Security Saves The Day

Posted by Serafima Fedorova in Staff

Starting in freshman orientation, SFUAD students are told who to contact in case of emergencies and constantly reminded afterward. They are given stickers with security’s contact information and shown where their offices are. After a while, the guards become recognizable and familiar. They offer to walk students back to their dorms after late night classes, jump start cars and even help change tires.

Several weeks ago, Rio Finnegan, a film major at SFUAD, got to test just how helpful the security could be, when his wheelchair broke down near Carl’s Jr.

“One of the cords that helped operate my chair died on me,” Finnegan explained “Nothing worked. Luckily, I was pretty close to the school.” When none of the passerby responded, he called security.

That’s when Michael Valencia and Matt Montoya, both relatively new security guards, drove over and gave Finnegan a ride back to campus on the security vehicle.

“If I could have gotten him a new chair I would have,” said Valencia.

Thankfully the technical problem was resolved in time. Both him and Montoya not only responded immediately, but also did their best to get Finnegan’s chair back by unlocking the breaks and helping him contact the mechanic. “It was so awesome of them,” said Finnegan. I was grateful to both of those guys. But, being such an independent person, it was also a very humbling experience as well.”

Valencia urges other students to call security if they run into any trouble or need help. “We’re here to make sure you feel comfortable, to keep the campus safe.” Finnegan called security and received the assistance he needed. Days later, Valencia and Montoya were glad to see him back out on the quad.

Valencia urges other students to call security if they run into any trouble or need help. “We’re here to make sure you feel comfortable, to keep the campus safe.”

Peter Romero, head of security, was happy that Finnegan got the help he needed, and that Valencia and Montoya responded to his call quickly. “Our job here is to create a clean, safe environment for students,” he said. “I take my job very seriously. We are here to support you in any shape or form we can.”