Before stepping into this role, I dedicated 26 years to serving as a Special Agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). My career began in 1998 in New York City, followed by a foreign assignment in 2008 in the Caribbean, where I was stationed on the island of Curaçao—home to the oldest active synagogue and Jewish community in the Western Hemisphere. For the past 12 years, I was assigned to the DEA Resident Office in Bridgeport, CT.

Eighteen months ago, I had never heard of SCN. I was unaware that a network of over 130 former law enforcement professionals was actively working across the country to protect Jewish institutions, from synagogues and Jewish camps to college Hillels. As I approached the mandatory retirement date from my DEA career, I was in no rush to find my next path. Then, October 7, 2023, changed everything. The same sickening feeling I had on September 11, 2001, returned. But this time, an idea took shape—I could use the investigative skills I had honed over the past 26 years to serve the Jewish community. That realization led me to discover SCN and ultimately apply for this position, which I was fortunate enough to obtain.

Over the past three months, I have worked closely with both Federations to launch this critical security program and engage with the community. I have visited 21 Jewish facilities across the region, with more visits scheduled from Longmeadow to the Vermont border. Additionally, I have met with six local police chiefs, the state police, and federal law enforcement partners, and I plan to attend the upcoming Western Mass Police Chiefs’ meeting. I have also had one-on-one conversations with many community members to better understand their concerns and ideas. I sincerely appreciate everyone’s support in getting this initiative off the ground—this program is for you, and I am here to help administer it.

A core component of the security program is training, which significantly increases survival chances in an active threat situation. SCN offers a robust training catalog, including BeAware and Guardian (situational awareness), De-escalation, The Power of Hello, Countering Active Threats, and Stop the Bleed. Just last week, SCN introduced a new campus safety training for college students, promoted by former Patriot Julian Edelman, and is currently developing an usher/greeter training. Demand for these training sessions is high, and I encourage every Jewish facility to take advantage of them. Survivors of past attacks have emphasized that the knowledge gained through these trainings was crucial in saving lives—it is an invaluable investment in your facility’s safety and preparedness. If I have not yet scheduled training for your institution, please reach out.

Another key aspect of our security efforts is conducting Threat Vulnerability Risk Assessments (TVRA). These assessments help identify potential risks and strengthen security measures. I have been encouraged by the collaboration among multiple institutions in this effort. The Yiddish Book Center, a vital Jewish cultural institution in the region, was the first facility in Western Massachusetts to receive a TVRA. These assessments are essential tools for facilities applying for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

Incident reporting is critical for ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. Please report all incidents to me directly or to the SCN Duty Desk. In an emergency, always call 911 first. Reportable incidents include physical assaults, verbal harassment, flyering incidents, phishing attempts, harassing emails or phone calls, proselytizing individuals, destruction of property (including banners and signs), vandalism, and graffiti. Timely reporting enables law enforcement to respond effectively, identify those responsible, and take swift action to prevent future incidents. Protecting our community is not just about documenting threats—it’s about proactive prevention and accountability.

I look forward to continuing to build relationships within the community and working together to enhance our collective security.