Career Profiles
My journey into health care wasn’t planned, but looking back, it makes perfect sense. After leaving the Marines, I wanted a civilian career where I could continue using the core values I’d developed: discipline, situational awareness and a deep commitment to protecting others. Health care security gave me exactly that.
Thomas Gacke
Manager, Security Department
Liberty Hospital
I didn’t start out with a plan to work in health care. I actually grew up in a small town in Iowa, and after high school, I enrolled in a local community college. It didn’t take long for me to realize that a traditional four-year degree wasn’t the path for me. I knew I wanted something more — something that demanded more of me and gave more in return. That’s when I made one of the biggest decisions of my life: I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
The military shaped me in ways I could never have imagined. I was immediately immersed in a culture of values, discipline and a clear sense of mission. I realized very quickly that this was more than a job — it was a calling. And even though my path eventually led me out of active duty, I knew I wanted to keep serving in a meaningful way.
My journey into health care wasn’t planned, but looking back, it makes perfect sense. After leaving the Marines, I wanted a civilian career where I could continue using the core values I’d developed: discipline, situational awareness and a deep commitment to protecting others. Health care security gave me exactly that.
While I may not be providing direct patient care, I play a vital role in keeping patients, staff and visitors safe. A secure environment is essential for healing, and every day I see how peace of mind contributes to that process. Knowing I help create a space where people can focus on care, recovery and support — that gives my work purpose.
Today, I serve as the security manager at Liberty Hospital. I oversee all security operations for the hospital and our seven surrounding clinics. That includes leading a team of officers, coordinating with local law enforcement, participating in hospital committees and responding to everything from behavioral incidents to medical emergencies.
A lot of my work is proactive — conducting risk assessments, creating emergency plans, reviewing policies and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. I also train both our officers and hospital staff on how to respond to different threats and emergencies.
My day typically begins with a debrief from the previous shifts alongside my security supervisor and leads. From there, I approve payroll, attend meetings with hospital administration, collaborate with other hospital security professionals, and spend time writing or updating policies and procedures. I’m also very involved in training and professional development. In this field, staying prepared is key.
What I love most about my job is the chance to make a meaningful difference. I don’t just clock in and wait for something to happen — I actively look for ways to improve our systems, advocate for my team and build strong relationships across departments.
I take pride in being part of a collaborative environment where every department plays a role in supporting patient care. I also value the autonomy I’ve been given in this position. It allows me to think strategically and implement solutions that benefit the hospital as a whole.
One especially fulfilling part of my role is helping coordinate our monthly hospital food drive. It’s a reminder that our work doesn’t stop at the hospital doors — we’re here to serve our entire community, especially those experiencing food insecurity. That’s the kind of purpose that keeps me motivated.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is overcoming the stigma around security work. There’s often a misconception that we’re just “rent-a-cops” or people who sit around and watch monitors all day. The reality is very different.
Security in a hospital environment is dynamic and demanding. We respond to behavioral health needs, assist during emergencies, manage crowd control and de-escalate high-stress situations. We have to stay sharp, communicative and compassionate — all at once.
That became especially clear during the pandemic. Our department stepped up in major ways to keep our hospital functioning safely. Leadership leaned on us, and I was proud to offer guidance and keep things steady in an incredibly turbulent time. It was a turning point that helped solidify the essential role of our team and earned respect across the organization.
If you’re thinking about a career in security — or any career, really — my biggest piece of advice is to put your heart into it. Passion shows. If you care about your work, you’ll naturally want to grow, and people will notice that. Be open to learning, especially from those who’ve been in the field longer. Humility and curiosity are powerful tools.
At the same time, don’t shy away from owning your worth. In this line of work, confidence matters. You often have to make quick decisions, and trusting your instincts can make all the difference. Confidence doesn’t mean you’re always right — it means you’re strong enough to take action and learn along the way.
The field of security is evolving fast — and we have to keep up. It’s not just about responding to incidents; it’s about preventing them. That requires long-term planning, strategic thinking and staying informed about the broader landscape.
Security is now foundational to how organizations operate. We’re seeing this in schools, government buildings and hospitals alike. For example, many schools now have secure entrances and comprehensive access control as standard safety protocols. Here at Liberty Hospital, I’ve had the privilege of helping build future-facing security models from the ground up — models that grow with our facility and meet national standards.
We use Homeland Security assessments to guide our planning, identify vulnerabilities and strengthen our resilience. At the same time, I see part of my mission as helping people stay ready — not just systems. That includes training others to be more alert, more prepared and more proactive.
This job is more than a career — it’s a calling. I’m proud of the work we do to create a safe, supportive environment where healing can happen. From helping shape policy to leading food drives, I’ve found a role where service, leadership and purpose all intersect.
Hospital security may not always be in the spotlight, but we are always there — quietly making sure everyone can focus on what matters most: care, compassion and recovery.