Patrick Holdeman, recent retiree from the Notre Dame Police Department, brought expertise and a unique perspective to his role. Born in Bordeaux, France, Officer Holdeman shares his favorite French tradition, what he enjoyed most about his job, and what it meant to serve a University with such a deep connection to his French-American heritage.
How long have you worked at the University and what is your role?
I have worked for the University of Notre Dame for 30 years. I am a police officer.
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part of my job is helping our community. I love the interaction with our staff and students, assisting in ways that we can do so. I love to help people with car issues. I do many jumpstarts and help unlock cars. We don’t charge for any of our services.
Where are you from and when did you move to the United States?
I was born in Bordeaux in 1961. I moved to the United States in 1974. The majority of my family is still in France. I grew up with my first cousins who are like my siblings.
Notre Dame was founded by a French priest and carries strong French roots. What does it mean to serve at a place with such a deep connection to your heritage?
It is really cool that Fr. Sorin founded Notre Dame and that I have worked here for so many years. Fr. Sorin also founded my parish (St. Patrick’s) in South Bend.
Have you discovered any ways your background brings a unique perspective to Notre Dame’s diverse campus community?
I have found that working for Notre Dame has really helped me to understand and serve cultures around the world. I just returned from Hong Kong in one of the most impoverished areas I have ever seen. I worked with SOS to feed and get resources to the most vulnerable. I then was in the Philippines, working with the Philippine National Police, SOS, and Red Crescent, on child rescue operations from traffickers of children in the southern tip of that country. I am a Christian, but work with a mosque to save children. I don’t adhere to the American stereotype regarding Islam. Notre Dame is a big part of that change within my heart. In September, I will be in Uganda and working with “Hope for Joy” Ministries. I will be joined by my high school buddy and C.S.C. Bishop, Patrick Neary.
Do you have a favorite French tradition or custom that is important to you?
I still love Bastille Day…always on the 14th of July. It is the French Independence Day. For me, it was when my whole family got together in Sulac-Sur-Mer.
In July, we celebrate French-American Heritage Month. What does your French-American heritage mean to you?
My heritage allows me to appreciate my American citizenship so much more. I don’t take it for granted. I served as a firefighter and paramedic for 10 years after college and then transitioned into law enforcement for 30 years.
I never served in the U.S. military but after my junior year in college, I did my mandatory national service in France for 13 months with my cousins in the French military. We served under my uncle’s command. The first 6 months were easy as border guards, but the last 7 were difficult as part of a French offensive to support the local government in Djibouti. That was my first experience in combat at the age of 20. It was brutal. My French-American heritage really allows me to respect and honor our men and women in uniform.