Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services Awards

Winners: Courtney Albiker, Richard Curran, Adam Cox, Donald Plantz, Kiana Racha and Larry Whitlock

The Meritorious Performance Award is given to Campus Safety employees, from the various departments I just mentioned, who have performed an exceptional act or series of acts that go beyond their normal call of duty. Tonight, we will be honoring the following individuals.

From our Video Access Security Technology Team, or VASTT, we want to recognize Project Manager of Security Services Courtney Albiker. Courtney constantly goes above and beyond to help the VASTT team, DPS, and Syracuse University as a whole. She brings a can-do attitude and solution-oriented mindset to every challenge, revolutionizing the way VASTT manages projects through her organizational expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Beyond her technical project management skills, Courtney demonstrates exceptional leadership and collaboration. She has built connections across campus by contributing to several committees and actively participating in community engagement events, helping to strengthen the relationship between DPS and the students, faculty, and staff we serve.

Emergency Communications Center Dispatcher Richard Curran has consistently demonstrated exceptional value to the ECC and DPS through contributions that extend well beyond his assigned duties. Richard is a certified training officer who has successfully trained several new dispatchers, supported cross-training efforts by teaching officers the fundamentals of dispatching, and assisted the Community Service Officer program, providing him with a unique perspective that enhances his effectiveness as a trainer and mentor.

Beyond dispatching and training, Richard has taken on multiple technology projects, serving as a primary point of contact for Computer Aided Dispatch system issues and ensuring mobile data terminals remain updated and functional. He completed cross-training with VASST and assisted in developing motion alarm monitoring on designated cameras, supporting crime prevention efforts across the department. Importantly, Richard sought out all of these initiatives himself, reflecting his commitment to professional growth and departmental excellence—all while fully meeting and often exceeding his primary responsibilities.

Fire and Life Safety Services Inspector Adam Cox exemplifies reliability and commitment by typically arriving early for his shifts, responding promptly to every call for service, and frequently volunteering to assist with additional incidents to support DPS operations. Beyond his assigned responsibilities, Adam regularly stops into the ECC to communicate directly with staff and DPS officers, strengthening collaboration between Fire and Life Safety Services and other units. These face-to-face interactions have proven invaluable in enhancing coordination and building trust across teams.

Adam has also made himself readily available as a resource on fire safety matters, answering questions from officers and staff and providing expert guidance when needed. His willingness to share knowledge and mentor others demonstrates his commitment to departmental excellence and continuous improvement.

In addition to his daily responsibilities, Officer Andrew Kratz has taken on the added responsibility of serving on the DPS Technology Committee, balancing his patrol duties with attending meetings and providing critical feedback on technology initiatives. His hands-on field testing has been invaluable in trialing improvements to network connections and CAD configuration in vehicles, conducting real-world tests during his shifts and providing detailed reports on functionality and potential issues.

Officer Kratz has also stepped up to personally upload configuration changes to several vehicles in the fleet, often working before or after his shifts to ensure minimal disruption to operations. His attention to detail and commitment to improving technology in the field enhances the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of our patrol operations, making him a model of the initiative and dedication we value at DPS.

Our work is for the community, but when faced with unpredictable situations on a daily basis, it can be easy to lose sight of the human connection. Residential Community Safety Officer Donald Plantz never forgot that, going the extra mile for students through small but meaningful gestures—keeping a bowl of candy at his desk, engaging in genuine conversations, and showing sincere interest in their daily lives. His consistent presence and kindness created an environment where students felt safe, seen, and cared for.

Tragically, we lost one of the students in his residence hall last year. However, Donald had made such a profound impact on her life that she spoke of his kindness to her parents. When they came to campus to collect her belongings, they took time to personally thank Donald for being a safe and caring presence in their daughter's life. Donald's compassion, dedication, and genuine care for our students embody the very best of what it means to serve this community.

Our Internal Communications and Marketing Manager, Kiana Racha, has consistently exceeded expectations by expanding her contributions across multiple units within the department. Kiana has spearheaded the development of campus safety videos, notices, and updates while ensuring every unit's voice is represented in the DPS newsletter. She plays a central role in community engagement events, actively participating and building meaningful connections with students and faculty.

Her commitment extends beyond communications. Kiana has volunteered as a role player for peace officer training and academy sessions, served as a reliable resource for public safety notifications, and empowered colleagues through guidance on best practices. She represents DPS at various groups and meetings, strengthening departmental collaboration and making herself available—even for responsibilities outside her formal role. Kiana's initiative, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond embody the values of service, collaboration, and professionalism.

Community Service Officer Larry Whitlock provides extraordinary service that extends far beyond his prescribed duties. He has become a valued educator across campus, taking time to teach Syracuse University faculty, staff, and students about proper security precautions and how to enhance safety in their workspaces and residences. Through conversations and vulnerability assessments, Larry has helped countless community members feel more secure and empowered to protect themselves. His dedication is evident in his daily actions—often the first to arrive and the last to leave, consistently volunteering to cover open shifts to ensure no area goes unprotected.

