John Wade – 91��Ƭ

Former NCC Security Supervisor, Now Newark Police Officer, Returns to NCC as Task Force Officer

Michelle Lang — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 21:15:20 +0000

Quawee Williams has a long history with 91��Ƭ. He grew up in NCC housing, worked for the organization’s Security Department for seven years and has returned as a Task Force Officer after achieving a career in law enforcement with the Newark Police Department.

Williams joined NCC as a Security Officer in 2012 and was promoted to Supervisor. In his seven years with the department, he worked every shift and at every site. He resigned from his role with NCC Security in September 2019 to become a Newark Police Officer. While he was excited for the opportunity and his next chapter, he was sad to leave 91��Ƭ.

“I loved it here. I loved the people, the community,” he said. “91��Ƭ was a great stepping stone for me. The transition, the training, the people I’ve interacted with, everything prepared me for the next level.”

Williams entered the Police Academy in September 2019 and officially became a Newark Police Officer on Feb. 3, 2020.

He decided to return to 91��Ƭ as a Task Force Officer to serve as a role model, showing others that they can achieve their career goals.

“I just want to change the mind for some of the kids that feel as though they don’t know where they want to go in life or what they can do in life,” he said.

NCC Security Operations Manager John Wade encouraged Williams to pursue becoming a police officer and helped him prepare for the transition. He is happy to have Williams back at NCC.

“Quawee Williams was one of my dependable supervisors when he worked on the Security side of the house,” Wade said. “As a former law enforcement executive, coaching him in joining the ranks of the Newark Police Department was my pleasure. Welcoming him back, as a Task Force Officer and a product of NCC, was a no brainer.”

Williams returned as a Task Force Officer in November. He works overnight shifts for NCC when he’s not working as a Newark Police Officer. He mainly responds to emergency calls.

“I’m happy that I can work for others and just be someone that can lend a helping hand in any situation and be a listening ear for those that need it,” he said.

Williams still lives in the area and has a young daughter.

He is grateful he had the opportunity to grow with 91��Ƭ, launch a law enforcement career and return to serve the organization and its residents once again.

91��Ƭ Prepares for Staff’s Return to On-Site Work

Michelle Lang — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 17:35:49 +0000

As the COVID-19 pandemic persists nationwide, 91��Ƭ continues to take steps to ensure its sites are as safe as possible for employees, residents and clients. The Safe Reopening Committee was formed at the end of June to assess sites throughout the network and work with department directors on their plans to bring all employees back to their workstations.

“We are committed to providing the safest environment possible for our employees, residents and clients,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “The Safe Reopening Committee has been an integral part of ensuring each department has what it needs as employees return on site.”

The Safe Reopening Committee is comprised of five members: Chief Operating Officer Fred Hunter, Director of Human Resources Benjamin Galvez, Security Operations Manager John Wade, Security Safety Coordinator Obinna Onwunaka and Director of Environmental Services Wayne Gravesande. The committee’s goal is to ensure each site has what it needs to welcome employees back in the safest way possible.

The group conducted site visits to assess signage, the ability to practice social distancing and other safety protocols, including the installation of plexiglass around workstations. The committee reviewed each department’s plan for bringing employees back on site and provided guidance when necessary. Committee members talked through any issues and also worked with department and program directors to ensure proper sanitation of workspaces and availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), including ordering procedures.

“I think the staff has done a very good job of being responsible and wearing masks,” Hunter said. “We’re confident that if people continue to do social distancing, wear their masks and wash their hands, it will certainly reduce the risk.”

Part of the Safe Reopening Committee’s task was ensuring uniform signage throughout the network. That way employees, residents and visitors are aware of safety rules and guidelines, such as wearing a face covering, using hand sanitizer, staying at least six feet apart from others and adhering to updated capacity limits in spaces like elevators and laundry rooms.

Employees may experience changes to their workstations for additional safety, including plexiglass installation and perhaps facing in a different direction if they share a room with a coworker.

Hunter said it’s important to understand that everyone is operating in a changed world.

