Norwich — Norwich Free Academy announced Friday that a veteran law enforcement officer, former school resource officer and business executive from Plainfield was named director of campus safety.

Wayne Sheehan, originally from New Hampshire, will begin his new position on Monday.

Sheehan has an extensive background in law enforcement, risk assessment, school safety and teen education and supervision, NFA officials said in a news release announcing his appointment. After a position as a permanent reserve officer in Tewksbury, Mass., Sheehan began his full-time career in Exeter, N.H., as a police detective, where he implemented a teen dating violence classroom education program.

Sheehan became the first school resource officer in Dover, N.H., where he coordinated training, drug prevention outreach and the Youth 2 Youth Program at Dover High School. For nine years, he served as police chief in Kensington, N.H.

Sheehan succeeds former Campus Safety Director Kevin Rodino, who retired June 30 after having been placed on paid administrative leave in connection with his role in NFA’s dismissal of sexual assault allegations against former NFA coach Anthony Facchini. Facchini was charged Sept. 12, 2018, with two counts of second-degree sexual assault in connection with alleged sexual relations with two NFA students.

Rodino, a retired state trooper, was charged Feb. 25 with failure to report suspected child abuse, tampering with evidence, issuing a false statement and interfering with a police officer. He has applied for accelerated rehabilitation and is expected to learn at his next court appearance Aug. 30 whether he qualifies for the program that would clear his record if he follows conditions set by the court.

Sheehan also is a hockey coach with experience at the collegiate level. He has served as commissioner of the Northern States Hockey League in addition to being the owner and head coach for Amateur, Tier Three, Junior Hockey Team.

Most recently, Sheehan has been employed as an independent open source intelligence consultant at Liferaft Inc., advising public, private and nonprofit entities about integrated technology solutions for security operations.

“The development of my career has led me to work full time here at Norwich Free Academy, an incredible school with an incredible reputation,” Sheehan said in the release announcing his appointment. “I look forward to working with the administration, faculty, and staff, with NFA’s families and communities, to further the education and achievement of NFA’s students. I am proud to be here.”

Sheehan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Worcester State University. He attended the New Hampshire Police Academy, and he holds a master’s degree in Education from Cambridge College.

“Wayne Sheehan brings an impressive and comprehensive safety background to NFA,” NFA Head of School David Klein said in the release. “His direct experience as a former School Resource Officer (SRO), Police Chief, and Threat Assessment Consultant will be invaluable in his new leadership role as the Director of Campus Safety. I am honored and proud to welcome Wayne Sheehan to the NFA Leadership Team.”

c.bessette@theday.com