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Fort Rucker security officers reach beyond the fence to help community children www.privateofficer.com
Dothan AL April 2013 Security guards are often seen as the first line of defense for Fort Rucker, but behind their stoic looks and authoritative presence, many support the local community in their off-duty hours.
Several Fort Rucker Department of the Army security guards volunteered their time to read to children at the Enterprise Head Start program April 16 as a means to give back to the community during their time off, according to Marvin Brandon, Fort Rucker DA Security Guard Branch chief.
Brandon said he has friends that work for Enterprise Head Start, and when they told him about some of the children’s situations, it prompted him to take action.
“This project is just something that we thought would be good to do for the children,” he said. “We want to be able to give back to the community, and when we heard some of the stories about how unfortunate some of these children are, it just made us want to do something about it.”
The project started about three years ago around Christmas when Brandon got together with other post security guards for a social get together. It was decided that each person coming to the event should bring a small gift for either a boy or a girl.
“We took those gifts down to the Enterprise Head Start Center,” he said. “We gave the gifts to the teachers at the center and told them to hand them out to any children that they thought might need them.”
During their visit, they were approached by one of the teachers who asked if they were interested in volunteering to read to the children during their off time.
“Of course we said yes, and it’s something we’ve done each year since,” said Brandon.
Sgt. Elaina Provost, Fort Rucker security guard, was one of the volunteers to read to the children and said it gives her a lot of joy to see the children’s faces when she reads to them.
“The [children] are really curious and they get really excited when we come out there,” she said. “I think its good for us to come out there and see them because it shows them that they can do something better for themselves.
“A lot of them tell us that they want to be police officers or firemen, and things like that,” she continued. “It’s nice to see them get excited about us caring enough about them to come out and spend time with them.”
Provost said it didn’t take much to influence her to give back to the community, and she wanted to set a good example for the children.
“My children have been fortunate and I was fortunate growing up, and we see a lot of children that don’t have things we’d like them to have,” she said. “It’s about being able to be a good role model or being able to talk to them to make the biggest difference.”
The books that the volunteers read are chosen by the children from their in-house library, and Brandon said no matter the selection, it’s always enjoyable for them to read.
“Last year we went through a lot of Dr. Suess books,” he said. “Those same books that I read growing up, I now had the chance to read to these kids, and it just made me feel good.”
Although the main goal of the project is to give back to those in the community that are less fortunate, another aspect of the project is to show that law enforcement, including security guards and police officers, are there to help.
“A lot of children are scared of police officers and security guards,” said Provost. “We want to show them that we’re the good guys and that we’re there to help, and that’s a big deal to me.”
Brandon agreed.
“A child’s first reaction when they see the badge is to be scared, and I think it’s very important to [change the perception],” he said.
Source- Dothan Eagle
U. of North Carolina Chief Named Director of the Year www.privateofficer.com
LOS ANGELES CA April 25 2013 — Campus Safety magazine is pleased to announce that Jeffrey Baker, chief of police for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, has won the 2012 Director of the Year award.
In only two years, Baker developed a plan focusing on community oriented policing; successfully lobbied for more officers and pushed for more thorough investigations. His efforts led to nearly a 36% reduction in total incidents reported. Additionally, Baker’s implementation of an internal affairs unit has helped to ensure officers are guided by his department’s mission, values and directives.
Director of the Year runners up are Ronald Brown, director of school safety for Topeka Public Schools; Daniel Dusseau, chief of police for Northern Virginia Community College; Regina Lawson, chief of police at Wake Forest University; David Mitchell, chief of police/director of public safety at the University of Maryland, College Park; Charles Moore, director of security for LifeBridge Health in Baltimore; Stephen Satterly Jr., director of transportation and school safety at the Community School Corp. of Southern Hancock County in New Palestine, Ind.; and Kenneth Scott Sr., director of public safety for the Medical Center of Louisiana at New Orleans.
See what voters had to say about their favorite Director of the Year Finalists
Campus Safety magazine would like to thank all of the readers who voted for their favorite nominees. We would also like to thank our program judges who are Joe Bellino, Memorial Hermann Health Systems’ system executive for security and law enforcement; Jimmie Brown, chief of police at California State University, San Bernardino; S. Daniel Carter, director of the 32 National Campus Safety Index, VTV Family Outreach Foundation; Dr. Jay Findling, advisory board member for the New York Gang Investigators Association; and Tony York, HSS senior vice president.
