STHS Security Department celebrates its own in promotion ceremony
Members of the St. Tammany Health System Security Department applaud the promotions of four of their members on Friday, July 17, 2020. (Photos by Mike Scott/STHS)
By STHS Communication Department
In a formal ceremony emphasizing respect, compassion and esprit de corps, the St. Tammany Health System Security Department celebrated its own Friday morning (July 17) as four members of the department ascended to new ranks and assumed new responsibilities.
Officers Brent Borgstede and Terrel Poullard, who have been with STHS since 2018 and 2012, respectively, were both promoted to the rank of lieutenant / security supervisor.
In addition, Capt. Malcolm Bates, a 28-year STHS veteran, was recognized as captain and security manager; and Sgt. Frank Caldwell, an 18-year STHS veteran, was recognized as desk sergeant and lead security officer.
Bates and Caldwell’s new roles were effective June 21, while Borgstede and Poullard’s promotions were effective as of Friday.
“Each and every one of you are experienced, dedicated and professional, across the board,” Security Director Kenny Norris said during Friday’s ceremony. “I cannot express how lucky we are to have such a great family here.”
STHS Assistant Vice President Mike Portie added that, while other hospitals often hire outside companies to provide security, St. Tammany Health System has resisted that trend for a simple reason: because the health system's in-house security department is so effective.
“Thank you all for the work you’re doing,” Portie said in remarks to the assembled officers. “I sleep well at night knowing we have such a competent security force here.”
Friday’s promotions represented the first steps in a departmental reorganization that Norris said will also see the promotion of four officers to the rank of sergeant in coming weeks, as well as the welcoming of multiple new hires.
See below for photos from Friday’s event.
Capt. Malcolm Bates, right, leads the STHS Security Department through the hospital lobby following a promotion ceremony on Friday, July 17, 2020.
STHS Security Director Kenny Norris, left, and Assistant Vice President of Support Service Mike Portie pin lieutenant bars on the collar of newly promoted Lt. Terrel Poullard.
STHS Security Capt. Malcolm Bates, left, and Security Director Kenny Norris pin lieutenant bars on the collar of newly promoted Lt. Brent Borgstede.
STHS Security Director Kenny Norris congratulates Frank Caldwell on his promotion to Desk Sergeant / Lead Security Officer.
STHS Assistant Vice President of Support Services Mike Portie congratulates Capt. Malcolm Bates on his Friday promotion to Captain / Security Manager.
A close-up look at Lt. Terrel Poullard's new lieutenant's bars.