaries and training have improved and the amount of personnel has increased.

“I guess one would have to say we’re progressing,” he said.

Policy changes have taken place too. Ekstrom pointed to officers in residence halls, restrictions on police chases and the late night ride service.

When asked what was the funniest situation he had found himself in during his career, he recounted a practical joke the officers used to play on each other. He said they used to hide one of the other police officer’s vehicles around a

corner when a second set of keys was available. The practical jokers would turn on all the emergency lights, so when the officer found his car and started it, all the lights would go on and embarrass him.

Life as a police officer is not all fun and games, however.

“Anytime you’re in a high speed chase, you get a little scared, and the adrenaline flows,” Ekstrom said, adding that police chases do not occur as often as they used to because of newer restrictions guiding the qualifications for engaging in a chase.

Ekstrom has dealt with most crimes imaginable in his 25 year career.

“The only crime I probably have not investigated is murder,” he said.

Ekstrom said the most common crimes he has seen are property crimes, notably theft.

“We are seeing more violent crimes lately, but that ebbs and flows,” he said.

Ekstrom most enjoyed the variety provided by police work and satisfaction in helping people.

“Helping people is great,” he said. “It makes you feel good, and police officers are in more of a position to help people than most … It’s kind of self-rewarding, you don’t have to look for praise.”

He said he will miss the camaraderie and job itself the most once he retires.

To those contemplating a job in law enforcement, he offers this advice, “I’d say go for it if you think you like that kind of regiment, that kind of challenge.”

As for the future of this civil servant, he would like to travel with his wife and take up home improvement projects like many other retirees, he said.

“I’m going to retake some of my days that perhaps belonged to me in my younger years,” he said.