Safety and Security

Joe Starace, Safety Coordinator
jstarace.c25@bcsdny.org
(914) 241-6013

I recently retired from the Mount Vernon Police Department as a police lieutenant and the Executive Officer of the Patrol Division, after a 23-year career in law enforcement. In September of 2025, I was hired by Northern Westchester/Putnam BOCES as the School Safety Coordinator assigned to the Bedford Central School District. I’ve held various ranks and positions within the Mount Vernon Police Department pertaining to school safety, most notably as a School Resource Officer and then Unit Commander of the School Resource Officer Unit, years later for the Mount Vernon School District. I have also been a General Investigations Detective and Unit Commander of the Intelligence Unit and Youth Bureau within the Detective Division.

Before becoming a police officer, I worked in the Child Abuse Bureau of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and I also have a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from the State University at Albany.

As a father of three at various points in their school careers, my dedication to school safety matches my experience. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns!

Safety and Security at Bedford Central School District

a group in orange safety vests talks in a school hallway

Bedford Central School District is committed to providing a safe environment for students, staff and visitors. We work closely with local law enforcement, Fire and EMS to ensure that our schools are well-prepared in the event of an emergency.

Each school conducts regular drills (including four lockdown and eight evacuation drills annually) to help students and staff prepare for possible emergencies.

In addition to our overarching Safety Plan, the district has:

Building security plans
Support from PNW BOCES for annual trainings, alerts, new requirements and more
2 full-time School Resource Officers
2 part-time elementary School Resource Officers
Safety monitors
Layered measures: security vestibules, cameras, alarms, threat assessment teams

2025-26 District Safety Plan

Safety Plan History

School Resource Officer Bios

Jack DeAlto stands in front of Fox Lane Middle School

Jack DeAlto – School Resource Officer (Fox Lane High School)

Hello, I’ve been a Police Officer with the Town of Bedford since 2018 and I’ve been assigned to the BCSD as a school resource officer since 2023. I grew up in Katonah and graduated from John Jay High School before attending the University at Buffalo, where I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. I then joined the Bedford Police Department, where I’ve held various roles, including Field Training Officer and member of the Accident Investigations Unit.

Outside of my role as a police officer, I’ve also been a volunteer Firefighter with the Katonah Fire Department since 2012 and I am a NYS certified EMT. I look forward to continuing to partner with the BCSD community.

Andrew Klein – School Resource Officer (Fox Lane Middle School)

I’m currently a dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO) for the Bedford Central School District, where I have been committed to supporting the safety and well-being of students and staff. A lifelong resident of Bedford, I’m also a graduate of Bedford Central Schools, and in my senior year of high school, I embarked on my public safety path by joining the Bedford Fire Department.

Over the past 30+ years, I have served with distinction, including multiple terms as Fire Chief, and have been an active member throughout my career. In addition to my firefighting role, I’m a New York State EMT and began my career in law enforcement in 2000 when I became one of the inaugural members of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Police, where I spent six years in various specialized units. I became qualified as a boat operator, rescue diver, and off-road vehicle operator, gaining valuable experience in both emergency and tactical operations.

In 2006, I transitioned to the Bedford Police Department and have held various assignments, including certifications as a firearms and tactics instructor, UTV instructor, general topics instructor, defensive driving instructor, CPR instructor, and active shooter instructor.

I currently serve as the SRO at the Fox Lane Middle School (FLMS). I have been and will continue to be working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of students, faculty, and residents alike.

Christopher Olson – School Resource Officer (BCSD Elementary Schools)

Hello, I have worked for the Town of Bedford Police department since 2018. I’m currently assigned to the patrol division and have held various other positions in the department such as a Field Training Officer, Community Relations Officer, Bicycle Officer and now as one of the newly appointed School Resource Officers, assigned to Bedford Central School District, specifically for the 5 Elementary Schools.

I grew up close by in Somers, NY and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Information Systems and a minor in Criminal Justice from Pace University. I’m looking forward to serving the schools and community in my new position. Please don’t hesitate to contact with me any questions or concerns.

Natasha Villegas – School Resource Officer (BCSD Elementary Schools)

Hello, my name is Officer Natasha Villegas employed by the Town of Bedford Police. I started my career as a law enforcement officer in the City of Newburgh. I have three children and attended Westchester Community College where I received my associate's degree in Criminal Justice.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, taking long walks, and shopping. I love serving my community and being a positive role model for students. If you see me roaming the halls, please do not hesitate to wave hello. Looking forward to meeting everyone and to a great school year.