Secret Lives of OhioHealth: From Surgery to Fighting Crime

Performing high-stakes surgery on a regular basis would provide enough stress and excitement to fill a lifetime for most people.

But for Jeffrey Krause, MD, DDS, section chair of oral and maxillofacial surgery at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital since 1981, working in the operating room is just one part of his exhilarating weekly routine.

Dr. Krause has helped fight crime and safeguard the public as a sergeant on the reserve unit of the Westerville Division of Police for more than 20 years. When he's not repairing patients' jaws, mouths and faces, Dr. Krause – or Sgt. Jeffrey Krause, Badge No. 835 – might be found accompanying his colleagues on patrol, directing traffic at community functions or collecting fingerprints, among other duties.

Some of Dr. Krause's most memorable moments on the reserve unit include taking part in a high-speed chase of a drunk driver, performing lifesaving CPR on a woman who had overdosed and working with the Secret Service during local visits by former Sen. John McCain and President Trump. Most recently he participated in security for the Democratic National Debate held at Otterbein University.

The thrill of the work keeps Dr. Krause coming back for more.

"It's a desire for an enhanced adrenaline rush, coupled with a great passion to help the general public," he explained. "I'm interested in fighting for the weak, fighting against evil, and using virtue and courage – and a little bit of adrenaline – to get it done."

Dr. Krause developed his enthusiasm for law enforcement while volunteering with the U.S. Coast guard Auxiliary at Alum Creek State Park for 10 years. When he decided to become a reserve police officer, he underwent a six-month background check, and was eventually accepted into the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy. This entailed six months of night school where he received training in criminal law, hands-on tactical training in unarmed self-defense, handcuffing, firearms and tactical law enforcement driving. He became a fully certified Ohio Peace Officer in 1998, and was sworn in with the Westerville Division of Police. He was promoted to sergeant shortly thereafter.

"It was very arduous," he recalled. "But I couldn't wait to get to class every day. You're exposed to a variety of very interesting things that you normally only read about and see on TV. This is the real deal."

Dr. Krause’s experience led him to develop a knack for firearms, as well. He competes in shooting events alongside other first responders, and in June, participated for the eighth time in the Ohio Police and Fire Games in Alliance. The event draws dozens of competitors from across Ohio, the United States and other countries. With years of training under his belt, Dr. Krause earned eight gold and five silver medals. And it was the first time he received a top award in every single game he competed in.

Dr. Krause is still going strong with the Westerville Division of Police even as he approaches his 70^th birthday.

"I like to look at life as a big circle," he said. "I'm coming around the bend now and I want to continue giving back to the community."

This story was originally published in an internal OhioHealth associate publication.