Area September 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 Retired USR chief is Ramsey’s security officer Former Upper Saddle Police Chief Michael Fanning has accepted the position of safety and security officer in the Ramsey Public School District. Last week, Ramsey Trustee Jim Meiman explained that the district’s superintendent, Dr. Matthew Murphy, has the authority to make staff appointments over the summer subject to the board of education’s approval in September. At press time, Fanning was expected to be on the job when school opened on Monday, Sept. 9. Meiman, who is chairman of the district’s School Security Committee, noted that many candidates had applied for the position, but Fanning seemed to be the right fit. “We had many very capable candidates who applied for the position,” Meiman said, adding that Fanning is unique due to his experience in law enforcement and within the Ramsey community, where he has lived for many years. The trustee noted that, since Fanning retired as police chief, he has served as a volunteer coach and substitute teacher in Ramsey. “He is familiar with the kids and the problems they face,” Meiman said, “He had everything we were looking for.” The trustee said he expects the full school board will offi- cially endorse Fanning at a meeting this month. “I’ve been in touch with the superintendent, and he informs me that, since Mike accepted the position, he has been at the school meeting the principal and the assistant principal,” Meiman said. He added that, while Fanning will primarily be at the high school, the officer will be a resource at the district’s other schools as needed. Fanning retired as Upper Saddle River’s chief of police on Aug. 1, 2011. He had logged more than 25 years of service, including five years as chief of police. His law enforcement career has included operational, managerial, and administra- tive experience. He began his police career in 1986 as a police radio dis- patcher followed by an appointment as a police officer assigned to patrol. After serving as a patrol officer, Fanning was assigned to the detective bureau. Upon his promotion to sergeant in 1997, he was assigned to the patrol division as a supervisor. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2005 and served as executive officer in charge of the uniformed section of the police department. He became chief the following year. Fanning has been active in various civic and professional organizations and with youth athletics. He has served as a member of the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association and on its executive board, and has been a member of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the Interna- tional Association of Chiefs of Police. He has received numer- ous awards and honors for his professional contributions. In Ramsey, Fanning will report to the assistant principal. The job description for his position states: “The security offi- cer promotes student responsibility, assists the professional staff with the safety of student(s) and staff, and maintains the security of the facilities.” The qualifications for the new post included a minimum of 20 years of experience in law enforcement, good interpersonal skills, excellent integrity and moral character, and a retired law enforcement permit to carry a handgun. Fanning will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including monitoring the overall security of the facility, pro- viding assistance during emergencies, and challenging unau- thorized visitors. His responsibilities also include, but are not limited to, notifying appropriate personnel if there is evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medi- cal or social conditions, potential suicide, or individuals who appear to be under the influence of alcohol, controlled sub- stances, or anabolic steroids.