Guards in Place to Protect South Huntington Schools

Security officers whose hiring was just approved last week began working Monday at South Huntington schools.

The guards, who work for Upfront SecurityAssociates, are stationed outside each school building in the district, and carry concealed weapons.

Four leaders of the agency, including president Philip C. Brady, attended the school board meeting last week where their contract was approved.

The district has said that the placement of security outside the school buildings are meant to speed up the response of personnel to an emergency, part of a package of security steps that include sealed off vestibules at the schools, better security camera use, and mental health programs.

Brady said that agency personnel have extensive law enforcement experience, with the four leaders having 90 of years of experience. Most of the security personnel are retired Nassau police officers.

“We totally understand but it’s better to have it than not,” he said of concerns about armed personnel on school grounds.

In a letter to the school community, school superintendent Dr. Vito D’Elia wrote, “While it is our hope that these guards never have to be called upon, we believe that this added measure will bring another layer of safety to our schools.”

South Huntington Board Approves Armed Security on Campuses

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