From the Frontline: Sgt. Victor Vargas, Security

From the Frontline is an ongoing series highlighting members of the Florida Tech community who are working tirelessly to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

In this installment, Sgt. Victor Vargas of Florida Tech Security discusses his role on campus response to COVID-19.

Q&A with Sgt. Victor Vargas, Florida Tech Security.

Q: Please describe your duties related to the university’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Victor Vargas: One of my duties as the shift commander is to ensure that we have enough officers on schedule to provide adequate coverage of all our facilities on and off campus. My officers have provided assistance to all faculty, staff and students on campus. We have provided escorts, giving access to faculty and students into labs and offices, as well as opening dorm rooms for students. We have maintained a visual presence on campus to ensure the community is safe.

Q: What does it mean to you to play such a key role in assisting the university during this time?

VV: It has been an honor for all of us at the Department of Security to play a key role at Florida Tech during these difficult times. Our core values are professionalism, compassion, pride and integrity.

Q: Talk about some successes and challenges during this unique time.

VV: Trying to provide comfort during these stressful times.

Q: From your vantage point, how well has the university responded to this pandemic?

VV: I believe the university has done its best to accommodate everyone during this pandemic. Florida Tech has made virtual school possible providing tutorials, emails and apps to guide students through the pandemic. Florida Tech has also sent out numerous e-mails regarding COVID-19 and how we can help stay virus-free.

Q: Anyone in the campus community you’d like to highlight?

VV: I would like to acknowledge security administrative assistant Teresa Mantz for going above and beyond. She has made and brought in masks for all the officers, administrative staff and their families. We are truly lucky to have her.

Q: What is a key thing for people to remember during this pandemic?

VV: The key thing for people to remember is to remain calm, respect one another and maintain our social distance. We can expect more changes during this pandemic, and we must learn to adapt accordingly.

Find the university’s latest coronavirus updates and information on the Coronavirus Central webpage.