College of Southern Marylands Executive Director of Public Safety & Preparedness Donald Frick grew up listening to his family tell stories of their police and firefighting work in the boroughs of New York City, so it was no surprise that he chose law enforcement as a career.
From a young age I had a fire in my belly to be a police officerit was in my blood, Frick said.
Following his enlistment in the army, Frick worked as a uniformed division officer for the U.S. Secret Service where he had a revelation. After interacting with the local police, I decided I wanted to work more closely with communities on improving neighborhoods and fighting crime, said Frick.
Getting onto a local police force took patience and perseverance. Frick found himself waiting in lines of more than a thousand applicants for a few position openings. Then, in 1990, Frick was hired by the Prince Georges County Police Department and embarked on a 20-year career with the force.
Frick comes to CSM after working with the Executive Office for the United States Attorneys Emergency Watch Center to prepare the 94 U.S. Attorneys Offices nationwide in all aspects of emergency management and emergency preparedness.
Now, in his job providing security to students, staff and faculty at CSM, Frick says he will rely on his 27 years of experience in public safety management and emergency management to ensure that CSM remains a safe environment.
There is a lot going on at the college and we are fortunate to have quality public safety people at all campuses, Frick said. The College of Southern Maryland has an excellent history and reputation for providing a quality education and I am excited to be a part of it. I am looking forward to working with the faculty, staff, students and local communities to provide a safe environment for students to learn.
A safe environment enhances the learning that occurs at our college and having a public safety director of the caliber of Don Frick is crucial in providing safe, welcoming campuses and facilities for students, faculty, staff and visitors, said CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried.
During Fricks 20-year career with the Prince Georges County Police Department he served as corporal, District III; sergeant, District IV and Special Operations Division; investigative commander and commander in Internal Affairs Division; commander, Violent Crimes Task Force; assistant commander, District IV; and commander, Special Investigative Response Team, Office of Professional Standards.
Frick earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master of Science in Management through the Police Executive Leadership Program, with The Johns Hopkins University.
For information on CSM, visit www.csmd.edu.