PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Charlotte NC January 5th, 2021
Although 2020 was a difficult year for private security to navigate and there were many challenges to overcome with the pandemic and onslaught of assaults, many in the industry were shining stars and leaders in their profession.
More than 1000 security officers, private police officers, and retail agents were recognized nationwide during 2020.
Private Officer International recognized more than 577 security officers for their frontline work, brave and heroic actions, lifesaving skills, and overall hard work while, going above and beyond the call of duty.
Businesses, including hotels, hospitals, casinos, TSA and contract security providers, and other associations, also recognized another 373 frontline security personnel during the last year, and more than 167 award recipients made their local news!
Private Officer International also awarded over two hundred free association memberships and online training to security officers across the country and around the world!
Some of those security professionals who braved the virus, the elements, and stepped up to help others included Carmella Martinez, a security officer in New York City who performed CPR of an elderly man having a heart attack on a train platform. The man, made a full recovery thanks to the fact actions of security officer Martinez who was later recognized with a Lifesaving Award.
TSA and Private Officer International recognized numerous staff members during 2020 including Christine Kish, who works at the Pocatello Regional Airport (PIH) and is associated with the Bannock Civitans.
She recently coordinated a coat drive at her workplace. With the help of her coworkers, she was able to gather 20 new and gently used coats over the past few weeks.
“It is an honor to be able to support my community and help those in need,” Kish said in a news release. “I am blessed to be part of a TSA team who cares deeply about others.”
TSA Federal Security Director for Idaho Andy Coose says team members at the Pocatello airport show their commitment to public service every day.
TSA also recognized the TSA group at Akron-Canton Airport who claimed the 2020 honors as Airport of the Year.
The TSA Team at LaGuardia Airport earned the Homeland Security Award for Pandemic Heroism.
The K-9 Explosive Detection Canine Handler Keith Gray from Indianapolis International Airport was named TSA’s Canine Handler of the Year.
Kimberlee Green from Pocatello Regional Airport garnered TSA’s 2020 Officer of the Year Award.
A security officer at Washington Middle School in Springfield Illinois, Darryl Williams, was featured in a local news article about his annual Christmas program to help community children.
He said he knows firsthand that the holiday season can be rough for many children and their families.
During the holiday season, and at this time with COVID-19 going on, a lot of families are suffering real bad,” Williams said. “Being that kids are not [at school], that doesn’t mean they’re not at home in need of some things.”
For 15 years, Williams has worked to give children in his community something to smile about during the holidays.
“Each year, I do a program called Fifty Smiles, where we give gifts to families and kids that are less fortunate,” Williams said.
This year, Williams was able to give out not only gifts but also turkeys and hams. to students and their families.
Community members recognized a security officer who had biked three hours to return a lost wallet by giving him a car. After seeing a new story about Aina Townsend, in Kahului, Hawaii, a GoFundMe page was set up by the community to raise the funds for the vehicle.
Two security officers from the Rivers Casino and Resort Schenectady in New York received a recognition award from the Mayor after saving the life of a guest at the hotel and casino in mid-November.
Rivers Security EMT’s Melinda Cooper-Killenberger and Kyle Brownell responded to a call after a guest had collapsed on the floor.
The officers immediately administered CPR, utilized an AED defibrillator and also called 911.
Through their quick action and medical intervention, the officers were able to resuscitate the guest and then transfer him to the care of Schenectady Fire Department paramedics.
Three separate security officers were awarded commendations by Private Officer International for stopping armed robberies in progress and security officer Thomas Newman was involved in shootout during heroic actions where he was injured.
In October of 2020 in Seattle Washington, a security officer at the Wintonia Apartments in Capitol Hill stopped a rape in progress. Residents there applauded his quick actions.
Tracey Baker said that he saw a man who was attacking a woman outside the apartment building, located at 1431 Minor Ave. “You need to back off,” Baker said he told the suspect.
Baker was on duty and working for Iconic Global who was hired to keep the apartment building’s residents safe. When he saw the incident, he decided to go above and beyond. “He went to the street and I actually grabbed him and led him back to the gate right here.”
The security officer handcuffed the suspect until police arrived. Authorities have identified the suspect as Thomas Williams, who allegedly physically struck his victim before attempting to drag her into a nearby alley, where officials say he planned to rape her.
Chris Gomez, a private security officer employed with Valiant Private Security in San Jose California, was the recipient of the Private Officer International Security Officer Heroism Award. While on patrol he stopped a sexual attack of a child and detained the suspect until police arrived.
And also in California, in August, a security officer stopped a would-be bank robber from making off in Rolando Village, San Diego police and FBI officials said.
The attempted robbery occurred at the U.S. bank on El Cajon Boulevard near College Avenue, where authorities said a woman used a note to demand cash. No one was injured.
Police said a security officer detained the suspect, a 22-year-old woman, outside the business. FBI spokeswoman Davene Butler said the officer prevented the escape of the robbery suspect.
Securitas North America annually recognizes two security officers—one for heroism and one for outstanding performance. The recipients are chosen from among nominations received from their colleagues and managers. Honorees are featured in Excellence in Service, a magazine published for Securitas security officers, and receive monetary consideration as well as other recognition for being selected as Officers of the Year.
Security Officer of the Year for Heroism recognition is conferred on an officer who performs a heroic act while helping to protect people or property. Sinteria House was honored in this category for her heroic actions in de-escalating a situation involving a disoriented, upset individual at her client site. After Officer House contacted management and the police, the intruder revealed a weapon. Officer House never lost her focus, maintaining a calm demeanor, and talking to the individual until the police arrived and transitioned control of the situation.
In addition to recognizing a remarkable act of heroism, Securitas also acknowledges an individual who distinguishes themselves in the performance of their daily duties, going above and beyond what is asked or expected. Ron Rolston was named Security Officer of the Year for Performance for delivering consistently excellent client service and outstanding performance. During his 30-year career, Rolston has demonstrated excellence, first as a security officer and during his most recent tenure as a Fire Protection Inspector, all with the same client. He is known for his commitment to training and willingness to mentor others.
Each year, Private Officer International holds an annual awards program that is open to both members of its association as well as non-members and additionally recognizes the lifesaving, heroic, and acts of bravery to employees of both the law enforcement community and the private security industry throughout the year.
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