In-depth coverage of Baker’s achievements, as well as his department’s, will appear in an upcoming issue of Campus Safety magazine, as well as on CampusSafetyMagazine.com. To prepare for next year’s program, visit http://www.CampusSafetyMagazine.com/DirectorOfTheYear.
Source: Campus Safety magazine
JUNE SECURITY OFFICER AWARDS www.privateofficer.com
Charlotte NC June 30 2012
Private Officer International announces the June Awards!
The following private officers were presented awards in June 2012
Kevin Smallwood- Meritorious Award
Becky Sue Armerman-Excellence in Action
Pat Fulkner-Meritorious Award
Brian Holstegge-Officer of the Month Excellence in Action
Kate Lehman-Director Award
Philip Newman-Medal of Valor
Stanley Holliman-Medal of Valor
Ken Kingman-Excellence in Action
Mary Kingman-Excellence in Action
Dale Martin-Meritorious Award
Bruce Miller-Medal of Valor
Congratulations all!
Casino security officers rescue traffic accident victim www.privateofficer.com
Engine fluids exploded into fire upon impact.
Security officers Dawn Heffner, 40, Jeff Hanes, 45, and Paul Wheeler, 58, risked their lives to bring Baumann, her mother, Lucille A. Pruhsmeier, 92, Baumann’s German shepherd and parrot out of the burning SUV alive.
Hanes is an emergency medical responder and Wheeler has 14 years experience as a volunteer firefighter.
Joining the three was good Samaritan Levi Anderson, 22, who lives across the street from where the accident occurred. Also aiding the effort were Sheridan and Willamina firefighters and EMTs, members of the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police personnel.
The parrot was not the only one emerging from the accident with a story to tell.
About 9:50 p.m., Baumann’s SUV approached the intersection of Red Prairie Road on state Highway 18, the Salmon River Highway, where Heffner sat at the stop sign. The SUV’s brakes were locked and the tires were screaming as the vehicle moved down the highway, sliding sideways and then backwards, almost as if it were trying to turn on to Red Prairie.
“I thought she was going to try to make the turn,” said Heffner, who recalled the event on June 5 with her co-workers in a conference room on the second floor of Spirit Mountain Casino. Casino Security Manager Brian Willis congratulated all three by presenting them with “Shining Star” awards.
“She is not going to make that turn,” Heffner remembers thinking.
Then the SUV started flipping. It rolled twice before coming to a stop at the stop sign on the other side of the highway, and then burst into flames with an explosive sound.
“I drove across 18 and parked by the ditch,” Heffner said. “As soon as I got out of my car I started hollering (to the people in the car), but I couldn’t get any response.”
At the same time, she punched in 911 on her cell. She also was trying to get somebody driving by to stop and help.
“Nobody would stop,” she recalled.
Meanwhile, the SUV rocked precariously between the stop sign and the ditch, with the passenger side down and the front of the car facing west on Highway 18 toward the casino, the direction it had come from. Red Prairie Road is nine miles east of the casino.
Baumann later told Wheeler that it had felt like “ ‘the steering wheel locked before the car shot to the right.’ That would be consistent with a blown front tire,” he said.
While waiting for help to arrive, Heffner heard from the occupants of the SUV. She said she was looking for “a screw driver or a wrench or something” to break out the front window, but couldn’t find anything. She thought of throwing dirt on the engine fire that was already coming up over the driver’s side front tire, but the dirt was filled with weeds. She looked for large rocks, but all she could see were pebbles. She tried to kick out the window, without luck.
When Baumann spoke, her first words were mired in confusion. “Where am I?” she asked. “What happened?”
Heffner reached in on the driver’s side window to talk to Baumann and to see how to help her out, but did not have the tools even to release the seatbelt.
About this point, Hanes and Wheeler, who were also heading to work for the graveyard shift, saw the headlights “all weird looking,” in Hanes’ words.
They hurried down that way.
“It’s on fire, Paul,” Hanes said to his co-worker and they both jumped out of the car on arrival. Neither saw Heffner, who was working with Baumann when they arrived. She was on the far side, the ditch side, of the car. They all just had the same instincts.
