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***image1***As of May 19, security officers from the Pond Security Service began walking the halls and perimeter of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center to improve security, enforce regulations and help staff in times when extra assistance is needed.
“The implementation of the roaming guards helps provide a safe and secure environment for staff and patients,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Taylor, Landstuhl NCO in charge of security. “The guards also support the military police in the hospital by providing the 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week presence that is really needed.”
Landstuhl has a 24-hour staff duty that secures the main hospital and some outlying buildings, but the duty was not providing all the security that we feel was required, he said.
After the attacks of Sept. 11, Landstuhl became a major player in the medical care of Soldiers during the Global War on Terrorism, he said. “With all the added publicity, new security concerns were developed and we realized that we needed some extra help.”
With the new guards in and around the hospital, some problems, like illegal parking, can be handled a little easier, he said.
The guards, who do not have authority to warrant a citation, report illegally parked vehicles to the Landstuhl security office, which can issue parking tickets or warnings.
Guards also help with emergency situations, keeping spectators away from the health care providers and patients. Other duties include securing various buildings, checking the fence line and watching the security monitors.
“Mainly, ensuring that everything is safe and secure for staff and patients of LRMC is our goal,” said Greg Matava, Pond supervisor.
“The guards who will roam the halls and perimeter of the hospital are not strangers to LRMC,” said Mr. Matava. The guards have been checking ID cards at the Landstuhl gate for at least a year and Pond provides security to all Army bases in Europe.
