“I think that most students felt pretty safe here anyway … But for anyone that did have any concerns at all, now they can feel even safer.”

Principal Caesar Diliberto is speaking about the latest presence of security in the school district: Class III Officer Frank Romayo, who walks his beat at the middle school and high school throughout the entire school day to ensure everyone is where they are supposed to be. For the 2022-23 school year, there is only one Class III officer assigned specifically to West Essex, but other police officers periodically walk around the school. 

“I think it’s a good idea because you never want to see something bad happen here, or at any school for that matter,” Romayo said. 

Romayo has 25 years of experience under his belt, beginning his career in 1999 at  the Orange Police Department, where he worked for four years. He then relocated  to the West Orange Police Department in 2003 where he served the town until retiring in 2022.

In his time at West Essex, Romayo has discussed school-wide lockdown procedures with the administration. He has noticed that the staff is well-equipped to deal with a lockdown, fire drill or shelter in place. 

“The plans that they have here are, in my eyes, terrific,” Romayo said. “I think they have it pretty well-run here.”

Diliberto said he’s confident Romayo will provide an added layer of security and will be beneficial to the school.

“I think that Officer Frank has done a great job and is very friendly to students and staff and I’m really happy that he’s here.” Diliberto said.

Romayo said he looks forward to being able to keep West Essex safe and getting to know the students and faculty better. 

“Hopefully I can build a better relationship with the students and be a friendly face to them,” Romayo said. “If they need assistance or help, I hope that they would be confident and comfortable enough to come talk to me because that’s what I’m here for.”