About the same time, Anderson, a 5-foot, 7-inch equipment operator with asthma who weighs in at 270 pounds, and who also has training as a volunteer firefighter, heard the tires squealing. He came running, arriving just after Hanes and Wheeler.
The way the car had landed forced all of them to work at reaching the occupants from the ditch side, or from in front through the windshield, with the SUV rocking uncontrollably. If it rocked too far, it had only one way to go.
“We started breaking windows,” Hanes said. He showed a “rescue knife” designed to cut and hammer through windows and he knocked out the driver’s back side window with it. He tried to make it work on the windshield, but “windshields are designed not to shatter,” he said, and so it was broken in a million pieces that all stayed together. “I tried to pull the whole thing out but it wouldn’t come.”
“We could not get the driver’s side door open,” said Anderson, “but we ended up prying it open as far as we could.”
At this point, the fire also was coming into the car from under the dash, not a large, swirling fire, said Wheeler, but “it was coming in pretty good.”
Back at the driver’s side window, Hanes reached in.
“I told her I was going to cut her seat belt,” he said, and used his tool to do that. “She fell back into the car, crying, ‘Ahhhh.’
“I’m telling her (Baumann), ‘You’ve got to use your feet to climb out.’ ” said Hanes.
“She may have fallen on her mother,” who was in the passenger seat, said Wheeler.
“(Pruhsmeier) was calling, ‘Help me,’ ” said Wheeler.
“It crossed my mind for about 10 seconds that the car could explode,” said Heffner.
“They teach you in Emergency Medical Responder training to evaluate a scene before going in,” said Hanes. “Is the scene safe? Do you have protective equipment, gloves to protect against blood? Well I’m thinking, there‘s nothing safe about this scene and I don’t have protective equipment.”
Wheeler also knew the rules: If you don’t have proper training and equipment, stay away, but he said he was thinking, “If we don’t do something, these people are going to die.
“I didn’t realize how much that car was still rocking on its side, and I knew it could easily roll over on us, but you’re thinking, if we don’t do something, they’ll all burn to death.”
“We got (Baumann) to stand up,” said Wheeler. “Jeff was on her right and I was on her left.” Anderson was half in the windshield disintegrating in front of her.
“That’s when I realized there was a dog in the car,” said Wheeler. “I saw the eyes, and I’m thinking, ‘Please be friendly.’ ”
“We lifted (Baumann) up by her pants and out through the driver’s side front window,” said Wheeler.
They walked her away from the SUV though emergency medical help had not yet arrived, Hanes remembered.
Maybe four minutes in, firefighters, police and medical staff started arriving.
Baumann was crying, “My dog, my bird, my mother …”
Meanwhile, “Everyone’s screaming, ‘You’ve got to get out of there,’ ” said Hanes.
Anderson was back in the front windshield.
“I was talking to Lucille and trying to get her to respond to me, and get her undone from her seatbelt.”
At this time, he added, “The car was pretty much all the way inflamed. They had started to spray fire extinguishers.”
A Sheridan firefighter pulled Anderson out of the windshield and had the equipment to take out the rest of the glass. And that was quickly removed.
Anderson ran back to the rear driver’s side window and reached in for the dog. It didn’t want to come when he got its collar, so he reached in and hugged it to his chest and carried the dog out. He brought the dog to Baumann.
Hanes, an unnamed firefighter and EMT pulled Pruhsmeier from the SUV. They put her on a gurney.
“She was hurting,” said Wheeler, “but she was not burned and she was conscious. What I remember is her bare feet coming out and the fire coming out. I expected to see her feet all burned.”
The bird, flapping wildly inside a Plexiglas cage with small breathing holes in the back of the SUV, was last to emerge, Anderson said. Hanes never saw the bird.
Afterwards, when the adrenalin subsided, Wheeler said, “I could have found a corner of the casino to sit down in and cry.”
“When the adrenalin wears off, you realize what happened,” said Hanes. “The emotions that get you afterwards: I could have bawled.”
“I was coughing from the smoke,” said Hanes. “Dawn couldn’t get a deep enough breath.”
Wheeler used “an old fireman’s trick,” he said. “I covered my face with my coat and didn’t get it as bad.”
