Joyce Gad- Mustangs Ahead 

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – A school’s security is one of the most important aspects to be able to ensure a positive educational experience. Having safety features on campus creates the ability to secure the building and handle any threats and harms that could arise on campus.  

LRHS’ Manatee Sheriffs school resource officer and guardians are ensuring that all safety standards in our school are met. LRHS has three armed personnel assigned to the campus including one deputy School Resource Officer and two School Safety Guardians.  

$1 billion in funding has been added for schools in order to “create safe and healthy learning environment for all students.” 

The guardians are constantly patrolling the campus, being visible to students, staff, and anyone visiting campus, and making sure all safety procedures are enforced. 

On campus many safety procedures ensure security. All doors, gates, and access points are locked to keep all access to school grounds limited. As well as making sure anyone visiting campus has gone through the signing-in process and cleared by the front desk. All Mustangs are also to be always wearing a visible ID. 

LRHS Guardian Timothy Liffey currently works with the LRHS security staff however his history of security did not start on campus.  

Liffey had worked for the New York Police Department (NYPD) for 24 years specializing in Organized Crime Investigations and Terrorism Investigations before retiring.  

Liffey said, “When I heard about the School Safety Guardian job at the schools, I thought it would be a great opportunity to continue in a modified Law Enforcement capacity and to have a schedule that allows me more flexibility after school and weekends.” 

Working on a school campus is very different from the NYC streets. Instead of working investigations, travelling, and dealing with all types of people and interactions, he is able to build a relationship here and have more control of what’s around him.  

Stay updated on important LRHS news and share what you like by following our Twitter @MustangsAhead, Instagram @mustangs_ahead, TikTok @mustangsahead and follow the Mustangs Ahead Podcast    

“I get to know the students and staff personally and interact with them on a daily basis. Just having conversations daily with the students and staff I believe earns their trust and we let them know that we are there to help them and keep them safe,” Liffey continued. 

The LRHS guardians are a crucial part of this campus and the efforts the school takes to keep the Mustangs safe.