‘Safety Is in my Blood’: Get to Know Campus Safety Director Donna Tadiello

When Donna Tadiello was named as director of Trinity College’s Campus Safety Department in July 2024, she already had an extensive knowledge of the campus and the community. She joined the department in 2018—following a 24-year career in law enforcement—and had established strong relationships at Trinity in previous positions as a sergeant and interim assistant director.

As director, Tadiello is now working to ensure that the Campus Safety team members have the training and support they need to keep the college community safe. “One of my primary objectives is to increase professional development opportunities within our department and develop well-rounded officers with the expertise to serve every Trinity student, faculty, and staff member,” she said.

Tadiello comes from a family of law enforcement officers; several cousins were police officers, and her father spent his career with the Hartford Police Department. Her husband is currently an officer in the HPD, as well. After growing up in Connecticut, Tadiello attended the University of Oklahoma as a first-generation college student before transferring to Southern Connecticut State University, where she played Division 3 field hockey and earned a degree in business administration.

“As I continued my studies, it became clear I didn’t want to be an accountant, but I always believed law enforcement wasn’t a possibility for me because I’m a short-statured person and I saw it as a male-dominated profession,” Tadiello said. She was encouraged to pursue her interests and joined the Plainville Police Department, where she served for three and a half years. She went on to a more than 20-year career with the Connecticut State Police and retired as a master sergeant.

“My father was my greatest supporter—my mentor,” Tadiello said. “He helped pave my way for a righteous path in law enforcement. I encourage others to follow their passion and give themselves the right career assignment. Cast aside negative career stereotypes.”

Upon joining Campus Safety, Tadiello got to know Trinity during her shifts, which often involved riding a bicycle around campus and interacting with students, staff, and faculty. “I love the vibrant energy of being on a college campus, from the academic atmosphere to the excitement of athletic events,” she said. “I spent many years of my state police career a few blocks from Trinity, but never had the opportunity to become familiar with the campus. It is like a gem in the heart of Hartford with strong ties to the local community.”

The 40-member department that Tadiello manages includes officers, dispatchers, administrative staff members, and a shuttle driver, in addition to student workers. It’s Tadiello’s goal for the department to be professional and approachable. “We aim to be a welcoming source of information, and when responding to calls for service, we strive to make each situation better,” she said. “We’re here to help students safely navigate their college experience.”

With that goal in mind, Tadiello is engaging her connections in law enforcement to bring additional professional development to her Campus Safety team. The Hartford Police Department will provide their officers this spring for a training session to talk with Trinity officers about cultural diversity, responding to critical calls, and how to talk effectively with people they encounter. “We are partners who share a common goal to safeguard the community,” she said.

Campus Safety also has consulted with or received additional training from the Connecticut State Police, the U.S. Secret Service, the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and a former FBI agent. “These partnerships with diverse stakeholders enhance campus safety operations and emergency preparedness,” Tadiello said. “Our department collaborates with city, state, and federal law enforcement, fire departments, and other emergency response teams to coordinate management protocols and participate in joint training exercises. Our community-focused approach strengthens our campus safety programs and creates invaluable communication channels—both essential during crisis situations.”

Tadiello co-chairs Trinity’s own Emergency Management Team (EMT) along with Robert P. Lukaskiewicz, dean of community life and standards. The EMT meets regularly and conducts preparedness drills. “It’s important to have a game plan in place. Training and preparing for events places people in a proper mindset to be able to react quickly and appropriately,” Tadiello said. “In the event that a situation presents itself, knowing in advance who to connect with and what each response will be is invaluable for a successful outcome. We have fluid dialogue amongst our team members and know what piece of the puzzle we each provide.”

The best part of her job, Tadiello said, is working with her team. “We have very talented team members,” she said. “We are a very diverse group and all come from unique paths in life and hold different levels of experience, skills, and expertise.” To Tadiello, there is satisfaction in reflecting after an incident on how well her team members performed.

“We are always here to lend a hand. The Campus Safety office [at 76 Vernon Street] is open 24/7. The light is always on, and a Campus Safety team member is always here for you,” Tadiello said. “Safety is in my blood and in my heart. It’s also a career choice and a commitment I made many years ago to provide the highest quality of safety and customer service to the community I serve.”