Lorain Schools Reuben Figueroa, director of safety, sworn-in as part-time Lorain police officer

Lorain City Schools Director of Safety and Security Reuben Figueroa was sworn-in May 24 in as a part-time police officer with the Lorain Police Department, reciting his oath of office at Lorain City Hall in front of district staff, family and friends.

This move, made possible because of a memorandum of understanding between Lorain City Schools and the city of Lorain, means Figueroa now is one of two sworn Lorain police officers working in the district.

In 2019, the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office deputized Figueroa for law enforcement authority in school-related incidents throughout Lorain City Schools.

Already a sworn officer working in the district, the Sheriff’s Office agreed to hold Figueroa’s commission because Lorain police could not do so for part-time officers like Figueroa.

A housekeeping change within the law enforcement agency means Figueroa can again carry a Lorain police badge.

His city commission strengthens the relationship between Lorain police and the district, said Lorain police Chief Jim McCann.

Lorain Police Officer Miguel Baez serves as the district’s school resource officer.

“It will be a big help for staff and students to have another police officer in the school in the event of an emergency,” McCann said May 24. “You can prepare for tragedy by proper training, adequate equipment, and having the right people in place at the right time. I believe, and (Superintendent) Dr. (Jeff) Graham believes this is the best way to handle safety and security for Lorain City Schools.”

Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley administered the oath of office with Figueroa joking it was the third time he had recited the sacred words affirming his commitment to serve and protect.

A 2008 graduate of Admiral King High School, one of Figueroa’s first jobs was as a safety officer with Lorain City Schools before entering the police academy and joining the Lorain Police Department in 2013.

But when the Police Department needed a resource officer at Lorain High School, Figueroa gave up patrolling the streets to return to the hallways — and he has never looked back since, eventually assuming the role of safety coordinator.

Figueroa earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice: Public Administration and Management from Liberty University and currently is enrolled to finish his graduate degree in Public Safety.

Today, he serves as Director of Safety and Security.

He is responsible for the management of the district’s safety compliance officers and safety officers, as well as coordinates with district officials on all building safety and security plans, bringing his expertise as a sworn officer who has patrolled the same streets as our families to a job that requires just as much in the way of compassion.