David Simon was recently named the interim head of security at Lakeland College, replacing Annette Gamache, who began her career at Lakeland in 2009.

Simon, who worked under Gamache, said that her resignation was already planned.

“Her father had passed and she is getting married,” said Simon. “She wanted to move down to Florida to be with her mom. The college and she had a mutual agreement.”

He said, Gamache’s departure was in no way connected to the budget cuts happening at the college.

According to Simon, Lakeland is actively looking for a replacement, but as for now, Simon has the position in his hands. When asked if he wanted the permanent position, he said he does.

“I came here with my eyes set on that position,” said Simon.

Simon brings 13 years of professional law enforcement experience to this position, as well as being a former student at Lakeland College.

“I know what’s going on around here,” said Simon. “Nothing has changed but the names of things. Nothing is secret.”

When asked if he would change any policies that Gamache brought to Lakeland College, Simon said that he will not. Instead, he has plans to build on the efforts and policies already in place.

Additionally, he would like the security office to serve as an introduction to the security field for students interested in that career path.

“I want to bring it to the next level,” said Simon. “I want this campus to become more community oriented and to look at our department as a resource, especially for the criminal justice majors.”

As far as changes are concerned, Simon stated that they plan on hiring two full-time professionals so they can have them more readily available on campus.

Once again thinking about the department’s potential as a resource for students interested in security as a career, Simon hopes that the security office’s student workers will gain experience from working with these professionals.