YOUNGSTOWN — The former chief of the Mill Creek MetroParks Police Department has been named Kent State University at Trumbull’s Public Safety and Police Academy program manager.

James Willock brings a notable background and experience in law enforcement. Willock became chief of Mill Creek MetroParks Police Department in 2009. He also was police chief in Goshen Township.

Meanwhile, Randall Campana, a Boardman High graduate and longtime part-time officer with the park police, has been named to take Willock’s place.

Campana, a native of Youngstown, started as a part-time officer about 20 years ago on the Mill Creek force and became assistant chief five years ago. Campana also has worked part-time on the Mercy Health police force.

Campana said he will be supervising 22 officers, noting he is looking to hire some part-timers.

Campana attended Ohio Peace Officers training in the 1980s and has attended Great Lakes leadership seminars and the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police executive program.

“I’m glad to have the opportunity, and we are looking to have as many officers as possible out in the public,” Campana said about his promotion.

Willock said he is excited about his new opportunity on the Champion campus.

“This is a great opportunity for me to help train the next generations of law enforcement professionals,” Willock said. “I want to make sure our cadets are ready and equipped to handle the ever-changing role of a law enforcement officer in society.”

Willock has taught various police academy and justice studies courses, credit courses, and has been an instructor at KSU.

Beginning this fall, Kent State at Trumbull’s police academy counts as college credit, according to Bill Burgess, the campus marketing coordinator.

Officers completing the academy or any other Ohio Police Officer Training Academy or Ohio State Highway Patrol training, are eligible for up to 22 credit hours that can be applied toward the Criminology and Justice Studies degree offered by Kent State.

“We are excited that Jim will be leading our police academy into the future,” said Josna Neuman, interim assistant dean of Kent State at Trumbull. “He brings with him a tremendous amount of energy and expertise.”

Willock has a master’s degree in criminal justice law enforcement administration from Youngstown State University and has had professional training at the FBI National Academy, the Blue Courage Academy, and the Police Executive Leadership College. He has been a certified law enforcement executive since 2007.

Willock also serves as chairman of the education committee for the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, and previously served as curriculum chair of the Certified Law Enforcement Executive Advisory Board, and as the president of the Mahoning Valley Chiefs of Police Association. He said he plans to remain active in the training and development of law enforcement leaders in Ohio.