Keeping Campus Safe
STORY & TOP PHOTO BY EMMA DEANS | BOTTOM PHOTO BY PATRICIA ERIKSON
Under the leadership of Jim Trask ’ 80 , Thornton accepts the Facility of Merit Award from the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security
Jim Trask ’ 80 returned to Thornton in the spring of 2015 in a newly created position to oversee all security issues as Director of Campus Safety . Just a year later , in July 2016 , Thornton was awarded the Facility of Merit Award by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security , which is a national recognition for greatness in balancing security and fan experience . The award is bestowed upon high schools , colleges , and professional organizations . Twelve facilities across America were recognized in 2016 for their leadership in safety and security issues . Thornton joins esteemed facilities on a list that includes Michigan Stadium at the University of Michigan ( also know as the “ Big House ”), The Air Canada Centre in Toronto , Lambeau Field ( home of the Green Bay Packers ), and Yankee Stadium .
“ Thornton Academy proves that we are nationally one of the most progressive and security-minded campuses ,” Jim said . “ TA was selected because of the protocols and policies that have been implemented over the last year . We are very proud of this accomplishment and will continue to make TA a safe and enjoyable campus in which to learn , visit , and live .”
While a student at Thornton , Jim played basketball and competed in the triple and long jump for outdoor track , so his experience and love of competition is evident . He has proven to be a major asset with athletic events through : assisting with crowd management ; helping monitor entrance areas and spaces where money is exchanged ; monitoring access to sideline areas , locker rooms , and officiating rooms ; purchasing signage to steer pedestrians away from restricted areas ; and coordinating with traffic personnel and local police to secure the parking lots and perimeter areas .
Director of Athletics Gary Stevens noted Jim ’ s “ positive demeanor adds greatly to his interaction with those patrons who come to campus . It is not uncommon for him to provide transportation to a remote field or to the visitors ’ bleachers at a football game for an elderly or handicapped person who needs it . During all after school practices , activities , and games , he travels around the school campus on a golf cart to check the property and to interface with coaches , advisors , and students . His presence has added a degree of comfort and peace of mind to those individuals who may work on remote fields or areas of campus . The school ’ s staff is certainly more attuned to the need for safety in our school and has access to an expert in the field .”
Prior to returning to his alma mater , Jim graduated from the Maine State Police Academy in ’ 84 and served as a Maine State Police Detective for 20 years , including eight years on the governor ’ s security detail for Angus King .
Jim lives in Dayton with his wife Sandy who is an elementary school teacher . His sons are all proud Thornton alumni : Robbie ’ 08 , Steve ’ 10 , and Cam ’ 12 . Jim is a friendly face on campus and his office is the first door on the left when walking into the Main Building . What is his best safety advice ? “ Know your surroundings . Pay attention . Listen to that gut feeling if you feel something is wrong .”
Jim Trask ’ 80 with Senator Angus King
Thornton was honored to have Senator Angus King deliver the 2016 Commencement Speech . After reuniting with Jim Trask on that day , Senator King posted this message on Facebook : “ One of my best friends from my days as governor is Jim Trask . He was part of my security detail , and we covered a lot of miles together — from Portage Lake to Kittery , in cars , trucks and yes , motorcycles — and our families have remained close ever since . Here , we are leaving Thornton Academy this past Sunday after graduation , and this shot really captures our ongoing friendship . You can see that he ’ s a big guy ; I can tell you that he has a big heart , as well .”
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