At Miss Porter’s School, safety is a top priority, and ensuring a secure and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, and staff is a team effort. At the forefront of this mission is Dennis Rangolam, Safety Officer, whose dedication and expertise help keep our campus safe daily. In this edition of Porter’s Voices, we sit down with Dennis Rangolam to learn more about his role, the challenges of campus security, and how the entire community can contribute to a safer school environment.
What does a typical day look like for you as a Safety Officer at Miss Porter’s School, and what are some of the key responsibilities of your role?
A typical day at Miss Porter’s School (MPS) consists of starting the shift off positively by getting my steps around campus, reviewing any events occurring while on shift, and interacting with the students and faculty. Whether I am monitoring the crosswalk intersection or making an appearance to provide assistance at the home sporting events, I like to engage with everyone to ensure that Campus Safety presence is felt. Responsibilities on my shift involve patrols around campus, ensuring doors are locked and secure, and assisting the MPS community, i.e., unlocking doors and responding to alarms.
What led you to this career, and what is the most enjoyable part of your job?
Before working for MPS, I traveled around the country providing security at sporting events for media/entertainment guests such as Top Rank Boxing, La Liga Soccer, and the U.S Open Tennis. Being a father of two daughters, ages 17 and 8, I wanted to be home more, and at that time, MPS offered me an opportunity to fulfill those needs. The most enjoyable part of this job is interacting with diverse staff and students and learning about different cultures and values. Even though I was born in America, my family originates from the Middle East and the Caribbean. The family-oriented atmosphere at MPS has allowed me to adjust smoothly to provide a safe and secure environment for my fellow MPS community.
What advice do you have for students and faculty to ensure they play an active role in maintaining a safe and secure campus environment?
The MPS community does an amazing job of bringing concerns to Campus Safety. Students and faculty understand that no issue is too small or unimportant, and the community’s engagement with the Campus Safety team plays an integral role in ensuring we maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone. Continuing to be an extra set of eyes and ears on the campus is beneficial to the community’s safety. As the saying goes, “If you see something, say something.”
Bonus question: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
My biggest hobbies are traveling, cooking, and sports. I am a fan of the New York Giants, Knicks, and Yankees. I played a lot of sports growing up, so when I am not working, you can usually find me and my daughters rooting for MPS at their sporting events.