What truly sets Larry apart is the way he does his job—with a genuine smile, positive attitude, and sincere care for others. He approaches every person he encounters with respect and kindness, making them feel valued and safe.

Winner: Mike Toia

The Community Impact Award is given to a Campus Safety employee who has worked hard to establish, promote, and encourage community policing, community service, risk prevention, and/or crime prevention efforts on campus and in the neighboring community. The recipient of the award has also built sustained relationships with community members through their efforts.

Detective Mike Toia is being recognized for his outstanding commitment to promoting safety and security within the Syracuse University community.

Throughout the 2024 academic year, Detective Toia played an integral role in enhancing safety measures surrounding Greek Life at Syracuse University. His dedication and proactive approach have significantly impacted the wellbeing of fraternity members and the broader campus community.

Detective Toia served as a lead facilitator in a series of safety and security workshops presented by the Department of Public Safety, reaching 16 fraternity chapters across campus. These workshops were instrumental in educating students on vital security protocols, risk mitigation strategies, and personal safety awareness. His ability to engage with students, build trust, and deliver critical information in an approachable and impactful manner exemplifies his commitment to service and community outreach.

Beyond simply presenting information, Detective Toia fostered genuine dialogue with students, creating an environment where they felt comfortable asking questions and discussing real-world safety concerns. His respectful and collaborative approach helped break down traditional barriers between law enforcement and students, strengthening relationships and opening lines of communication that extend well beyond the classroom setting.

Detective Toia's efforts have contributed to a stronger culture of safety and accountability within Greek Life, leaving a lasting impression on the university and setting a high standard for public safety collaboration with student organizations. His work exemplifies the values of excellence in service that this award seeks to honor.

Winner: Thomas Bingham

The Excellence in Law Enforcement Award recognizes an individual who actively promotes and encourages law enforcement efforts on campus and in the community, while maintaining peace, protecting life and property, reducing crime, and enforcing laws.

They are fully committed to the DPS law enforcement philosophy, exhibit positive behaviors in law enforcement, and serve as role models for others. They also encourage others to adopt that same philosophy.

Last September, Officer Thomas Bingham responded to a fight in progress. During the separation of the involved parties, a male was discovered with a stab wound. Officer Bingham went above and beyond by immediately providing trauma care until an ambulance could arrive on scene. He packed the wound and applied direct pressure, preventing the victim from suffering further blood loss and potentially saving his life.

Witnesses reported that Officer Bingham not only provided critical medical aid but also efficiently calmed the injured party by explaining each step of the care he was providing. His composed and reassuring demeanor helped keep the victim conscious and cooperative during a life-threatening situation. Although all of our officers receive basic life-saving training, those on site stated that Officer Bingham implemented his training flawlessly, demonstrating exceptional skill under pressure.

Officer Bingham's quick thinking, medical competence, and compassionate approach exemplify the highest standards of service and professionalism. His actions that day reflect the training, dedication, and character that make him an outstanding member of the Department of Public Safety.

Winner: Bailey Pattillo

The Excellence in Safety and Security Award represents an individual's efforts in promoting safety and security on campus and in the community. They are encouraging others to implement the core meaning of safety and security into their everyday actions.

Emergency Communications Center Dispatcher Bailey Pattillo has embodied the mission of safety and security through her exceptional actions and dedication to our community.

On December 10, 2024, while working as a dispatcher, Bailey became involved in a complaint on Marshall Street involving a vehicle versus pedestrian collision, which was later determined to be an intentional assault. The Syracuse Police Department was the primary investigating agency on this incident, relieving DPS of further assistance. However, Bailey took it upon herself to locate and secure video footage of the incident—footage that proved crucial to the investigation as it clearly showed the driver's intent to harm an individual with their vehicle.

The information obtained by Bailey was instrumental in contradicting the driver's statement at the scene. What had initially been reported as a victim of a crime was ultimately revealed to be a suspect in a violent criminal act against another individual. Bailey's proactive assistance to SPD—even after DPS had been relieved of involvement—led to the swift arrest of a suspect who had caused physical harm to another individual in the vicinity of our property and the SU community.

The video footage that Bailey saved, secured, and turned over to SPD without being asked to do so ultimately proved to be critical in charging the suspect with assault in the second degree and criminal mischief in the fourth degree. Her actions were a textbook example of going above and beyond her scope of duty, demonstrating initiative, investigative thinking, and a commitment to justice that reflects the very best of what it means to serve this community.

Winner: Richard Ortiz, Jacob Breen and Leonard Brown

The Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services Community Member Recognition Award is presented to a non-Campus Safety individual or department that has provided support to the division’s mission. It is specifically given to those who have helped in strengthening the partnerships between Campus Safety and the campus community.

