Yale Security News Brief
Winter Issue
February/March 2015
Security Officer Wins Presidential Carbon Charge Task Force Contest!
Security Officer Eric Traester's great idea for energy savings was awarded a Grand Prize.
Big congratulations to Security Officer Eric Traester the grand prize winner in Yale's Presidential Carbon Charge Task Force Contest.

The Presidential Task Force held two contests in January as a means of engaging the Yale community in identifying energy-saving opportunities on campus.

 

The first contest asked the Yale community to submit ideas on how to use energy information and incentives to engage students, faculty, and staff in the effort to reduce Yale's carbon footprint.  The second contest asked the Yale community to search for best practices for promoting energy conservation.  

 

Eric won the "best practices" contest which came with a  cash prize of $500.  His winning recommendation involved both automating and integrating lighting and heating/cooling controls in campus buildings. 

 

"For some of us, saving energy is an interest and a hobby. For most, however, it isn't something that's thought about at a local level," said Eric.  

 

All contest winners will receive a cash prize to be awarded to the institution that they have identified.  Eric has designated Yale Security Operations to receive the prize.
Central Alarm Station Officer Retires

Central Alarm Station Officer, Robert "Bob" Czaja is retiring after 13 years at Yale. Bob has worked the first shift at the Central Alarm Station during his time here at Yale fielding phone calls, dispatching fire and police for emergencies and lockouts--rescuing many stranded students!   

 

This time of year Bob says there are a lot of weather related calls--icy sidewalks, falling ice and frozen locks.  When he first started, "dispatch" was located at 100 Church Street South in a windowless office.  In 2010, they moved to a beautiful space on Lock Street with lots of windows. "It's a nice space, people know where we are now," said Bob.

 

Over the years, Bob has fielded some interesting calls.  During commencement week, the students play pranks and cover statues on Old Campus with toilet paper.  And then there was the year someone called about the very  large "bladder" ball being bounced along Elm Street.  "We had to dispatch the Yale Police to stab and deflate the ball," said Bob.   

 

But no matter the calls or emergencies Bob will miss his co-workers.  "This is a great group of people here in this room, we have a special bond. We had some stressful times, but together we shared them" he said.   

 

Bob and his wife of 29 years Laura are moving to Florida where there will be no icy sidewalks and where he plans on doing a lot of golf cart driving.

 

Good luck and safe travels Bob!    

Spring Starts March 20th! 

A very snow covered Hillhouse Avenue during one of this winter's many snowstorms.

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