Ensuring schools are safe places for all students and staff is a top priority for Poudre School District. In an effort to maintain safety and enhance security operations, PSD has hired law enforcement and school security veteran Frederick Smith to serve as its director of Safety and Security.
Smith’s career in safety began in the New York City Police Department, where he served as a patrol officer and field training officer. He went on to serve as a School Resource Officer in Arizona, chief of police in three jurisdictions, and an interim director of security and public safety for a tribal healthcare corporation. He most recently served as the director of public safety at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota.
Having experience with leadership in a college campus system and as a school resource officer in a high school set Smith’s application apart, according to PSD Chief Operations Officer Jeff Connell, and “allows him to know both how to work in a system and know how critical one-on-one relationships are with students.”
Smith decided to work in education so that he could help young people from all walks of life stay safe and make good choices.
“I have witnessed so many vulnerable and disadvantaged young people fall through the cracks in our society,” he said. “Working for a school district gives me an opportunity to make a positive difference not only in the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged youth, but for all the youth I meet.”
Education had a positive impact on Smith when he was a child. He remembers several teachers and support staff serving as role models and teaching him lessons that stick with him to this day.
“These individuals always took the time to listen, and I bring this quality to work,” he said.
The director of safety and security manages, coordinates, and enhances district-wide safety and security operations to provide a safe and secure learning and working environment for students, staff members, and visitors. The job involves building strong relationships with local law enforcement and district personnel and providing direction and leadership for the PSD Safety and Security Department and its initiatives.
Sticking to those lessons he learned from school staff in childhood, Smith said he’ll bring an “open door” and “open ear” policy to his role.
When he is not working, Smith likes to spend time with his family and friends.