Michael Grenz
Sunnyvale
Summary
Dedicated public safety and security professional with over 20 years of progressive experience in public service, security operations, and community engagement. Recently transitioned into internal security with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), aligning a career with a longstanding commitment to law enforcement and public service in Santa Clara County. Proven expertise in public safety, problem-solving, de-escalation, and fostering positive community relationships in dynamic environments. Aspiring to become a sworn law enforcement officer, committed to serving as a trusted, compassionate, and dependable asset to an agency while upholding integrity, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to community protection. Professional with comprehensive experience ready for this role. Equipped with strong skills in leadership, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Known for team collaboration and adaptability, consistently delivering results. Strong communicator with focus on integrity and accountability.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Security Transit Officer
VTA
San Jose, CA
01.2026 - Current
- Conduct patrol operations throughout the transit system to ensure the safety and security of passengers, employees, facilities, and infrastructure.
- Provide comprehensive public safety, security, and customer service while maintaining a visible and proactive presence.
- Enforce transit regulations and fare compliance through education, citations, and enforcement activities.
- Respond to emergencies, incidents, and suspicious activities, implementing appropriate security and law enforcement measures.
- Conduct investigations and security assessments to identify threats, gather information, and mitigate risks.
- Collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies on criminal investigations, enforcement operations, and arrests.
- Prepare detailed incident, investigative, and enforcement reports while accurately documenting all activities and actions taken.
- Retrieve, preserve, and manage evidence, including surveillance video and digital records, to support investigations and prosecutions.
- Maintain situational awareness of potential threats and coordinate emergency operations, special events, and critical incident responses.
- Engage in community outreach and interagency coordination to promote public trust and ensure safe, secure, and efficient transit operations.
- Class president in first VTA inaugural security transit officer academy.
Coach Operator
VTA
San Jose, CA
01.2011 - 01.2026
- Safely transported passengers for nearly 15 years while maintaining the highest standards of customer service, professionalism, and operational safety.
- Operated all vehicle classifications within the fleet, including articulated coaches, community shuttle vehicles, and non-revenue vehicles.
- Managed operations on some of the agency's longest and most complex routes, demonstrating expertise in route planning and service delivery.
- Maintained service reliability by adapting to changing operational conditions and making sound decisions in dynamic environments.
- Implemented contingency operations during light rail emergencies, including establishing bus bridges and coordinating service restoration efforts.
- Managed route deviations and service adjustments resulting from police activity, traffic collisions, and other critical incidents.
- Provided supplemental transit services on high-demand routes to ensure continuity of operations and meet passenger needs.
- Demonstrated composure under pressure by effectively responding to emergencies and rapidly changing operational circumstances.
- Maintained light rail stations and park-and-ride facilities, contributing to a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for riders and employees.
- Recognized the impact of environmental conditions on public perception and promoted rider confidence through attention to detail and facility upkeep.
- Served as a floating Transit Radio Dispatcher, coordinating schedule adjustments, service restoration, and emergency response operations.
- Managed critical incidents affecting operators and vehicles while ensuring employee safety and continuity of transit services.
- Provided operational support to operators and customers by disseminating route information and resolving customer service inquiries, including lost-and-found incidents.
- Served as an Armed Security Officer conducting patrol operations, site security, and revenue protection activities throughout transit properties.
- Collaborated effectively with transit personnel during emergencies and service disruptions, leveraging extensive knowledge of transit operations, system infrastructure, schedules, and ridership patterns to support safe and efficient service delivery.
Armed Transit Officer
Allied Barton
San Jose, CA
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Patrolled assigned transit corridors to maintain a safe and secure environment for employees, passengers, and transit property.
- Enforced client policies, procedures, and applicable laws while maintaining a proactive and visible security presence.
- Responded to calls for service, investigated security concerns, and implemented appropriate actions to mitigate risks and protect public safety.
- Assisted transit personnel and the public by resolving issues, providing customer service, and maintaining positive community interactions.
- Utilized conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to manage disturbances and diffuse potentially volatile situations.
- Conducted security assessments, monitored transit facilities, and identified suspicious activity and safety concerns.
- Prepared detailed incident and enforcement reports while documenting security-related activities and actions taken.
- Coordinated with law enforcement agencies and effectively responded to emergencies, maintaining situational awareness and supporting continuity of transit operations.
Education
Certificate - STO Training
Valley Transportation Authority
01-2026
Certificate - Transit and Para-Transit Management
University of the Pacific - Eberhardt School of Business
01-2025
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South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Academy
CA01-2008
Skills
- Patrol Operations and High-Visibility Security Presence
- Incident Response and Emergency Management
- Preliminary Investigations and Evidence Documentation
- Report Writing and Detailed Case Documentation
- Conflict Resolution and Verbal De-escalation Techniques
- Community Policing and Public Engagement
- Collaboration with Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies
- Critical Decision-Making in High-Stress Environments
- Situational Awareness and Threat Assessment
- Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure Protection
- Crisis Intervention and Incident Command Support
- Radio Communications and Dispatch Coordination
- Enforcement of Policies, Procedures, and Applicable Laws
- Customer Service and Diverse Community Relations
- Service Disruption Management and Continuity Operations
- Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking
- Leadership, Professionalism, and Team Collaboration
- Integrity, Accountability, and Ethical Decision-Making
- Adaptability and Operational Flexibility
- Officer Safety, Risk Mitigation, and Security Assessments
- Community relations
- Emergency response
- Public speaking
- Team collaboration
Timeline
Security Transit Officer
VTA
01.2026 - Current
Coach Operator
VTA
01.2011 - 01.2026
Armed Transit Officer
Allied Barton
01.2009 - 01.2011
Certificate - Transit and Para-Transit Management
University of the Pacific - Eberhardt School of Business
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South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Academy
Certificate - STO Training
Valley Transportation Authority