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Former NYPD cop takes Public Safety post by Cindy Abole Public Relations Meeting a daily mission to create and ensure a safe and secure educational and patient care environment for patients, employees and visitors is the goal of incoming Capt. Kevin Kerley, patrol operations commander.   Kerley is the newest member to join MUSC’s Department of Public Safety. Since March he assumd management of the department’s day-to-day patrol operations working with the campus’ four patrol beats and stationary posts that make up the patrol division, bike and foot patrol, and other related services.      “Capt. Kerley is the product of a nationwide search of more than 30 qualified applicants,” said Public Safety Chief Tony Dunbar. “We were looking for a person with significant law enforcement experience, attended a major police school or law enforcement academy and possessed good people skills. He was absolutely the right person for the job.”   Kerley’s no ordinary policeman. A retired New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer, Kerley worked for more than 25 years with “New York’s Finest” and rose through the ranks as a young flatfoot patrolling the neighborhood beats to becoming a captain working in narcotics enforcement and the NYPD Strike Force.      From a young age, Kerley was aware of his destiny. As a boy growing up in Long Island, he wanted to follow in the footsteps of four uncles— all career NYPD policemen. He joined the force in 1981 and worked eight years in patrol services before earning his stripes as a sergeant in what’s regarded as the country’s largest police department (estimated at 34,000 personnel).      He fondly recalls his first encounter with Charleston where he and his wife celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in 2004. They were quickly taken by Charleston’s history and charm.      Last August, Kerley retired from the NYPD and relocated with his family to Charleston. It wasn’t long before he responded to the command position at MUSC’s Department of Public Safety following the retirement of Capt. David McMakin in December 2005. Kerley emerged as the top candidate following a series of evaluations, interviews and assessments conducted by the department and a campus search committee.      The hiring of Kerley is part of a department reorganization established by Dunbar and supported by campus leaders to help enhance public safety’s ongoing mission to support the MUSC family and public by maintaining a safe work environment and uphold service excellence.      “My focus is on patrol operations,” said Kerley. “I hope to use my leadership skills and experience to assist others and evaluate how things are done on MUSC’s campus.”      Kerley and Public Safety’s efforts are directed towards maintaining card access around campus. Controlling access in and out of specific areas helps to eliminate theft, according to Kerley. With construction progressing in the new hospital and growth along MUSC’s skyline, safety and security will continue to be at the forefront of issues.      “The combination of Capt. Kerley’s personality and experience makes him a welcome addition to the Public Safety force and MUSC’s campus,” said Dunbar.   And how has he adjusted to leaving fast-paced Gotham and working in a large Southern port city and a growing academic medical center?   “It’s nice,” Kerley said with a wry smile. “It’s certainly is a less stressful environment. Charleston is a beautiful city and I’m happy to be here.” Public Safety promotion Lt. Dorothy Simmons was promoted to the rank of captain and was named operations support commander in the Department of Public Safety April 1. Simmons manages the department’s communications, investigations, recruiting, crime prevention, training and other maintenance issues. Simmons, who has been with Public Safety for 18 years, previously worked as midnight shift supervisor and in investigations.     Friday, May 5, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island papers at 849-1778, ext. 201.