Roadside Assault Stopped By Toms River Schools Security Officer

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A security officer for the Toms River Regional Schools has been honored for stopping an assault that she saw happening while she was working for the district.

Samantha Durante, who has worked for the school district for more than 10 years, was honored at the April 29 Board of Education meeting for her actions on Feb. 2.

She was driving between schools in the district when she saw the person being assaulted by two people on the side of the road, and quickly pulled over to help, said Ralph Solomone, the district's coordinator of school security.

Durante, who does not carry a firearm, confronted the two attackers, who took off as she called for police and emergency medical services on her portable radio, he said.

"Samantha stayed with the victim until police and EMS arrived and supplied key details to assist police in identifying the suspects," Solomone said. "Her actions prevented the person being assaulted from sustaining more serious injuries."

"She confronted these two assailants not being armed and she had no regard for her own safety," Solomone said.

"There are many virtues that come to mind when I think about Samantha's actions — courage, a sense of justice, of duty, integrity — but I keep coming to one: kindness," Superintendent Michael Citta said. "Samantha saw someone in trouble, and she acted on an urge to practice kindness and compassion. To do that with risk to your own well-being is the ultimate virtue. We couldn't be more proud of her."