“Things will not be the same,” he said. “Everything you used to do, you have to do differently now. When it comes to meeting with people, assessing clients, following up with folks and having follow-up discussions, it may require phone calls instead of face-to-face meetings or using a larger space to meet with fewer people.”

The creation of the Safe Reopening Committee was a proactive approach with the overarching goal to keep the risk of COVID-19 infection low.

“We’re just doing the best we can do to keep everyone safe,” Hunter said.

NCC Security Efforts Help Reduce Crime

Michelle Lang — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 21:02:16 +0000

91��Ƭ’s Security Department has taken steps to help reduce crime within the organization’s footprint in Newark and those efforts are having an impact on the area.

Security Operations Manager John Wade explained that last year there were four hot spots for crime in Newark’s Central Ward located in NCC’s footprint.

“This year we have none because of some of the things that we’ve been doing and some of the things the police have been doing in this particular area,” he said.

Wade and NCC Director of Community Engagement Richard Cammarieri are involved with the Newark Public Safety Collaborative, which is part of the Rutgers School of Criminal Justice. The initiative aims to provide relevant crime statistics and information on what is contributing to crime in a certain area. The Newark Police Department is also involved and Wade said NCC received information about crime within its footprint.

“That’s how we ultimately came up with strategies to address some things in this particular area,” Wade said.

Members of the NCC Security Task Force now have a stronger presence during the day and have been focusing on quality of life issues including illegal parking, loitering and drug activity.

“John’s ability to reach out and get involved in bringing in new ideas and resources to NCC is paying off. We are committed to renovating our properties and partnering with our residents to provide a safe, secure and dignified living experience,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “These efforts combined with additional Task Force officers, more lighting, security cameras and outreach have had a measurable impact on the quality of life on the properties.”

During the course of patrolling and investigating, Security personnel also evaluate factors that contribute to incidents. That includes environmental factors, some of which are being addressed with the ongoing renovation project. Landscaping changes, additional lighting and cameras are expected to further improve the area. If Security personnel find that tenants are engaging in activities affecting the quality of life, the department teams up with Property Management to address issues with the tenants. Some tenants have been issued warnings and those who don’t comply can be referred to landlord-tenant court.

In addition to internal investigations and policy changes, Wade said NCC has a good relationship with the Newark Police Department. While 91��Ƭ is private property, the organization has given members of the Newark Police Department the authority to come onto NCC properties and enforce motor vehicle laws and city ordinances.

This summer, one of Security’s key focus areas was the playground between the NCC Neighborhood Center and Manor Family at 72 Hayes St. Wade said he wanted parents to feel safe sending their children to summer camp at the NCC Neighborhood Center, as well as dropping them off and picking them up.

“It’s my understanding through some of the critiques they got at the rec center that we definitely made an impact,” Wade said. “So I was very happy about that.”

There were no shootings in the area this summer, which was an improvement, and police checkpoints that were present for several months last year have been removed.

While Wade said there is still room for improvement, he has noticed more residents out and about and parents allowing their children outside to play.

“It’s good to see people who can just come out and take a morning stroll. And walk to the store and get a cup of coffee,” Wade said. “When you see people are able to do that in this particular area, I think you know you’re making a little bit of an impact.”

While violent crime is down in the area, crimes of opportunity are occurring, particularly thefts from vehicles. Wade encourages residents and visitors to always lock their cars and not leave valuables or other items in plain sight. He said even umbrellas, sunglasses or loose change could be items of interest.

With cameras being installed, NCC Security has more tools to help with both criminal and internal investigations. New parking regulations and house rules will be released soon as well to help improve quality of life issues.

Wade hopes NCC residents embrace the changes and work with the Security Department.

“The officers need resident support in order to do their job. It’s going to take a team effort,” he said.

NCC Security Personnel Recognize Security Operations Manager

Michelle Lang — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 19:46:13 +0000

Members of the 91��Ƭ Security Department organized a surprise ceremony Sept. 18 recognizing Security Operations Manager John Wade for his one year of service to NCC.

