What is going on in the Supreme Court today? This is a question we all ask Sergeant Jason Jacklitsch on the daily. He is passionate about staying informed about how local, state, nationwide, and global issues impact UC Merced. Rarely do any of the issues focus on law enforcement, as he is concerned about how decisions will hinder our community members. He is a wealth of knowledge and can frequently be heard providing multiple perspectives about one topic.
Sergeant Jacklitsch grew up in Merced and never ventured away as he joined law enforcement as an eighteen-year-old. His first call for service makes him laugh because the person needing the report thought he was an Explorer due to looking like he was in high school. He learned very early on to always treat people with respect and with calmness to de-escalate situations. Sergeant Jacklitsch is our team member who is reserved and thoroughly processes his thoughts before speaking to ensure he is actively listening.
Humble and simple are two words to describe his temperament and lifestyle. Sergeant Jacklitsch loves to spend time at his residence with his wife and two children. He jokes about being the one to blame if the drugstores are sold out of LOL dolls because he is always on the hunt for them for his daughter. His smile while describing moving toys out of the way to see if there are any stashed behind other toys displays how much he enjoys the search. Their bond is strengthened as he loves being a “girl Dad.” Sergeant Jacklitsch was extremely sad when Kobe Bryant lost his life in the plane crash. Kobe’s passion for helping his daughters had always stood out to Sergeant Jacklitsch.
Sergeant Jacklitsch loves financial decisions because his brain is wired to love math. He can provide advice about getting out of debt quickly and quoting Dave Ramsey by saying, “Debt is dumb, cash is King.” Sergeant Jacklitsch’s truck is fifteen years old. He has no desire to purchase a new one because it is paid off and runs well. Cost savings is always a priority at the University. We rely on him to find the most economical way for us to receive training, purchase new items, and to maintain quality.
If you google his name you will find a video of him tying a student’s tie for Winter formal. He couldn’t stand the attention, as it was a simple gesture to help someone. Sergeant Jacklitsch is always helping others and doesn’t want any recognition. He is not shy, but doesn’t like to be in the spotlight. The UCMPD lip sync video was generating a lot of uneasiness for him because he “doesn’t dance.” We disagree after we saw his “running man” moves in front of the Science & Engineering building.
Sergeant Jacklitsch provides service to UC Merced by remaining calm during any storm. He checks on people during their personal struggles and advocates for them in their absence. The silent work at UC Merced is the foundation of success. Sergeant Jacklitsch puts plans together that may go unnoticed, but have such an important purpose. He thinks of ways to come up with traffic plans, signage, and foliage maintenance to prevent sign blockage. It is the little things that count!
