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Nicholus Hayen, a law enforcement officer with the University Police Department, has been named �ձ�av��Ƶ’s Civil Service Employee of the Month for November.

He will be honored at a reception held from 11-11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, at the UPD conference room.

Hayen has helped keep �ձ�av��Ƶ’s campus safe for nearly two decades. He started his public service career as a student patrol officer before quickly being promoted to a part-time police officer.

In 2008, he became a full-time officer. Since then, he’s taken on more community safety programming and leadership responsibilities. He now serves as one of the department’s patrol corporals, providing shift supervision, work direction, scheduling and more.

Hayen is also one of the few officers to receive an award from the University Police Department for saving a life. Deputy Chief of Police Michael Kilber said Hayen aided a student who would likely not have survived a crisis if not for Hayen’s efforts.

Kilber praised Hayen for more than that one incident.

“Corporal Hayen provides strong leadership, keen insight and public safety experience that directly and indirectly affects all aspects of campus policing and emergency response,” he said.

Hayen has taken the initiative on several safety programs. He is a Rape Aggression Defense System for Women lead instructor and leads the university’s emergency vehicle operations and crisis intervention services.

“Corporal Hayen has been instrumental in developing the department’s crisis intervention and mental health response,” Patrol Sgt. Jonathan Anderson said.

In times of a crisis or a safety concern, the �ձ�av��Ƶ campus can turn to Hayen.

“His quick thinking, problem-solving skills and ability to de-escalate situations have earned him the trust and admiration of his peers and the community they serve,” Anderson said.

Beyond his law enforcement duties, Hayen actively participates in campus outreach programs and workshops, reinforcing the department’s mission to foster a safe learning environment for all.

When not on duty, Hayen takes advantage of South Dakota’s harsh winters. He is an avid ice fisherman. He also serves his community outside of his public safety role. Hayen is a baseball coach for a local youth team, the Aurora Vandals.

He said he thanks all of �ձ�av��Ƶ’s police department patrol and dispatch staff for this recognition.

All �ձ�av��Ƶ Employee of the Month selections are determined through a nomination process by the Civil Service Advisory Council. Each civil service employee of the month receives an appreciation monetary gift from the F.O. Butler Foundation. The trustees of the foundation recognize the importance of civil service employees and take this opportunity to thank them for their exemplary service.