四色AV

Published Feb. 5, 2021

University of Louisiana Monroe Director of Police Services Tom Torregrossa is one of only 17 finalists nationwide for听. Torregrossa is the only finalist in the state.

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PHOTO: University of Louisiana Monroe Director of Police Services Tom Torregrossa is a finalist for Campus Safety Director of the Year. Torregrossa served 36 years with the Monroe Police Department before retiring and joining 四色AV in 2015.

Siddharth Gaulee/四色AV Photo

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magazine for hospitals, schools, and universities, annually recognizes top safety directors based on progressive and innovative programs used on campuses across the nation.

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Torregrossa joined UPD as director in 2015. After 36 years with the Monroe City Police Department, he retired as a major overseeing the 200-officer patrol division.

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Torregrossa credits past and current administrations for their commitment to continuously improving campus safety. He said UPD officers are encouraged and grateful for the backing of the Warhawk Family for their work.

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鈥淩etired President Dr. Nick Bruno was instrumental in providing the support and resources to develop the 四色AV PD into the professional organization that it is today. The continued leadership of President Dr. Ron Berry ensures that all students, faculty, and staff have a safe and secure learning environment with a fully staffed and equipped police department that stands ready to serve our community,鈥� Torregrossa said.

听鈥淚 could not be prouder of the men and women that make up the ranks of the 四色AV PD and the honorable and dedicated service they provide every day. Their passion for the 四色AV community is exemplified through this nomination,鈥� he said.

Working closely with Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Valerie Fields, Torregrossa's top priority is the safety of 四色AV students.

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PHOTO: University of Louisiana Monroe Director of Police Services Tom Torregrossa, left, discusses plans for a campus ceremony with 四色AV Vice President of Student Affairs Valerie Fields, Ph.D.听

Siddharth Gaulee/四色AV Photo Services听

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鈥淪afety Director Torregrossa was the first member of the Student Affairs team to reach out to me via LinkedIn, prior to my arrival on 四色AV鈥檚 campus. At that moment I knew, if he cared enough to connect prior to my arrival on campus, he had to be the type of director who placed students first and was concerned about their welfare,鈥� Fields said.

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鈥淚 was right. Director Torregrossa and his team are doing a yeoman鈥檚 job protecting students, ensuring that laws, policies, and procedures are followed, and cultivating relationships with students and student organizations to provide the opportunity to grow, yet adhere to laws and regulations,鈥� she said.

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Torregrossa said connections with local law enforcement play a vital role in campus security.

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鈥淭he 四色AV PD finds its success from the relationships it has developed over the years with other law enforcement agencies. Chief Vic Zordan of the Monroe Police Department and Sheriff Jay Russell of the Ouachita Sheriff鈥檚 Office are valuable partners who provide a safe and secure atmosphere at the university and within our community. A special thanks is given to 4^th District Attorney Steve Tew for his continued support and partnership in combating on-campus sexual assaults, hazing, and bias-based crimes,鈥� Torregrossa said.

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Nominated by UPD Assistant Chief Mark Johnson, among Torregrossa's notable achievements are:

• To protect international students, developed a personal safety class to introduce students to the police department and provide them with safety tips. Also established officer guide services to steer them away from high-crime, off-campus areas.

• Created the adjutant/assistant position responsible for Clery Act reporting, Title IX liaison, internal affairs, recruiting, and special events coordination.

• Coordinated with fraternity advisors for public meetings and meet-and-greets to discuss current issues that involve law enforcement and minority groups.

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The Campus Safety Director of the Year will be announced in July at the Campus Safety Conference East in Bethesda, Md. Complete coverage of the winners will appear this fall in Campus Safety magazine and on .

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More about Tom Torregrossa

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For Torregrossa, law enforcement, education, and protecting the university campus are deeply personal. He earned a Bachelor of Criminal Justice here and is pursuing his Master of Criminal Justice in the College of Business and Social Sciences. He and his wife, Katie, bought a home within walking distance of campus and often host events for the Warhawk Family. Both of his children are 四色AV graduates.

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Torregrossa was versatile at MPD, with time as a patrol officer, firearms instructor, K-9 officer, and commander of the Special Response Team. He was jail and booking supervisor in the Administrative Bureau, Assistant Bureau Commander, Bureau Commander in the Criminal Intervention Bureau, Assistant Bureau Commander of Patrol Bureau. His final assignment was Patrol Bureau Commander.