For Security Officer Christopher Vidro, his own daily workout includes keeping Montclair State University in shape. Whether you're dashing to the office or darting to class, you'll spot Chris cruising the campus on bicycle patrol. Though his assignments alternate him between bike and car patrol, he believes bike patrol better connects him with the campus community. "I personally enjoy the bike a lot more because when you drive around in a car, you're closed off," he said. "You've got the windows up and I think people perceive you as unapproachable. On a bike, it's different. Because you're out there, people approach you a lot more."
A former Emergency Medical Service worker and employee of a private security company, Chris became a security officer at Montclair State and has his sights set on becoming a police officer. "There are so many things about this job I like," he said. "I like that there is room to grow and I like the environment. It's a pretty unique job where you can be in security but still work closely with the police. They trust us and they value our ideas and opinions. We work well together."
Chris has been with University Police and Security for a year and a half. "We're like family," he said. "Everybody's close and we all look out for one other."
When he isn't scouting the safety of Montclair State students, staff, and faculty, Vidro likes catching a movie or playing basketball, which he has been doing since he was in grammar school. He also loves to bike ride in rural areas off the job. "We have mountain bikes here but we mostly ride on the streets. I got hooked [on mountain biking] when I rode on the training course at Rutgers. They took us on this long dirt road nestled in the woods," he said. "It was kind of treacherous, but I really enjoyed it. It's a rush."
But Vidro won't be riding away from Montclair State anytime soon. " It's a good place," he said. "Hopefully, this is where I'll stay."