We had 13 questions for Detective Eric Stiverson in our ongoing series to get to know Division of Public Safety staff:
How long have you worked for the Division of Public Safety?
Four years.
What’s a typical day like for you?
Every day is pretty much different; however, I do spend a lot of time on the phone, watching security video, and looking for people who don’t want to be found.
What’s your favorite part of your job? What’s the worst?
Finding people who don’t want to be found is my favorite part of my job. The least favorite part would be directing traffic during basketball season on a night when the ice is actually freezing to your face.
What is one thing that makes you different?
I have “natural” red hair, which is the rarest hair color on the planet.
What is something you’d like to see changed on campus or in the community?
I would like to see Green Street closed to vehicle traffic from Wright Street (Champaign) to Lincoln Avenue (Urbana) and turned into a pedestrian walk.
Where is your favorite place to eat in Champaign-Urbana?
Chili’s Grill and Bar (Champaign)
What’s one of your funniest or fondest memories at the University of Illinois Police Department/Division of Public Safety?
During the 2016 Illinois Marathon, I helped a runner, who collapsed, make it to the finish line. Her effort and willingness to push her body to its limit was truly inspiring.
If given the chance, who would you choose to be for a day?
No, thank you — I’ve got front seat tickets to the greatest show on earth.
What is your motto in life?
He who cuts his own wood, warms himself twice.
If you had once in a lifetime front-row tickets and a backstage pass to meet a recording artist, who would it be?
Eddie Vedder.
If money doesn’t grow on trees, why do banks have branches?
Ours is not to reason why, ours is but to do or die.
If a fork were made of gold, would it still be considered silverware?
Yes.
What’s something you would like to tell students?
Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, and kill nothing but time.