Robert Fitzer took over as associate vice president for Public Safety after the retirement of John Carroll on Dec. 1. A university-wide email from Marco Valera, vice president for administration & COVID-19 coordinator, was sent to the Fordham community on Nov. 30 announcing the appointment of Fitzer.

Fitzer was born in Brooklyn and raised in Staten Island, where his family relocated when he was 10 years old. He received his Bachelor of Science from St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn. While completing his degree, he was hired by the New York Police Department (NYPD) as an active police officer. 

After several endorsements from becoming a sergeant to lieutenant, Fitzer was promoted to captain in August 2005. He believes these experiences have helped him prepare for his responsibilities with the new position.

“In my time with the NYPD, close relationships with the diverse people we serve was a priority and I sought out and participated in numerous community meetings with diverse populations.” Robert Fitzer, new associate vice president for Public Safety

“In my time with the NYPD, close relationships with the diverse people we serve was a priority and I sought out and participated in numerous community meetings with diverse populations,” he said. “These experiences taught me that early prevention and open communication are the best ways to deal with any situation and to improve service.”

Fitzer retired from his previous rank of captain when he was employed by Fordham Public Safety in January 2012. He began working at Fordham as an investigator and was promoted to operations manager in November of 2013. Five years later, Fitzer advanced to director of Public Safety, responsible for the Rose Hill and Westchester campuses.

Through his extensive background and involvement with Public Safety, Fitzer acquired expertise about the functions of the university, which has helped him to take on his new position. “My experience at public safety has given me an in-depth knowledge of the university and a unique understanding of what it takes to keep the university running in the safest and most efficient manner,” he said.

Fitzer expressed that prior to commencing his role, he was excited to be in a position to pursue his “lifelong passion and commitment to leadership and service,” and strongly trusts that this opportunity will be supported by his contributions and high status of credentials. 

The transition of the new role has been a “seamless” process, Fitzer said. The duties of the job are similar to his former position as director of Public Safety except for the additional supervision of the Lincoln Center campus. Fitzer also mentioned the benefit of being able to consult with Carroll, who has provided assistance with the shift. 

Carroll explained that Fitzer was the chosen applicant for the position because of his excellent service in a multitude of high departmental roles within Fordham’s Public Safety, and believes that he will “provide effective leadership for this very professional organization.”

“My vision is that public safety is a service-oriented department that can always be counted upon to help and serve the Fordham community.” Robert Fitzer

As Carroll departed from his previous role, he advised Fitzer to listen to all members of the Fordham community and to continue providing maximum security and management to ensure an operative campus Public Safety program.

Fitzer said he hopes to maintain the prestige of Fordham’s Public Safety responsiveness. 

“My vision is that public safety is a service-oriented department that can always be counted upon to help and serve the Fordham community,” he said. He is also focused on partnering with students, faculty and staff to deliver a safe community.

“I wish to work on community involvement to build even stronger relationships with the Fordham community, to share ideas in a collegial setting and encourage the exchange of ideas,” he said.