UW Greeks celebrated Madison Police Sgt. Tony Fiore’s dedication to the Langdon Street Neighborhood Watch Program Wednesday, and his recent promotion from officer to sergeant.
Fiore worked with UW-Madison students two years ago to launch the watch program in the Langdon Street community to combat crime in the area. UW-Madison students from many Greek chapters celebrated his accomplishment at a reception Wednesday.
Equipped with flashlights, walkie-talkies and reflective vests, students from Greek chapters volunteer time on weekends to maintain a “friendly presence” on the streets after bar time. Fiore’s role was to patrol the area and deal with troublemakers.
“I feel like I haven’t heard about anything for a while,” said Kristie Mandolini, a UW senior and Delta Delta Delta member, adding she has noticed a change in the atmosphere since her freshman year. “I definitely feel safer,” Mandolini said.
Barbara Kautz thanked Fiore on behalf of the Greek community.
“Langdon Street … is home to many UW sororities and fraternities … the problems of binge drinking have been legendary. Fiore, however, worked with the students to create a mutual trust.”
Fiore received his accolade with modesty.
“None of this would have been possible without the students being as perceptive as they were,” he said.
As Fiore moves to his new appointment in the Madison Police Department, Officer Rene Gonzalez will assume Fiore’s position in the watch program.
Alex Sheridan, a UW senior who has been involved with the watch program since its creation, said things would not be the same without Fiore’s “unique style and attitude.” Yet, Sheridan remained positive about the program’s future.
The only change Fiore suggested was to have more student involvement in the program. “I don’t see anything but a positive outlook for the future.”
Brian Cho, a UW senior in Sigma Pi, attributed the Greek community’s closer relationship to the Madison Police Department to Officer Fiore and the watch program. He said the program has helped the Greek community to break the common perception of shying away from the police “because we have parties and don’t want to get busted.”
“I think the relations that the Greek system has made with the Police Department of Madison has really made our campus a safer place,” Cho said.