Since stepping into his role supporting DPS, Administrative Computing Services Computer Consultant Richard Ortiz has gone above and beyond to provide exceptional technical support that has significantly enhanced our operations. He has consistently shown initiative by researching and resolving long-standing issues that had previously hindered our efficiency, including successfully configuring the fleet vehicle computers to improve GPS reliability—a critical enhancement for officer safety and operational effectiveness.

Richard also plays an active role on the DPS Technology Committee, where his insight, technical expertise, and follow-through have been invaluable. Most notably, he led the department-wide effort to upgrade all computers to Windows 11, ensuring compliance with Microsoft security requirements while minimizing downtime and disruption to daily operations. This complex project required careful planning, coordination, and execution—all of which Richard handled with professionalism and precision.

Richard's proactive problem-solving approach, technical expertise, and genuine dedication to supporting DPS have made a lasting impact on our department. His work continues to strengthen our technology systems, improve operational efficiency, and provide our officers with the reliable tools they need to serve the Syracuse University community effectively.

Since the Community Police Academy’s inception in the Fall 2022 semester, Sergeant Jacob Breen and Detective Leonard Brown have been deeply involved with the Academy, continuously demonstrating their commitment to community education and partnership. Their long-standing participation has been foundational to the program's development and ongoing success.

Their presentation on Crime Scene Processing is a clear highlight of academy’s program. Both Sergeant Breen and Detective Brown delivered complex investigative content in a manner that was both accessible and engaging. They created an open, respectful environment in which Community Police Academy participants felt encouraged to ask questions and take part in meaningful discussions.
Their transparency, professionalism, and ability to communicate clearly have consistently enriched the learning experience for all participants. It is evident that they bring not only deep expertise to their roles, but also a genuine passion for community engagement.

Sergeant Breen and Detective Brown’s dedication, leadership, and sustained involvement have had a lasting positive impact on the Syracuse University community and the broader goal of building trust between law enforcement and the public.

Winners: Tracy Poushter and Jessica Zaccari

The Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services Spirit of Justice Award is given to a Campus Safety employee who has made exceptional contributions to the community service, community engagement, and inclusion mission. The award recognizes the efforts that go above and beyond and aren’t found in a job description. Specifically acts that benefit the community and show that our team is here to help and make positive change. The awards committee believed two nominations to be equally deserving of recognition.

Former DPS Officer Coordinator Tracy Poushter has been the heart of our department, embodying the values of community service, engagement, and inclusion every single day. Her dedication went far beyond her job description—she consistently supported her colleagues, fostered a welcoming environment, and created connections that strengthened our sense of community.

Tracy has a remarkable ability to bring people together, whether through her thoughtful planning of department events, her organizational skills that keep operations running smoothly, or the warmth and kindness she shares in every interaction. From memorable moments like her legendary Chicken and Waffles at Commander Pabis' retirement celebration to the daily encouragement and support she gives each of us, Tracy has left a lasting mark that extends well beyond her formal role.

Tracy has shown us that our department is not only here to serve the campus community but also here to care for one another, uplift each other, and create positive change from within. As she retires, Tracy's legacy of compassion, inclusion, and genuine service will continue to inspire us and guide the culture of this department for years to come.

Detective Jessica Zaccari exemplifies the highest standards of public safety through her outstanding community outreach, innovative leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving the Syracuse University community.

Detective Zaccari has distinguished herself as a campus leader in community engagement, particularly through her service on the Chancellor's Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence. In this role, she supports survivors of assault, helps shape University policies, and serves as a trusted voice on education panels, including a recent high-impact panel discussion for all incoming students.

She invests significant time meeting regularly with student organizations, including sororities, to discuss safety strategies and build strong communication. Beyond group outreach, Detective Zaccari provides individualized support, offering one-on-one safety planning and personal strategies for students in need. Through this work, she has become a trusted liaison between DPS and the student body, fostering lasting trust and demonstrating that our department is here to help and support—not just enforce.

Detective Zaccari has established strong working relationships with university offices including Title IX, Community Standards, and Student Support Services, ensuring a coordinated approach to sensitive cases. She also serves as the Department's liaison to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, responding to overnight call-ins and conducting swift investigations that protect campus safety.

Her dedication extends far beyond assigned duties. Detective Zaccari serves as an academy instructor, training new recruits in the values of integrity and community service. Most notably, she founded the DPS Women in Law Enforcement Chapter, organizing bi-monthly meetings that foster mentorship, professional development, and camaraderie. Her efforts have built a strong support network and elevated the visibility of women in law enforcement across campus.

Detective Zaccari's compassion, professionalism, and commitment to making positive change embody the spirit of this award. She has shown our community that DPS is here not only to serve but to genuinely care, support, and uplift those we protect.