Public Safety Holds Award of Merit Ceremony

From left: Public Safety Executive Director of Protective Services Bronson Bias; Ben Tallarico Award of Merit recipient Officer Ruber Martinez; Director of Public Safety James Ewing	Public Safety Team Players of the Year award recipients (from right to left): Dean H. Wells Singleton, Ph.D., and Kimberly Durham, Psy.D., executive dean for administration and human services, with North Miami Beach Public Safety Site Coordinator Stephen Borde and Executive Director Steve Bias.

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On Feb. 29, the Office of Public Safety hosted its annual Public Safety Award of Merit Ceremony, celebrating 21 years of protective care giving excellence. The yearly award ceremony is in recognition of those individuals who have exemplified Nova Southeastern University’s definition of professionalism, by putting the needs of others above their own through accountability, compassion, integrity and respect.

A special commemoration was presented to the Executive Director of Facilities Management Arlene Morris for her outstanding leadership and support, which has greatly contributed to the growth of the NSU Protective Care Giving Programs.

Arlene Morris, executive director of facilities management (second from left) received a special commemoration for her outstanding leadership and support which has greatly contributed to the growth of the NSU Protective Care Giving Programs. Also pictured is President Ray Ferrero, Jr. (left), Vice President of Facilities Management John J. Santulli (second from right), and Executive Director of Protective Services Steve Bias.

Other awards and recipients included:

• Public Safety Officer Ruber Martinez received the department's highest annual honor, the Ben Tallarico Award of Merit, named to commemorate the late public safety officer Ben Tallarico.
• Public Safety Coordinator William VanBuren was the recipient of thePublic Safety Coordinator of the Year Award
• Public Safety Communication Systems Operator David Schweitzer received theJohn Yessman Service Award, named in honor of the late public safety officer John Yessman
• Public Safety Business Partner of the Year: Town of Davie Police Department, represented by Chief Patrick Lynn.
• Public Safety Team Players of the Year: Fischler School of Education & Human Services: Dean H. Wells Singleton, Ph.D and Kimberly Durham, Psy.D., executive dean for administration and human services.