Meet School Security Guard, Randol Thomas
Ielon Raykhelson
Staff Writer
[email protected]
Last week CV Eye interviewed CV Security Guard Randol Thomas about the impact of his job on both him and this district. Many students have a vague idea of what he and his coworkers do throughout our day, and there are many who are interested in their stories.
Thomas’ impact on students is unique among his fellow security personnel because he’s a CV graduate. He’s “been through some of the same stuff [the students] have been through,” s he provides students with a different type of emotional and physical security. He prides himself on the ways that he reaches out to every student possible and builds that relationship. “The biggest aspect of my job at CV is to build relationships with students,” which he gladly does every day he spends here.
He starts by doing a sweep of the building before the doors open then, while the buses and cars are arriving to the school, he directs the traffic. Securing doors, area scans, and numerous public safety checks help contribute to the proper use of their resources.
With growing concerns about the safety of students, teachers, and staff in our schools, safety is Thomas’ top priority. Along with his many certifications and training courses, he has had a great deal of experience with “crisis management, intervention, and unarmed security.” But Thomas says the relationships are most important. He says his relationship between a student and himself could potentially lead to a student's better behavior, which may help minimize the chance of an incident happening within our schools.
Thomas wants everyone to know one thing. “We are more than just security guards.” Thomas is constantly putting himself outside of his comfort zone, doing his best to talk to every person he can so that he can “make sure the students feel understood--everyone has a bad day.” He is always more than ready for a great conversation, whether it be serious or fun, at any time of his day. “Every interaction, every relationship you make is crucial to your development.”