MSA Security® Canine Handler Joe Rios and Zeus, his trusty German Shepherd partner, work tirelessly to keep patrons safe at a renowned retail shopping center in New York City.

Joe and Zeus address the threat of explosives and deter criminal activity at the mall and many other high-profile locations throughout the city.

“From the moment we met, I knew Zeus was special. He is extremely intelligent with a natural drive and desire to work. The regular change in site view keeps him engaged and at the top of his game,” said Joe of his partner.

Their partnership extends beyond their day jobs. While Joe and Zeus enjoy their downtime at home, they also love challenging themselves by learning new skills. They recently returned to the classroom to train to detect firearms. Click here to learn more about this remarkable duo's contributions to public safety.

Security Professional Snyder recently faced an active shooter situation in a West Virginia medical building.

Having just completed a shift nearby, Security Professional Snyder was at a doctor's appointment when he heard gunshots and sprang into action following active shooter protocol. He moved room by room, clearing people and directing them to safety.

When Security Professional Snyder heard another gunshot and moved in its direction, he witnessed the assailant shoot a female before fleeing the scene.

Though unable to neutralize the threat, Security Professional Snyder was able to open a door and provide cover for doctors and nurses as they attempted to save the victim’s life. Tragically, the female succumbed to her injuries. Police apprehended the suspect shortly after the incident.

The heroic actions of Security Professional Snyder underscore the importance of preparedness and quick thinking in the face of unexpected and dangerous situations, shedding light on the bravery exhibited by security professionals in protecting lives.

The Office of the Secretary of Defense has named Allied Universal Operations Manager Martinez a Patriotic Employer. The designation is given to people who contribute to national security by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force. The award reflects the high level of support Martinez has shown her employees serving in the Guard and Reserve Force.

The designation can only be initiated by a grateful employee. Martinez was recognized by Allied Universal Team Member Gonzalez who is also a National Guard member.

Almost half of the United States Armed Forces is comprised of members of the Guard and Reserve. The Department of Defense shares these citizen soldiers with their civilian employers, many of whom – like Allied Universal – provide significant support to employees who are proudly serving. Allied Universal is proud to be a patriotic employer listed on the Department of Defense’s website.

Every morning, Jean can’t wait to get to the office and bury her nose in her work – literally. Jean is a five-year-old yellow Labrador working as an MSA Security® explosive detection canine and her office is a sprawling data center for a global financial institution. She was imprinted on all five families of commercial explosives, as well as homemade explosives.

Her human handler, James, is a retired NYPD officer who says his partner was born to sniff out explosives.

“Jean and I trust each other. She knows I’m on the other end of that leash and that we have an important job to do. We work in a very fluid environment that requires screening of all incoming deliveries, vehicles and guests. It can be demanding, but Jean has incredible stamina. We also conduct exterior perimeter and interior sweeps – that’s her favorite because the employees always greet her with a big smile. She loves people,” said James.

Security Captain Arsenault began his day like usual. He woke up at 2:50 a.m. and started to make the 45-minute commute to hit the gym before his shift.

“I was going down the road and saw some debris. I drove a few miles and didn’t think it looked right, so I turned around,” said Arsenault. “That’s when I saw a car had gone off the road, and I called 911. I planned to stay until police or fire showed up. I rolled down my window. I don’t know why. It was dark, and it was raining. I heard someone say, ‘Help me.’”

Eight to 12 feet deep in the brush below the road, Arsenault found a car with a young man pinned underneath. He called 911 again, and while he waited for first responders, he spoke with the victim. His name was Ian, a recent high school graduate who wanted to join the Navy. He had been playing video games with his friends that evening and estimated he'd been trapped under his car for about two hours.

“We talked about simple stuff to keep him calm,” Arsenault said. “He was begging me to get him out from under the car, but I knew we had to wait because he was probably injured, and it could be dangerous to move him. What resonated with me is how scared he must have been – I would never want that for my son – what he must have thought when he heard my truck drive away.”

Arsenault was in the right place at the right time, and his prior service in the Marine Corps, Reserves and law enforcement helped him make calm, rational choices in a critical situation. After Ian was freed and loaded into the ambulance, Arsenault got in his truck and cleaned up at the gym before starting his shift. He later learned that Ian had a shattered pelvis and many broken ribs. “He’s banged up, but he’ll be okay,” said Arsenault.