Rehberg recalls volunteering at Olympics 20 years ago
Glenn Rehberg (left) says one of his favorite memories of his time volunteering at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, was meeting speed skating gold medalist Steven Bradbury (right). Rehberg says Bradbury sat and talked with him for a half hour, before they each hopped on their respective flights home. Submitted Photo
By Julia Wolf
“My motivation is, I like helping people and, honestly, when are you going to get the chance to go to the Olympics?” said Glenn Rehberg, current Cornell police chief.
The 2002 Olympic Games were hosted in, and around, Salt Lake City, Utah. That’s where Rehberg stepped in and was able to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, volunteering at the Olympics.
“Utah is not an incredibly populous state,” said Rehberg.
Because of the lower population, law enforcement was not able to handle the entire event with their in-state resources. So, the state coordinated with the federal government to put out a call for sworn law enforcement officers, who would be willing to volunteer to work at the Olympics.
He signed up, ready to see the sports spectacle and to be part of something big.
Then, 9/11 happened. “Security concerns just went through the roof after that,” said Rehberg, adding they were focused on those concerns.
Rehberg says all law enforcement was asked to fly armed and loaded on Delta, to, and from, the Games.
“That was weird,” said Rehberg. There were a lot of different assignments at the Olympics, because law enforcement was needed in a variety of places. Rehberg says some people were assigned to the party districts, doing foot patrol to keep the crowds in check.
“I was assigned to the Athlete Protection Detail,” said Rehberg.
Despite the fact that the assignment sounds really high-speed, Rehberg says that consisted of three shifts guarding the athlete’s living quarters. His duty, was to guard the parking lot in front of the hotels.
“It was very glamorous,” said Rehberg, with a laugh.
Rehberg says he was able to meet law enforcement from all over the country, and he received tickets and two days off to go to two Olympic skiing events – the women’s biathlon and the women’s cross country skiing.
“I got to see the closing ceremony, which was all pomp and circumstance,” said Rehberg. “Very impressive. A lot of fun to see.”
With the highs, came some lows, as some things inevitably went wrong and posed challenges.
“I’m glad I did it, but I honestly wouldn’t volunteer again,” said Rehberg. While there, Rehberg got to see the Olympic pastime of pin trading first-hand, as well as the popularity of curling among the police at the event.
“I had not expected that,” said Rehberg, adding they watched a lot of the sport and didn’t want to miss it.
Rehberg says his favorite story of the trip, was meeting an Australian speed skater, Steven Bradbury, who won the gold medal in an upset, after the lead skaters fell.
“On the day we flew out, he was just sitting in the airport,” said Rehberg.
Some of the guys Rehberg worked with as officers told Rehberg to come meet Bradbury. Rehberg says Bradbury fully admitted he is not gold-medal class. Still, Rehberg says Bradbury had an incredible, never-giveup spirit.
“He was the most decent, humble guy I ever had the pleasure of meeting at the Olympics,” said Rehberg.
Rehberg says it was really cool to just sit down and talk to him for a half hour, before they got on their respective flights.
Law enforcement got to keep their coats, badges and IDs from the event, to go along with their photos and memories.
“It was really a fun adventure,” said Rehberg.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="243"]
Glenn Rehberg, now the Cornell police chief, volunteered to serve with other sworn law enforcement officers at the 2002 Olympic Games, 20 years ago. While there, he met law enforcement officers from all over the country, and saw two skiing events and the closing ceremonies in-person. He was able to keep his coat, badge and ID as memorabilia from the adventure. Submitted Photo[/caption]