Security Officer Shakirah Williams spoke on behalf of the department, expressing gratitude for Wade’s leadership and guidance.

“We stand here as one to thank you for all the support that you have extended to us during your time here at 91��Ƭ as our Security Manager,” she said. “From the time you started this job you have been nothing but helpful and supportive and it means more to us than you’ll ever know.”

Security personnel presented Wade with a plaque commemorating the occasion, held at St. Joseph Plaza.

Wade was surprised by the recognition and thanked everyone for their cooperation and support over the last year.

“We’re moving in the right direction and we’re going to keep moving,” he said. “As long as I’m here, we’re going to do the right thing and we’re going to make it happen.”

NCC Security Personnel Start Training Program

Michelle Lang — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 15:20:03 +0000

Members of the 91��Ƭ Security Department will be undergoing new training throughout 2018. The process began with three supervisors participating in a three-day training Jan. 23-25 at St. Joseph Plaza.

“Through training, policies, rules and regulations, this is how we ensure officers are trained to do what needs to be done,” said Security Operations Manager John Wade.

Wade is leading the effort and is conducting the training with help from Human Resources Director Ben Galvez and Family Service Bureau Executive Director Manuela Garcia. Wade is certified to teach almost half of the curriculum at the Police Academy and has used that background to customize training for NCC personnel. He is leading the majority of the training. Galvez is reviewing HR policies and procedures with employees. Garcia is helping with the mental health aspect of the training, including de-escalation techniques.

The training covers areas including standard operating procedures, leadership and management, ethics, verbal de-escalation, incident command and active shooter. Wade also recently reworked the emergency plans for Community Hills Early Learning Center and Harmony House Early Learning Center and will review those plans as part of the training as well.

Training will be conducted in small groups throughout the year based on employees’ schedules and positions. Supervisors will receive training first, followed by dispatchers, patrol officers and officers at the various NCC sites. Some of the training will be specifically geared toward employees’ positions. Wade plans to have everyone complete three days worth of training.

Veteran And Former Police Director Now NCC Security Operations Manager

Michelle Lang — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 14:57:46 +0000

John Wade is 91��Ƭ’s Security Operations Manager, overseeing unarmed security personnel.

91��Ƭ has a new Security Operations Manager to oversee unarmed security personnel throughout the network. John Wade has 30 years of experience under his belt, spending time in the military and civilian law enforcement.
Wade spent six years in the Air Force, mostly overseas in Europe and Central America. He served as a weapons instructor and security specialist. After leaving the military, Wade spent more than 20 years with the Orange Police Department, rising through the ranks to lieutenant before retiring. He was asked to come back after retirement and served as the deputy emergency management coordinator and the police director.
He is very familiar with 91��Ƭ. He was born and raised in Newark, graduated from Science Park High School and had family members and friends who lived in NCC’s housing.
“John will be a terrific addition to NCC. He has an extensive background in law enforcement in Essex County and is familiar with Newark and the people in law enforcement here. His background in training and administration brings a high level of organizational skills to us,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “I am happy to have him and look forward to working with John to further the NCC mission.”
Wade, who started in his role Sept. 18, said he wholeheartedly accepted the position when it was offered.
“My career has centered around different positions to make an impact. That’s what I want to do here, internally and externally,” he said.
As part of overseeing the 90-plus unarmed security members, Wade will be revamping the training programs. He serves as a police instructor part-time at the Essex County College Police Academy and plans to convert the instruction for the security officers and supervisors, increasing their knowledge and improving the image of the Security Department and 91��Ƭ as a whole.
Wade enjoys teaching, which he has been doing for more than three years.
“I impart some knowledge that helped me survive the scrutiny of my position or spared my life in different situations,” he said.
Wade is also currently a student. He’s working toward a master’s degree in public administration at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He may also pursue a master’s degree in homeland security in the future.
Wade lives in Essex County and has two sons. Currently most of his free time is spent working toward his master’s degree.
“I’m committed to doing it,” he said.