COL (Ret) John J. Perrone Jr.
Director, Homeland Security Management Institute
Monroe Community College
John Perrone is the Director of the Homeland Security Management Institute and Monroe Community College. The institute began in November of 2003 and its primary role is training and education for first responders and others who play a role in homeland security. Prior to directing the Homeland Security Management Institute at Monroe Community College, Colonel Perrone served as the Commanding Officer and Camp Commandant of Internal and External Security Forces at the al Qaeda Terrorist Detention Facility, Camp Delta in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba during 2002. He was responsible for 1,200 soldiers conducting long-term detention operations that included receiving, securing and caring for over 600 suspected terrorists in support of the war on terrorism. Aside from security, his duties included escort operations from Afghanistan to Cuba, linguist support, liaison with the International Red Cross, and coordination with numerous federal and state law enforcement agencies.
Prior to Cuba, COL Perrone served a year in Salt Lake City, Utah as the Force Protection/Anti-Terrorism Chief for the 2002 US Olympic Games. As such, he was responsible for developing plans, policies and procedures to protect US personnel and equipment in support of the Olympics. He was the principal security planner responsible for integrating Department of Defense assets in support of the Olympic Games. He played a critical role in executing the 2002 Olympic Security Plan with a budget of $300 million and 18,000 security and law enforcement personnel. The security plan was the largest integrated security event of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in US history.
Before returning to active duty, COL Perrone retired from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department after 30 years of law enforcement service. He retired as a major and commanding officer of the Patrol Operations Division. As the patrol commander, he was also responsible for special operations such as Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), SCUBA, K9, Hazardous Devices and Marine units.
COL Perrone received his military commission from Officer Candidate School (OCS). He holds a master’s degree in public administration from the State University of New York at Brockport. He is a graduate of the 124th Session of the FBI National Academy and later served as president of the FBI National Academy Associates of New York State and Eastern Canada.
Aside, from numerous military and civilian awards and commendations, in 2010, COL Perrone was nominated and inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.