Tom Houle Brings Expertise to HSRM

Champlain Valley Educational Services recently added a new position and staff member to its School Support Services team. The newly created Health, Safety, and Risk Management Specialist role is designed to provide valuable expertise and fresh perspectives on enhancing safety measures across our buildings, ensuring a secure and supportive environment for everyone.

Tom Houle brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his role, having recently joined CVES as the Health, Safety, and Risk Management Specialist. With several months already under his belt, Houle’s impressive background and deep knowledge make him a standout addition to the team, poised to make a significant impact on enhancing safety across our schools.

After graduating high school, Houle didn’t hesitate to dive straight into a career of service, joining the Air Force as a B-52 bomber crew chief. For four years, he played a vital role maintaining and ensuring the readiness of these powerful aircraft, gaining valuable technical skills and hands-on experience in high-pressure environments. After his time in the Air Force, Houle shifted gears and pursued a degree in aerospace engineering. Upon graduating, he applied his expertise as an engineer for the Department of Defense, working on a naval base where he was responsible for testing rocket motors and explosives.

But Houle’s commitment to service didn’t stop with his professional career. Alongside his engineering work, he also dedicated his time as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, responding to emergencies and helping his community in critical situations. In 2005, Houle transitioned into law enforcement by joining the State Police, where he went through the
academy and was stationed in Plattsburgh. After working there for several years, he was assigned to a special duty as a Collision Reconstructionist, initially part-time while still serving as a trooper. Eventually, Houle became a full-time Collision Reconstructionist for Troop B, a role he held until his retirement.

With this impressive and diverse background, Houle brings a unique blend of technical knowledge, safety expertise, and dedication to his new role at CVES, where he’s ready to enhance the safety and security of our schools.

“My past knowledge and experience give me a unique vantage point, allowing me to view situations from a different perspective. I’m able to help schools communicate more seamlessly with police and assist in developing policies that foster stronger collaboration
between schools and law enforcement,” Houle said.

Tom Smith, Health, Environmental & Safety Specialist, has expressed great satisfaction with the addition of Houle to their team. With Houle joining the team, they’ve been able to split the responsibilities of health safety and risk management, which has been a significant relief. The division of duties has made the workload much more manageable and has allowed each person to focus on their areas of expertise, ultimately improving the efficiency of their work. Smith feels that this collaborative approach has been very beneficial for everyone involved, making it easier to address the challenges that come with managing these crucial aspects of the job.

“It’s allowing us to focus more on both areas. Previously, I had to handle both environmental health and safety, as well as safety and security, all on my own. That didn’t leave a lot of time, and both sides can be pretty time-consuming. With Houle focusing primarily on the safety and security side, it provides more insight there, while also giving me the space to focus more on the environmental safety aspects we’ve been handling for years,” Smith said.

With Houle’s addition to the team, Champlain Valley Educational Services has taken a significant step forward in strengthening its safety and risk management efforts. His vast experience and specialized skills, combined with his dedication to service, have already made a positive impact. By sharing responsibilities, the team is able to focus more effectively on their individual areas of expertise, resulting in a more streamlined and efficient approach to safety. As Houle continues to bring his unique perspective to the table, CVES is better equipped to foster a secure environment for students, staff, and the community, ensuring that safety remains a top priority for years to come.