St. Mary head coach Dennis Hulse, the 2019 NJ.com Baseball Coach of the Year, has a different perspective after seeing the impact of coronavirus while working as a hospital security guard. Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance MediaSteve Hockstein | For NJ Advance
When he took a part-time job as armed security officer at a North Jersey hospital four weeks ago, Dennis Hulse, the reigning NJ.com Baseball Coach of the Year, had no idea how his daily perspective of the coronavirus pandemic would reinforce his definition of teamwork and change the role of baseball in his life.
Hulse, who guided St. Mary in Rutherford to the Non-Public B championship last June, was a New York City police officer for nine years before going into education. That law enforcement experience helped him get a part-time position as a security officer — a way to earn extra cash after Gov. Phil Murphy ordered New Jersey schools closed last month.
In the weeks since, hospitals have banned visitors and emergency rooms have become overrun with panicked residents fearing infection with COVID-19. That part-time gig has turned into an 16-hour, six-days-a-week position where he has seen humanity at its worst and best.
The long hours have impacted the Hulse family. Hulse hasn’t seen his two daughters, Brynn, 10, and Bailey, 8, in two weeks.
“I don’t want to take the chance that one night I contract the virus and bring it home to them,” Hulse said. “I miss my 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. job at the high school,” Hulse said. “I can’t wait for school to open up again.”
That, of course, is if schools open up again before September.
“Being here has made me realize how good we had it,” Hulse said. “Before this outbreak, the only thing on my mind all day was what we’d do at practice or what my lineup was going to be. I can’t wait to get those days back.
“Everyone hates school at some point,” Hulse added. “I bet every kid misses school now and would do anything to be back.”
Hulse starts his day manning a post where everyone entering the hospital is screened for coronavirus symptoms every day. At night, he is stationed at the emergency department entrance. He also patrols inside the ER.
“Some hospitals have armed security guards regardless of the situation, but now are on higher alert because every patient coming into the ER is in a panic and not always in the right frame of mind because they think they have the virus.
“Unfortunately, we are needed,” Hulse said.
Hulse said he has the option of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), but chooses only to don a mask while on duty.
“The main issue for our security staff is overflow traffic in the ER waiting area. We try to keep people outside. We explain visitors aren’t allowed. It’s very sad when family can’t be at the side of their loved ones.”
Hulse compared day-to-day operations at the hospital to those pictured in the 1995 movie, “Outbreak.”
In the movie, starring Dustin Hoffman, a new strain of virus crosses international borders as doctors work to fine a cure.
“The staff members here don’t even blink, they just go on doing what they do,” Hulse said. “What’s going on here reminds me of people coming together like they did after 9/11 in New York City.”
Hulse serves as the Dean of Discipline at St. Mary. A St. Mary graduate, Hulse has worked at his alma mater for 10 years. Last June, Hulse and St. Mary squeaked out a 4-3 win over 19-time state champion, Gloucester Catholic. He celebrated the victory with a head-first dive into home.
Interestingly, seeing a hospital in crisis mode hasn’t changed his views on the need for teamwork, it’s reinforced them.
“It has reassured me about what we have always preached to our kids,” Hulse said. “If to want to be great and accomplish great things, it takes more than one person. I will certainly get across to my students and players to cherish their families and enjoy the next time they get to run onto the field. I will remind them to never, ever take anything for granted, ever again.”
In the hospital he helps protect, Hulse sees wins and losses now measured in lives saved and lives lost. The daily goings on at health care facilities around the world are anything but a game. In the midst of the daily mayhem and sadness, Hulse said baseball plays a new role in his changed-forever life — it keeps him going.
“I think people would say baseball is the last thing on their minds, but it’s one of the few things on my mind,” Hulse said. “St. Mary baseball brings good thoughts and memories. During this time, people need more good thoughts — something that makes them smile each day. St. Mary baseball does that for me.
Joe Zedalis may be reached at jzedalis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @josephzedalis. Like NJ.com HS sports on Facebook.
