Shady Side Academy has announced the appointment of David Caplan as its new Safety and Security Coordinator. He will begin his employment at the Academy on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

In his role, Caplan will ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff and oversee the security of the Academy's four campuses. Responsibilities include recommending and implementing enhancements to SSA's security and emergency protocols, overseeing safety training, coordinating emergency drills, serving as a liaison between the Academy and local police, fire and emergency medical services departments, and more.

Caplan brings more than 30 years of experience in the law enforcement and emergency management fields.Most recently, he served as the chief of police for the nearby Borough of Aspinwall from 2015-2017. From 1995-2015 he served in the City of Pittsburgh's Department of Public Safety as a police officer, a police detective in the Criminal Intelligence Division, and a police sergeant in the Special Deployment Division and the Zone 4 Station. Prior to becoming a police officer, he spent 10 years as a paramedic and emergency medical technician with the City of Pittsburgh. Caplan holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from Point Park University and a master's degree in organizational leadership from Geneva College, and is a graduate of the Allegheny County Police Academy.

In addition, Caplan has been a member of the SSA community for many years. As a child he attended SSA's Junior and Middle Schools, two of his daughters are SSA alumni, and a third daughter currently attends SSA's Junior School.

"The importance of safety and security in a school environment today cannot be underestimated," said Caplan. "In addition to my professional background in law enforcement and emergency management, I bring a personal connection to this role as a Shady Side parent. It is an honor to be chosen as the Safety and Security Coordinator at SSA."