Eric L. Holmes, a Pittsburgh native, has served the city of Pittsburgh as an accomplished and respected police officer for thirteen years, working in the K-9 unit, narcotics and vice divisions. He was promoted to Commander August of 2012 after serving at the rank of sergeant since February of 2007. A leader in his field, he is a certified instructor at the Pittsburgh Police Academy and the Allegheny County Police Academy. His awards and commendations to promote public safety are numerous, and he has presented topics and lectures at various schools and colleges in the area. He is a certified negotiator having completed hostage negotiations training at the University of Pittsburgh and the FBI. In July of 2009 he was tapped by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police to lead the department’s G-20 Liaison Unit in preparation for the Pittsburgh Summit.  He served as a volunteer firefighter in Penn Hills for ten years and was promoted to the rank of firefighter Lieutenant in 1992.

Holmes interest in public safety began as a resident advisor at Slippery Rock University. While an advisor, he developed and organized various educational and social programs and assisted students with personal, vocational and academic concerns. Eric was an active student in various activities on campus and served as a student trustee. He was also appointed by the Clinton administration to The White House Intern Program in 1993.

His wealth of experience has allowed him to continue to serve his alma mater well Holmes stated in an interview, "while a student at SRU, I learned how to communicate with people, how to deal with situations, how to work as a team player and the importance of giving back to the community. I learned so much both inside and outside the classroom.”

Holmes continues to give back to Slippery Rock University and served as President of the Alumni Association from July 2005 - July 2007. During his tenure as President he traveled to Las Vegas, Florida, New Jersey, New York and Washington, DC as well as abroad visiting the UK and Germany to meet alumni and promote Slippery Rock University. He presented his model, "How to Restart Your Alumni Board," at a National Case Conference and received accolades from his peers and an award of excellence from the CASE organization. Holmes has also advised SRU President Robert Smith and other senior administrators on issues related to Public Safety. He established the Eric L. Holmes Criminal Justice Scholarship at SRU in June, 2008.

He belongs to a number of professional and volunteer activities including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Fraternal Order of Police, Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, The Young Democrats, The Slippery Rock University Alumni Association Board of Directors, Boy Scouts of America Rights of Passage and Pittsburgh Regional Champions. In 2005, Holmes received the Slippery Rock University Pacesetters Award.