Heffner, Hanes, Wheeler, Anderson and the crash victims ended up at the Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville. Baumann went from there to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland.
At the hospital, Hanes found pieces of the tempered glass from the windshield in his jacket pockets.
“I got some plastic string on my glasses,” said Wheeler. “I hadn’t noticed until after.”
Anderson suffered from smoke inhalation with cuts on his leg and hand. “He had been punching the window,” said Hanes.
“We’re very proud of the unselfish, heroic actions our officers took during this harrowing rescue,” said Joann Mercier, director of Security for the casino. “They displayed tremendous courage.”
“It says even more that these guys stopped on their own time,” she added. “They don’t just do their job at work, but also outside of work.”
Anderson took in the dog and bird following the accident, said they were “100 percent OK.” The bird spent the weekend mimicking the coughing and gasping it had heard, Anderson said.
Baumann and Pruhsmeier were subsequently released from the hospitals. Baumann picked up her pets on Tuesday, June 5, and although she did not return a call for comment, she told Anderson that when things calmed down, she wanted to have everybody over for a barbecue.
“It was the most extreme circumstances,” said Hanes, “and the best result.”
Source:Smoke Signals
Oxnard safety officer was named 2012 Security Officer of the Year out of more than 100,000 others www.privateofficer.com
Oxnard CA May 5 2012 An Oxnard safety officer was named 2012 Security Officer of the Year out of more than 100,000 others.
Securitas Security Services recognized Senior District Safety Officer Andres Fernandez, 24, of Oxnard, last month for his work protecting citizens and businesses in downtown Oxnard.
The international company each year recognizes two employees for notable heroism and outstanding performance on the job. Fernandez was recognized for his job performance in 2011.
“He is consistently committed to doing well on the job. He is a guy who wants to make a difference,” said Joshua Walker, Securitas account manager for the downtown district safety program.
Walker nominated Fernandez and both attended the award ceremony April 19 in Parsippany, N.J.
Fernandez received $5,000 and a plaque. He also got a plaque of recognition from the Oxnard City Council on April 24.
“Every day, I am going out and doing the best I can. I didn’t think I’d get anything,” Fernandez said. “I don’t expect to get recognition because I don’t do the job by myself.”
Fernandez is part of the security team contracted by the Oxnard Downtown Management District and the Oxnard Police Department to help keep downtown safe. Security officers observe, coordinate tasks, and report suspicious circumstances and behavior to police. They patrol the area 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Fernandez helps patrol a 40-block area from Second Street to Wooley Road and from Meta Street to C Street. On foot, by bike and sometimes in a vehicle, he observes and provides assistance to those in need.
Fernandez stands out for assisting in six arrests last year on allegations of driving under the influence, according to Abel Magana, executive director of the district.
“We are exceptionally proud of Andy and the job the team has done,” Magana said. “DUIs are part of what is going to happen where you have entertainment and hospitality. We need to manage that type of activity to keep it fun and safe for everyone.”
Fernandez has helped police combat other crimes, including graffiti tagging, robbery and public nuisance. His and his team’s efforts have contributed to a 41 percent drop in crime in the area since 2005, Magana said.
“Downtown Oxnard has had a reputation for being a negative place, but working with Oxnard police and making it better gives me a sense of pride,” Fernandez said.
A native of Houston, Fernandez started his career in security after moving to Oxnard in 2006. He assembled computers for Hewlett-Packard before then.
Approaching his sixth year serving in downtown Oxnard, Fernandez is preparing to pursue a career as a patrol police officer.
“I had never wanted to be an officer, but now that I’ve got a taste of it working closely with Oxnard Police Department, it’s something I want to purse,” he said. “It will be doing what I do a little more serious.”
Source:vcstar
Securitas Security Services announcees security officer of year awards www.privateofficer.com
Headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, Securitas Security Services and its affiliates offer security solutions, including uniformed security officers, mobile patrol and consulting & investigations. Everywhere from small businesses to large corporations, our 100,000 employees are making a difference. For more information, visit: http://www.securitasinc.com
SOURCE Securitas Security Services USA, Inc.
