Recently, many students may have noticed an imposing figure sitting on a stool in the Commons after school. This is Mr. Bob Chase.

Dean of Students Mr. Gerry Rardin had the following to say regarding the addition of Mr. Chase to the part-time staff: “There needs to be an adult present from 2:30 until 5:00 when there is no supervision.” According to Mr. Rardin, Mr. Chase proved to be the perfect fit.

The tall, bald headed man with tattoo-covered arms may have initially intimidated students, but within minutes of conversing with him, students learn that he is someone whom anyone can talk to. Mr. Chase recently retired from the police department of Bedford where he served as a policeman for thirty-two years, twenty of those years as a member of the SWAT team. A graduate of Cleveland Central Catholic High School, he grew up playing baseball and football, including his time at Marietta College before graduating from Baldwin Wallace. While his education and career shaped Mr. Chase’s character, there is one thing that holds a priority in his life: his faith.

Mr. Chase noted, “I’m a Catholic first, husband second, father third, and cop last.” Brought up in a religious family, he attended Catholic schools throughout grade school and high school. Today he still serves as an alter server and a Eucharistic Minister at St. Barnabas parish. His sleeves of tattoos down each arm mostly deal with his faith, including his devotion to Mary.

When asked about his opinion of Walsh, he expressed nothing but love for the school. “The students here,” he said, “are nothing but gracious.” Xan Hall, a freshman, shared her first impressions of Mr. Chase: “At first I was scared of him, but then I started to talk to him and learned he was religious and liked baseball.” Senior Jacob Felber, has not had the time to get to talk to Mr. Chase, but said, “He seems like a very honorable, respectful man, with one of the coolest mustaches I have seen.”

Mr. Chase not only brings added safety to the Walsh Jesuit community. He brings yet another special understanding presence to the school.