Published Feb. 5, 2021
University of Louisiana Monroe Director of Police Services Tom Torregrossa is one
of only 17 finalists nationwide for Campus Safety Director of the Year. Torregrossa is the only finalist in the state.
PHOTO: University of Louisiana Monroe Director of Police Services Tom Torregrossa is a finalist
for Campus Safety Director of the Year. Torregrossa served 36 years with the Monroe
Police Department before retiring and joining ULM in 2015.
Siddharth Gaulee/ULM Photo
Campus Safety magazine for hospitals, schools, and universities, annually recognizes top safety
directors based on progressive and innovative programs used on campuses across the
nation.
Torregrossa joined UPD as director in 2015. After 36 years with the Monroe City Police
Department, he retired as a major overseeing the 200-officer patrol division.
Torregrossa credits past and current administrations for their commitment to continuously
improving campus safety. He said UPD officers are encouraged and grateful for the
backing of the Warhawk Family for their work.
“Retired President Dr. Nick Bruno was instrumental in providing the support and resources
to develop the ULM PD into the professional organization that it is today. The continued
leadership of President Dr. Ron Berry ensures that all students, faculty, and staff
have a safe and secure learning environment with a fully staffed and equipped police
department that stands ready to serve our community,” Torregrossa said.
“I could not be prouder of the men and women that make up the ranks of the ULM PD
and the honorable and dedicated service they provide every day. Their passion for
the ULM community is exemplified through this nomination,” he said.
Working closely with Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Valerie Fields, Torregrossa's
top priority is the safety of ULM students.
PHOTO: University of Louisiana Monroe Director of Police Services Tom Torregrossa, left,
discusses plans for a campus ceremony with ULM Vice President of Student Affairs Valerie
Fields, Ph.D.
Siddharth Gaulee/ULM Photo Services
“Safety Director Torregrossa was the first member of the Student Affairs team to reach
out to me via LinkedIn, prior to my arrival on ULM’s campus. At that moment I knew,
if he cared enough to connect prior to my arrival on campus, he had to be the type
of director who placed students first and was concerned about their welfare,” Fields
said.
“I was right. Director Torregrossa and his team are doing a yeoman’s job protecting
students, ensuring that laws, policies, and procedures are followed, and cultivating
relationships with students and student organizations to provide the opportunity to
grow, yet adhere to laws and regulations,” she said.
Torregrossa said connections with local law enforcement play a vital role in campus
security.
“The ULM PD finds its success from the relationships it has developed over the years
with other law enforcement agencies. Chief Vic Zordan of the Monroe Police Department
and Sheriff Jay Russell of the Ouachita Sheriff’s Office are valuable partners who
provide a safe and secure atmosphere at the university and within our community. A
special thanks is given to 4th District Attorney Steve Tew for his continued support and partnership in combating
on-campus sexual assaults, hazing, and bias-based crimes,” Torregrossa said.
UPD at Warhawk Circle/Siddharth Gaulee
Nominated by UPD Assistant Chief Mark Johnson, among Torregrossa's notable achievements
are:
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To protect international students, developed a personal safety class to introduce
students to the police department and provide them with safety tips. Also established
officer guide services to steer them away from high-crime, off-campus areas.
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Created the adjutant/assistant position responsible for Clery Act reporting, Title
IX liaison, internal affairs, recruiting, and special events coordination.
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Coordinated with fraternity advisors for public meetings and meet-and-greets to discuss
current issues that involve law enforcement and minority groups.
The Campus Safety Director of the Year will be announced in July at the Campus Safety
Conference East in Bethesda, Md. Complete coverage of the winners will appear this
fall in Campus Safety magazine and on CampusSafetyMagazine.com.
More about Tom Torregrossa
For Torregrossa, law enforcement, education, and protecting the university campus
are deeply personal. He earned a Bachelor of Criminal Justice here and is pursuing
his Master of Criminal Justice in the College of Business and Social Sciences. He
and his wife, Katie, bought a home within walking distance of campus and often host
events for the Warhawk Family. Both of his children are ULM graduates.
Torregrossa was versatile at MPD, with time as a patrol officer, firearms instructor,
K-9 officer, and commander of the Special Response Team. He was jail and booking supervisor
in the Administrative Bureau, Assistant Bureau Commander, Bureau Commander in the
Criminal Intervention Bureau, Assistant Bureau Commander of Patrol Bureau. His final
assignment was Patrol Bureau Commander.
