A Division of Administration and Finance

January 2023

Jan. 17, 2023

Dear UMB Community:

It’s a new year, and there are so many exciting changes at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). I’m delighted to welcome Andrew Roberts and Thomas Good from the Office of the Fire Marshal to the Department of Public Safety. They are a welcome addition to our team, and we can’t wait to showcase their work in this newsletter and beyond.

While many of you are returning after some much-needed time away, our police officers, security officers, and police communications operators continue to support our community 24/7. You can help keep our community safe by spreading the word! Encourage a colleague or friend to subscribe to our public safety newsletter. Follow us on social media. Update your information in UMB Alerts.

As a world-class university, we all know the importance of knowledge. I hope you will take a few moments to add these resources to your “toolkit” so we can help you stay informed and stay safe!

Sincerely,

Thomas Leone, MSL

Assistant Vice President of Public Safety and Chief of Police

Public Safety Update

From the Office of the Fire Marshal

Be warm and safe this winter! Did you know that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths? With a few simple safety tips and precautions, you can prevent most heating fires from happening.

Safety Tips of the Month

This new year, resolve to refresh your safety practices! It’s easy to become comfortable and complacent, but following simple safety steps can protect yourself and your property:

Secure your valuables in your vehicle’s trunk, in a locked office, or even in a locked desk drawer.
Take your valuables with you when you leave — even during a quick bathroom break or coffee refill.
Put away phones, headphones, and other distractions while walking outside. Be aware of your surroundings.
Need help? Stop into any UMB building and talk with a UMB security or police officer.

Serving Our Community

Leone Named Assistant Vice President

After a national search, UMB Police Chief Thomas Leone was promoted to assistant vice president of public safety and chief of police, effective Jan. 1.

“Since being named chief in 2021, Tom has pioneered new initiatives, including an innovative partnership with the School of Social Work, returning citizens, and community organizations. He has increased the department’s robust training program; championed diversity, equity, and inclusion; and used data-driven strategies to keep crime low at UMB,” said Dawn Rhodes, DBA, senior vice president and chief business and finance officer. “Tom embodies the core values of respect and integrity and consistently works to change UMBPD for the better.”

Office of the Fire Marshal Joins UMB Public Safety

The UMB Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM), led by Andrew Roberts, joined the Department of Public Safety on Dec. 20. OFM is responsible for developing and managing programs to keep UMB students, faculty, and staff safe from fire. OFM acts on behalf of the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal, serving as the authority with jurisdiction and building code official for the University community. Learn more about the UMB Office of the Fire Marshal.

Sharing Service Leadership Lessons to Public Safety Professionals

On Jan. 6, Chief Leone presented to the Mid-Atlantic Center for Emergency Management and Public Safety at Frederick Community College about the importance of service excellence in leadership. Learn more about how Chief Leone helped shape a culture of accountability within UMBPD.

Public Safety Partners

Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

Preparedness Pro Training

Do you have what it takes to be a Preparedness Pro? OEM offers this digital credential to those who complete five public safety and emergency management trainings. These micro-credentials provide important life-safety information to build a more resilient UMB. Learn more about Preparedness Pro training.

Stop the Bleed: Do You Have a Tourniquet?

Tourniquets are inexpensive and small, but having one could save your life. The band and windlass rod are used to tie around arms or legs to stop bleeding from a serious wound. Tourniquets can be found in Stop the Bleed kits across campus. Learn more about Stop the Bleed and active assailant preparedness.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)

New Ways to Contact EHS

EHS has implemented easy-to-use buttons on our homepage for more efficient communication. With one easy click, users are now able to report a safety concern or near miss, request a safety consultation, or provide feedback to EHS leadership.

Reporting a safety concern or near miss is an important step for maintaining a safe work environment. Using this button will direct you into the University’s hotline page, where concerns can be submitted anonymously.

Please check out the new buttons on www.umaryland.edu/ehs.