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Wertz to head security, planning safer campus
By Nicole Stanley
Collegian Reporter
Mike Wertz
replaced John Kalusniak this semester as the director of campus
security, safety and services for Hillsdale College.
Kalusniak retired last spring
after 13 years of service to the college and is now an instructor
of criminal justice at Jackson Community College.
Wertz, his son, second shift supervisor
Gary Heite, and his assistant, Joe Collins, are all enrolled
in Kalusniak's class.
Wertz has been with the college
for 10 years in the campus services department and has shadowed
the security and safety department for several years through
the driver training program.
"Although Mike has a great
deal more to learn in his new position, he has always shown
an interest and aptitude for campus security," Vice President
of Administration Rich Péwé said.
As the new director, Wertz's responsibilities
will include directing the security department to maintain a
safe environment on campus, managing security officers and patrol
units, directing and enforcing campus parking, overseeing the
shuttle service and organizing safety training programs for
college staff.
Péwé said they were
looking to fill the position with someone who would be able
to make necessary decisions, instill confidence, be diplomatic
and follow through with details.
This year Wertz is focusing on
the night hours on campus and avoiding campus disturbances.
The second shift patrol under
Heite will be keeping a close eye on the nighttime hours, Wertz
said.
He also advises students to walk
in pairs and ignore anyone who may be instigating petty trouble.
Although the campus security office
has taken all practical precautions against a fire, Péwé
said his greatest worry is a nighttime residential fire.
For further precautions Wertz
has trained campus monitors, the only student job in the security
office, resident advisers and house directors in fire safety
and CPR.
In addition a new fire system
has recently been installed to provide a quicker response and
will run a two-part check. First the system will check itself
for errors and then immediately call 911 when a fire call has
been made.
Junior Amy O'Neill said she doesn't
question her safety on Hillsdale's campus, though she does have
doubts about the promptness of the security office.
"I think the campus needs
to be better notified as to how to reach security if there is
an emergency," she said.
Wertz feels confident in the ability
of the security office and said he is very excited to be a part
of it.
"It's a good place to work
and generally we're pretty safe," he said. "But if
you notice anything out of the ordinary don't hesitate to give
us a call."
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Emma Tocci/Collegian
Mike Wertz sits in a college
security vehicle. Wertz was just named head of security after
John Kalusniak retired.
Emergency
Contact
Information
Dow Center 437-3311
Mike Wertz 398-2378
Gary Heite
398-1522
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