As you enter Maggie Walker in the morning or leave in the afternoon, you’ll often run into our beloved security officers, Mr. Warren Smith and Mr. Charles Wall. They are incredibly welcoming and have such kind personalities, able to interact and grow to know students during their jobs for the years that they have been here. Both Smith and Wall have many years of experience in the security field and have a passion for keeping our school safe.

Starting as a Lieutenant of Hazardous Materials at the Richmond Fire Department, Smith gained valuable skills that allowed him to pursue his passion for helping others. He has over 40 years of security experience with many different jobs, which include campus security and, at one point, owning his own private investigation service. Smith also shared that he was given the rare opportunity to escort President George H.W. Bush twice when Bush visited the Richmond Center, an opportunity that Smith mentioned helped spark his interest in security.

When asked what his favorite part of his job was, Smith replied, “Providing safety and a place of well-being for the students.” Smith stated that he loves engaging in conversations with students and tries to ask how they are doing while passing through the halls, something that nearly every student at Maggie Walker has noticed as always brightening their day.

Wall, similarly, is a loving and caring person and works hard to keep everyone safe. Wall began as a Maggie Walker student himself, attending Maggie L. Walker High School in the late 1960s. Before he began working as a security officer here, Wall was a juvenile probation officer. Once he retired, he began searching for a new job and he was drawn back to Maggie Walker. 

“Coming from working at a job where kids were always in trouble, getting the opportunity to work with kids who are trying to do the best they can with the ability they have has been my favorite part,” Wall said, describing the reward of being able to watch students grow throughout their time at Maggie Walker.

Every day, Smith and Wall are tasked with patrolling the parking lot, watching the security cameras and the Bluestone lobby, checking on students, and so much more. They do so much for our school and our students to ensure our safety and keep the school running, so the next time you run into them, try and have a conversation with them and say thank you for everything they do!