May 1, 2025
A redesign of St. John’s University’s Department of Public Safety guard station at Gate 1, completed in March, received its official blessing on April 28 when representatives of the department joined the Rev. Richard Rock, C.M., in a dedication ceremony that honored all Public Safety officers for their service to the University.
Fr. Rock, Campus Minister for Athletics, joined Red Storm Battalion Army ROTC members in raising the American and University flags on a new flagpole at the guard station located at the main entrance. The flagpole was the final piece of the station redesign featuring new gates, curbing, and landscaping. Upgraded interior features include new cameras and other technology.
Fr. Rock blessed the guard station and the people who staff it.
“We appreciate the structure,” Fr. Rock said. “But today is more about the people who work in it and how selflessly they serve us. We will always appreciate their service and dedication to St. John’s.”
With that, Capt. Malcolm L. Brown, Adjunct Instructor, Military Science, and acting head of the University’s ROTC program, raised the flags to applause. Capt. Brown said the Red Storm Battalion was delighted to participate in such a proud moment for Public Safety.
“It is a team effort to make sure St. John’s remains a culture where family and friends feel safe,” Capt. Brown said. “Public Safety does a wonderful job, and we are happy to celebrate with them.”
The booth’s interior structures were completed in the Summer of 2024. Landscaping and external features were completed by Winter 2025, before the flagpole was installed March 13.
“We strive for professionalism in every aspect at Public Safety, starting at our front door,” Director Patrick Wing said, referring to the redesigned guard station, which is often the first point of contact for University visitors.
Brian Baumer, Associate Vice President, Department of Campus Facilities and Services, and Interim Chief of Public Safety, said the guard station changes were more than cosmetic. With enhanced technology, the station can now serve as a backup to Public Safety’s Command Center in the ROTC Building in case of an emergency.
“It gives us added curb appeal at the guard station,” Mr. Baumer said. “But it offers us more than that.”