EXPERIENCE BOLSTERS VETERAN SECURITY LEADERSHIP
Skilled officers provide round-the-clock protection, service and support
With extensive career backgrounds in law enforcement, corrections, the U.S. Armed Forces and diverse security roles and environments, our UF Health Shands Security department officers are experienced and trained to serve and protect. Their internal customers include everyone who receives, provides and supports care in our hospitals, outpatient facilities and administrative settings.
Gary Neal joined the UF Health Shands Safety, Security and Transportation team as a security supervisor in March last year and was promoted to security operations manager in December (the role previously held by Gussie Boatwright). Before coming to Gainesville, Neal served as a police sergeant for 27 years in Elgin, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Prior to that, he served four years in the U.S. Army as an airborne infantryman.
“I’m committed to our team’s ongoing development through knowledge, leadership and passion for the services we provide,” he said. “We take pride in being reliable and available to support anyone in need.”
Neal emphasizes that his team is here to serve, no matter the task.
“We go beyond the scope of our job,” he said, “and we do it proudly.”
SECURITY OFFICERS PROVIDE:
✛ Building/campus/parking area security patrol
✛ Directions and wayfinding assistance
✛ After-hours escort to and from buildings and vehicles
✛ Partnering in workplace safety solutions
✛ Support on patient care units
✛ Security for emergency and trauma facilities
✛ Response to issues in outpatient settings
✛ Security in hospital-managed administrative areas
✛ Conflict mitigation, de-escalation and resolution (violence prevention)
✛ On-site emergency and crisis response
✛ Partnership with UF Police Department, Gainesville Police Department, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and collaboration with other law enforcement and first-responder agencies
The department also includes 18 Guest Services staff who are available at information desks in several hospital and building lobbies to serve patients, visitors and internal customers with a hospitable and welcoming experience.
