By: Walt Beaupre Director of Safety & Security (Whetstone Contributor)

I would like to provide a response to the article in the recent Whetstone titled “Students Worry About Campus Safety” specifically the comment “The security staff isn’t up to par – besides Walt – and if anything serious happened I don’t think they would have the equipment or personnel to handle it.”

As the Director of Safety and Security at Wesley for the past 5 plus years, I feel this is the best group of security staff that I’ve had the pleasure of working with. The current security staff is proactive in patrolling our campus.  They offer vast experience in security, which includes police service – both in the military and as civilian police officers.  We also have a former correctional officer on staff and a US Marine. Additionally, some are graduates of police academies in Delaware and New Jersey, with two being instructors in Defensive Tactics.  Another of our staff has experience working with young adults who come from diverse backgrounds. The current security staff is also provided training at the University of Fairfield Public Safety Academy; the Milford Police Department Bike Patrol Unit; the Dover Police Drug, Vice and Organized Crime Unit.  They also have certifications in Conflict Resolution, Sexual Assault Response, Tactical Handcuffing, Pepper Spray, CPR and Emergency Medical Responder to name a few.

I’m confident in the ability of our security staff to respond and handle any situation that may arise at any time. We have dealt with many complex situations and have come to a quick resolution.  We will continue to provide training to our security staff so we can continue to provide excellent service to our students and the entire Wesley Community.