By Deandra Rodriguez
Father, professor, law student, and dedicated officer Thomas Ford, just like you, loves the Western New England University community. He has begun his new position as Director and Chief of Public Safety and hopes to do justice by the same university that has supported him throughout his career.
Ford told the Westerner, “I’ve been a police officer for a long time. Prior to this position I was an officer for 14 years as a police chief. I was excited to remain a part of the Western New England family.”
As an officer on campus, each day brings new joys and challenges with the addition of a few daily tasks, such as reports. However, one of the most crucial tasks includes community outreach and patrolling on campus.
Ford explained that “there’s not typical days. Every day is new and exciting. There are some static tasks, however my decisions and responsibilities change daily.”
Adjusting to his new role well, the entire campus security compound welcomes him with open arms. Sergeant Alexandria Capen-Parizo shares her thoughts on working with Ford, saying that “as a department, we were excited to see Chief Ford get the position of Chief here over the other candidates. He is a valuable asset to this community and our department. The experience he brings to the table from his past as Chief of two different communities, coupled with the important factor that he was already a member of our WNE community as both a student, professor, and member of public safety. I’m excited to see the changes to the department he is going to bring and am looking forward to the future growth of this department with him.”
For all university members, Campus Security has new ideas in store for both the safety and enjoyment of the campus community, including the possibility of a second comfort dog.
Ford shared with The Westerner, “I have a number of plans. Some of the things I hope to accomplish are personal safety with the high quality training at the police department. As well as expand our response time to energy as well as better inform staff and students on personal safety. I hope you expand the current services we provide.”
He continued to elaborate, saying, “I think that the biggest thing we can do to help improve safety on campus is just being out on patrol and building our community relationships. There are a few things I am currently trying to bring to WNE in the future that would help us do that including electric bikes for our bike patrol officers would let them patrol on the bike which gives makes them more approachable and allows them to patrol areas of campus a cruiser just can’t go but also still respond to calls quickly and where they aren’t exhausted from the ride when they get there. Also, we are in talks of the possibility of getting a second comfort dog. I can’t tell you the positive impact on our community policing that Bear has had and getting other members of public safety out there to build the same relationships I have over the last year will be great for both safety and our campus community.”
Looking to make a safer campus, Western New England University Campus Police offer their full support to any and all staff and students!
Thomas Ford said, “for the students and staff, know your surroundings, have the rave guardian app on your phones, and always know that the police department is always here to help.”
Capen-Parizo concluded, “the main thing I would want to say to the campus is to be safe and remember that Public Safety is always here.”
