Jonathan Shirk has been named Officer of the Year by the Department of Security at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine campus.
The award presentation was part of Healthcare Security and Safety Week Oct. 13 to 19.
“Jonathan exemplifies our ideals for a security officer and should be commended for this outstanding accomplishment recognized by a committee of peers,” said David Melhorn, security operations manager and interim security director.
The armed security officers continue to work 24/7 to ensure a safe and secure environment, Melhorn said. They received advanced training from security experts last week, which included simulations at Fort Indiantown Gap.
“These efforts, along with continued training, further our professional abilities to protect the staff, students, patients and visitors of our campus,” Melhorn said.
Other Security Department News
- Three security officers have been hired, and three more will be hired in the next quarter, bringing the total number to 36.
- Searches are underway for a security director and a parking and transportation services manager. The latter is a new position and will oversee parking enforcement, space allocation and valet and shuttle services.
- The number of security incidents on the Hershey campus is trending higher this year as the Security Department continues to develop relationships within the hospital and assist with problems from the onset. Our security officers use solution-based, community-style policing methods.
- Crime numbers have not escalated appreciably over the last calendar year.
Key Security Stats
- The Security Operations Center receives 2,500 calls each month, totaling 30,000 calls each year.
- Approximately 2,500 of those calls require further investigation, i.e., criminal events, patient assistance and staff assistance.
- Security staff members answer 25,000 to 30,000 alarm calls throughout the Hershey campus per month.