Savannah River Site security officers win competition www.privateofficer.com
Savannah River Site’s security contractor WSI-SRS was one of 11 teams representing Department of Energy sites. The team was awarded the Department of Energy Secretary’s Trophy in the five-man team competition. This year marked the 10th time an SRS team has won the award. The last time was in 2009. The team placed second in 2011.
Competitions were open to both law enforcement and security teams.
Columbia and Aiken counties’ sheriff’s offices competed in the non-Department of Energy team competition. Both teams were in the top five for their category.
According to a news release, the events of the competition are designed to challenge weapon marksmanship, physical stamina and tactical problem solving. Teams were tested in skills to protect national assets in the event of a world crisis.
Source:the augusta chronicle
Security officer, police honored with awards www.privateofficer.com
The four citizens were honored for stopping crimes in progress and helping police make arrests. The police officers were commended for their police work and their heroic action.
According to information provided by the police chiefs:
• Gabriel Grohol, a security guard at Carousel Center, was honored for helping Syracuse police officers subdue a suspect armed with a sawed-off shotgun during a disturbance at the mall in February.
• Jose Garcia and Adam Sutton subdued a man with an assault rifle inside Garcia’s Syracuse apartment in November 2010. The gunman fired as the two tried to restrain him. They held the suspect until police arrived.
• Jessica Wilkerson, a resident advisor at Syracuse University, stopped a forcible touching incident at a resident hall entrance in March. A male student had grabbed a female and Wilkerson pushed him off and helped keep him at bay until campus officers arrived.
The following law enforcement officers were given commendations:
Dryden Police Sgt. Lewis D. Warner and state Trooper William Drake for rescuing a man pinned under a commercial lawn mower in 2011; Liverpool Police Detective Michael Lemm, Manlius Police Detective James Gallup, Camillus Police Detective James Nightingale and state police Investigator Timothy Kelly for investigating an infant homicide in Liverpool in 2011; Camillus Sgt. Joseph Farella for helping a team develop a countywide police report system; Rome Police Patrolman Fredrick J. Carnevale for searching for and catching a man accused in a fatal stabbing in September 2011; SU Peace Officer John Bingham for work with Syracuse police on three felony cases off-campus in October 2011; Cortland Police Officer Kenneth Bush for using CPR to save a man’s life in July 2011; state Attorney General’s Office Special Investigator Norman Doyle for assisting several departments with surveillance; DeWitt Police Officer Chris Fuller for stopping a suicidal man from jumping off a bridge in Februrary 2012; DeWitt Officer Donald Bauman for saving the life of a suicidal person who had hanged himself in his basement; DEA Special Agent Ronald Dadabo and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Detective Shane LaVigne for work dismantling a multi-state drug ring; and Baldwinsville Police Officer Robert Thibault for investigating a violent hammer attack.
The following law enforcement were given heroic action awards:
SU Peace Officer Kevin Haley for entering a burning building, helping people get out and putting out the fire in March 2011; Canastota Police Chief James Zophy, Officer Sean Barton and state police Sgt. Scott Nell for chasing and stopping an armed carjacker in March 2011 (the suspect was fatally shot by police); Trooper Shane Treen for subduing a gunman who fired around Lee Center, Oneida County, in June 2011; Syracuse Officer Scott Henderson for exchanging fire with a man accused of attempting to break into a building in December 2011 (the man died from gunshot wounds); and Oneida County Sheriff’s Deputy Kurt Wyman, who was killed while attempting to subdue a man armed with a shotgun in June 2011.
Muncie security officer receives award for capture of pharmacy robber www.privateofficer.com
When police arrived at the Royal Pharmacy last year, Donald Myers, then 78, had the would-be bandit handcuffed and awaiting transfer to the Delaware County jail.
The Army veteran credited his quick response to danger to more than 20 years of military training. He was honored at the council’s April 2 meeting.
The monthly citizenship awards are the creation of council members Doug Marshall and Jerry Dishman, who are also sharing the expense of the awards.
Denver Health security officers risk their lives to rescue unconscious man trapped in creek www.privateofficer.com
DENVER CO April 17 2012 – The man knocked unconscious when his SUV plunged into Cherry Creek over the weekend said Monday he owes his life to a couple of security guards.
The guards were on duty at Denver Health when they ran across the street, jumped into the icy water and cut Gary Lozow, 68, out of his seat belt.
