New director takes over department of security

Darren Morgan, new director of the security department, poses with Peggy Bazemore, RideShare coordinator, in front of a security vehicle.

The security department for Loma Linda University and Medical Center is now under the direction of Darren Morgan.

"The most effective leader is the servant leader. You can't truly lead people without serving," he says. "This is an opportunity afforded by God to lead out. That's why I bring a different flavor in law enforcement and security in that God is a pivotal part of my life and leadership."

As part of this service-oriented, Christ-centered leadership style, Mr. Morgan spent two hours individually with each of his 40 employees during his first few weeks as director.

As Mr. Morgan looks to the future, a major goal is to address the issue of how the department can better serve the Loma Linda University and Medical Center community. One option, he says, may be hybridizing the department into a security/ police department.

"We've been acknowledged as the first responders and best deterrents [against crime]," he says. "I fully anticipate having to look at moving to a fully-accredited hybrid department."

Mr. Morgan relocated from Takoma Park, Maryland, to accept the directorship. He previously had responsibility for security at Shady Grove and Washington Adventist Hospitals under the auspices of Adventist HealthCare.