Kent Chivington Alumni Spotlight

In this week's Alumni Spotlight, we're catching up with alumna Kent Chivington

What are you doing now?

I joined the Marine Corps in August of 1986 and spent the next twelve years serving around the world (South Carolina, California, USS Duluth (LPD-6), Philippines, Okinawa (Japan), South Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, Guam, and Hawaii (not bad for a kid from Bellefontaine). During my last two years on active duty, I was a Volunteer Firefighter with the California Department of Forestry in Temecula, Ca. I received an Honorable Discharge in 1998 and was hired by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (Class 133) where I was assigned to a Correctional Facility and Patrol Station. In 2006, I transferred to the Murrieta Police Department where I worked Patrol, Traffic, and eventually retired from the Undercover Narcotics Division as a Detective Corporal. I served as the Criminal Justice Program Director for San Joaquin Valley College from 2018-2022. From 2020-2023, I was the founder and owner of American Defender Firearms Training, LLC. In 2024, my wife (Heather) and I worked for the Milton Hershey School in Hershey, PA as Houseparents. We moved to Nampa, Idaho in 2024 and in January 2025 we will be starting The Acorn School. I have been married to Heather for 34+ years, and have two wonderful daughters, and seven awesome grandkids. Four of them live in Nikiski, Alaska and three of them live in Nampa, Idaho.

How did BCS prepare you for this role?

Even for a small school, opportunities to excel were always present and available.
What is your advice for current Chieftains?
Enjoy being a Chieftain. There is something special about saying you come from a small town and school that do not show up on some state maps.

Who at BCS inspired you?

Jim Kimble and Dick Horn. They were instrumental in fostering my love of distance running, which has carried through my entire life.

What was your favorite memory from your time at BCS?

My final Cross Country Meet (District 1986). Mike Bible had run 3rd / 4th runner all season long, but during the District Meet, he sustained a spike, which severely injured his foot. With a blood-soaked shoe, Mike passed me with about 400 yards remaining and finished 1st for the team. He truly inspired me to be a better athlete and person.

What was your favorite meal in the cafeteria?

Pizza!

Are you an alumnus of Bellefontaine City Schools?  If so, we'd love to hear from you!
We're excited to hear about your accomplishments and are eager to share your successes and advice with our current students, families, and the Bellefontaine community. Please take a few minutes to complete the quick questionnaire at: https://www.bcs-k12.org/about/alumni/alumni-spotlight regarding your current position and your career 
Thanks, and we look forward to hearing all your wonderful stories!