BHS creates public safety director position

By Lisa Brody

A retired police sergeant who was also a school liaison officer has been hired in the newly created position as the administrator of public safety for Bloomfield Hills Schools.

Patrick Sidge, who previously served as a police officer in Berkley and Farmington Hills, was been hired by the Bloomfield Hills district in the new role of administrator of public safety. Sidge will work in collaboration with district and school administration to review and establish appropriate regulations, procedures and plans to ensure safe and secure schools. Among other responsibilities, Sidge will regularly review and update the district's emergency operations plans, will work with the information technology team to manage security camera systems, and will serve as the district's liaison to work collaboratively with local law enforcement partners.

Sidge was a police officer for 25 years, including as a police sergeant in Farmington Hills for five years, until 2012. For 12 years of his time as a Farmington Hills police officers, he served as the school liaison officer for Harrison High School. Sidge then served as the director for safe schools for Howell Public Schools, as a criminal justice instructor at Kent Intermediate School District, a court security officer for the 44th District Court of Royal Oak, and worked as the school safety coordinator at Waterford Mott High School.

Sidge attended Michigan State University, receiving a B.A. in criminal justice, and Northwestern University for a degree in supervision of police personnel.

“As a father, I know how important it is for your children to feel safe within their educational communities,” Sidge said. “One of my goals is to work closely with the BHS staff, students, and parents to help ensure this. I look forward to getting to know the BHS community and working together.”