Recognizing the Unlikely Heroes in Our Communities

Law enforcement personnel have special appreciation days. National Doctors Day is commemorated on various dates globally. And, of course, firefighters receive their share of public adoration. But, did you know that a recognition week was created to honor the contributions, big and small, of Security Professionals and it is celebrated every third week in September?

This year, the third annual National Security Officer Appreciation Week is celebrated Sept. 17-23. Although, we should thank them all year round, it’s a time set aside to express gratitude to those unlikely heroes who dedicate themselves to our safety and who help keep our workplaces, shopping centers and malls, places of worship, schools, government facilities and communities safe and secure every day. Their contributions run the gamut from serving as concierges to helping to deter crime to being first responders to natural disasters.

And what better way to honor these heroes than to share praise from the people they interact with daily? Following are excerpts of sentiments submitted this year by clients, business and community members, and, yes, Security Professionals themselves.  
   

• "Michal Frye and Kelly D. Hawkins provide excellent customer service to our visitor population day in and day out, a true Security Professional in every sense and we are very fortunate to have Michal supporting our Lockheed Martin Team here in DC!" 
  ~ Neil Green, 300 M St. SE, Washington, DC

• "I would also like to tell you that I personally appreciate the hard work that you, Bill and Roger did for our Security team here at Greenway Plaza during and after Harvey’s visit to Houston. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed!" 
  ~ Job Fraire Jr, Security Operations Manager

• "We just recently had a hurricane down here in Houston, where we had tremendous flooding and vast devastation in the city. Our Operations Manager Jason was tremendously helpful and showed great leadership. He made sure that people could get to their posts and even used his own vehicle to get officers where they needed to be. He was willing to forgo family time in order to make sure our mission was completed." 
  ~ Allied Universal Security Professional

• "I want to thank you and your managers for getting me the coverage I needed post Irma. Your team made things happen on short notice under very difficult circumstances. Robb has been amazing with the communication and getting things done. Juan and John have had more challenges and also made things happen for UPS. I appreciate your help in getting things initiated and doing business with you." 
  ~ Margery Fischbach, Security Manager, Florida- South Territory, UPS

• "Jerry Anspaugh has been an inspiration and it has been an honor to work with him in the time that I have, he is retiring this month after five years of serving as a Security Professional… it was truly an honor to work with him and I wish him the absolute best in the future. #ThankYouJerry #ThankYouSecurity." 
  ~ Colton Chastain, KCP&L Montrose, Montrose, MO

• "Glenn Timmon’s job description says he is a Field Training Officer, but in reality he functions more like a social worker, a therapist and a father. Glenn has been at Children's Health for 31 years and has impacted the lives of patients, families, celebrities and coworkers, and he does it all with integrity, heart, emotional intelligence and an impeccable ability to communicate with anyone at any level. His unique combination of mind and heart is not something we take for granted. We, as coworkers, are honored by his presence and uplifted every day by his investment in our lives." 
  ~ Reginald Christian, 195 Medical District Dr, Dallas, TX

• "The Security Guards that I have at Raytheon in Camden, Arkansas are the best that I have ever had the privilege to work with. They are OUTSTANDING!" 
  ~ James Owen, HP-01, Camden, AR

• "Hats off to Security Officer "DANIEL" with Allied Universal Security who is working hard and making a difference in the community! After 40 years of my experience with counseling, "Daniel" is one of the most caring and courteous professional[s] in security and Public Relations. Daniel took money out of his own pocket to help a veteran with bus fare to get home. This good deed touched my heart and truly show[ed] Daniel is an asset dealing well with the public." 
  ~ Dr. Ben Brown, RTC Southern Nevada South Strip Transfer Terminal, Las Vegas, NV

• "Yesterday I walked into the Google Lobby and saw an upset individual standing at the security desk that Officer Vanessa Robinson was directing. This individual was trying to get into the office and repeatedly tried to guilt, manipulate, and force Officer Robinson into letting them get through the turnstiles and into the Google space in order to get help with a 'Gmail' account. It was despicable to see Office Robinson get swore at and treated so poorly, but Officer Robinson did not crack under pressure. Officer Robinson was ‘googley’ with all her answers and helped the individual move onto another way to try to resolve her issue. I am very proud and happy to be working with Officer Robinson and I wish the entire security the best for having to work with the disgruntled public." 
  ~ Maggie Sheahan, Google, Chicago, IL

• "On Aug 9, 2017, SP Charles Deck was checking on an SP at a Post and discovered the SP in distress. SP Deck, having a medical background, was able to quickly recognize that the SP needed immediate medical attention. EMS was requested and arrived. The SP was then transported to the Hospital where SP Deck was correct in saying that the SP was in Afib. I want to thank SP Charles Deck for his quick reaction which save[d] the SP’s life."
  ~ Daniel Marguccio, Lockheed Martin Johnstown, Johnstown, PA

Check out additional testimonials and tributes to Security Professionals that serve as guardians and protectors in places where you work, live and recreate. We invite you to add your own to the tribute.

  About the Author
  Scott Savoie is a Chief Administrative Officer at Allied Universal.