Deputy Jon Ramey looks to expand safety and awareness on campus
by Jan Janes on Nov 4, 2016Santa Clara County Deputy Jon Ramey arrived on campus in September to support Gavilan College security efforts and serve as a resource to the Gilroy campus.
Ramey, a 15-year veteran with Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department, views his role as a support to staff, faculty and students. Along with others, he applied for the position and saw the opportunity to build a stronger relationship between the sheriff's office and the college.
"I'd like the students, faculty and staff to be my eyes and ears," he said. He is open to taking questions and talking about safety issues, advice and problems.
Before taking this new position, Ramey worked on regular patrol as a deputy assigned to the San Martin sheriff's station. In that capacity he answered calls throughout South County. He also worked stints on parks patrol and at the main courthouse in San Jose.
"I've responded to Gavilan calls over the years and have driven through the campus and the upper lot," he said.
While walking on Sycamore Lane, Deputy Jon Ramey
meets student Marcos Zepeda, who introduced himself
and talked about safety concerns.
Whether in his office at the Security Building, in the white sheriff's Explorer, driving a golf cart or walking, he is on campus 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Ramey's plans on campus include setting up trainings, bringing in speakers and educating about campus-wide safety issues. Future plans may include having a booth in a public spot, so more people on campus can get to know him. During his first week on campus he greeted students at a table in the Student Center. "I was aware there was some controversy about the position," Ramey said. Dr. Kathleen Rose, Gavilan president/superintendent, recently held a lunch hour meeting in the library for people to ask questions and discuss their concerns.
Ramey is a native of Washington and majored in criminal justice at Washington State University, then attended the police academy at Evergreen College in San Jose in 2001. A newlywed, Ramey lives in South County with his spouse and their German shepherd, Moose.
"Gavilan is this small green island," he said. On any day he may deal with cows breaking through fences and running across the golf course, monitor traffic and pedestrian safety in the parking lots or query strangers on campus. "It's important for all of us to have open eyes and ears, and to let law enforcement know."
Ramey can be reached by phone at 408-848-4720 or by email at jramey@gavilan.edu. In case of emergency call 911.