In their matching blue shirts, we all see the EHHS security team patrolling the hallways each day, but who are the people behind the shirts? The team is always on high alert, and the main goal is to keep the students and staff of EHHS safe. They’re often the unseen heroes or just the voices telling everyone to get to class on time.
The security team at EHHS consists of 9 people. They keep fights under control, and are able to act as a moral compass for students. Some see themselves as a secondary family to the students, and they’re what is holding EHHS together.
The EHHS security team is a group of very experienced security guards, each coming from similar backgrounds. Some were officers in the East Haven Police Department, and some have been involved in other emergency positions, such as being a sheriff or being in the East Haven Fire Department. They were primarily hired by EHPS Human Resources, cbut were also interviewed by Principal Mr. Vincent DeNuzzo. Assistant Principal, Mr. Salvatore Vollero, has worked with the security team for the past year and said, “When looking for team members, the first priority would be to make sure that they will keep all our students safe. [Their other priorities are] to be friendly, to be able to listen to our students, and to help direct them to where they need to go and make sure they’re following the rules and regulations.” The team focuses on uplifting spirits in the halls, and are always willing to help students if something is wrong. Security guard Joe said he always tries to smile and interact with the students. Each morning, the team greets students with a warm welcome and a smile. Members of the security team said that students feel like they can trust them with personal matters and the team aims to build that kind of trusting relationship with students.
Mentoring EHHS students is very important to many members of the team. Security Guards Cindy and Maria both said they make sure the students know they have their backs. Students would tell them stuff sometimes before their parents. Several EHHS students said that they trust the security team. One student shared that the team is always willing to put themselves on the line for the students. Students and staff have expressed appreciation for the Security Staff. In fact School Resource Officer Nicole Burrell stated, “I’ve gotten letters from kids and little notes of appreciation. Notes and gifts too, it means a lot to me. It’s mostly just small comments like, ‘Thank you for being here. You know, it’s pretty cool that you do this for us.'”
They may be loud and strict, but they have a job to do, and at the end of the day are just looking out for everyone in EHHS. Thank you to the entire security team for your dedication to our safety.
Not featured are security officer Donna and Eddie, who were unavailable at the time of this publication.