The guards said they were just doing what came naturally to them. They claim anyone would have done it, but that’s a humble statement considering the embankment they had to scale just to get to the vehicle.
“As I was walking out of the hospital, I could hear (people) yelling that there was a car in the ditch,” said security guard Brandon Skalak.
Skalak and his colleague, Omar Salgado, have witnessed a lot of life-saving moments as hospital security guards. On Sunday, they found themselves racing to save a life.
“I saw the car down in the ditch and I didn’t even break stride,” said Skalak.
“I saw the car, and my reaction was to think about my own family, friends and people that I know,” said Salgado. “And I’m like, ‘I’m just going to take a chance,’ and I jumped.”
Skalak and Salgado had to jump down a 14-foot vertical embankment just to get to the creek.
“I didn’t really think about it,” said Skalak. “I just kind of looked for a soft spot to land and dropped down. After not being able to pull him out the first time, Omar requested a knife.”
“We saw a male in the car. I asked for a knife,” said Salgado. “An officer gave me a knife, I cut the seat belt.”
“It was a big deal. We got the guy out alive,” said Skalak.
Lozow’s SUV ended up in the creek after it was side-swiped by a car police say ran a red light.
Skalak and Salgado said they didn’t even notice the cold water in the creek.
“Not until we got back up in the office and then our feet were a little chilly,” said Skalak, laughing.
“I remember when I was a kid I used to jump down the street, from the tree,” said Salgado. “I’m like, ‘Hey, let’s just do it.’ He was a big guy. But, you keep yourself in good shape, you can handle any situation.”
Lozow spoke to 7NEWS reporter Russell Haythorn from his hospital bed. He said he wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for Skalak and Salgado.
Lozow’s wife, Joyce, called the guards heroes.
“I don’t really see myself as a hero. I just did what I think anybody would do,” said Skalak. “I would like to meet (Mr. Lozow). Just to see that he’s OK.”
“It’s not about being a hero. It’s about being a human being,” said Salgado. “I’m really glad he’s alright.”
The driver of the car that hit Lozow was cited for running a red light. Denver Public Works has studied the intersection at 8th Avenue and Speer Boulevard before, even installing a red light camera to decrease accidents.
It is now looking at the possibility of installing a guard rail, but a spokeswoman said she isn’t sure if that’s the solution.
Source:the DenverNewsChannel.com
Alabama game warden given top law enforcement honor www.privateofficer.com
MONTGOMERY AL April 16 2012 — A state game warden, Joe Lindsey II, has been awarded the Medal of Honor for Alabama law enforcement officers for rescuing a 7-year-old boy from the burning wreckage of a north Alabama plane crash.
Lindsey received the Legislature’s highest honor given to law enforcement Thursday during a ceremony at the Alabama Statehouse. Top state officials, including Gov. Robert Bentley took part in the ceremony.
He was among 20 officers from across the state nominated for the award. Many of the officers were honored for heroic actions taken to aid and rescue victims of last April’s tornadoes.
Lindsey was at the Guntersville airport on June 18 with his family when he witnessed a plane crash after takeoff. He said he had been talking to members of the family on board the plane earlier and knew there were children on board. He said he drove his wife and child to an area away from the airport, told then to stay in their vehicle and he (asterisk)ran through the woods” to get to the wrecked plane.
Three people were killed in the accident.
Lindsey said he then entered the plane and rescued the young boy, who he said is continuing to recover from injuries received in the crash.
He said he doesn’t consider himself a hero.
“I am just a guy who was in the right place at the right time and I had a job to do,” Lindsey said.
Bentley told Lindsey he was proud of him.
“God put you in the right place at the right time to save this young boy,” Bentley said.
Other officers nominated for the award included:
— Huntsville police officer Mickey Brantley for rescuing a woman and a young child from a burning house.
—Cpl. R.E. Tucker and police dog “Bodi” for entering a shed where a robbery suspect was hiding and attempting to apprehend him. The dog was shot several times and has recovered.
—Officer George William Taylor of Cottonwood Police Department for crawling into a burning building and pulling a resident outside. Taylor was injured in an explosion while he was in the building.
—Sgt. Cassidy Lambert of Arab Police Department for rescuing a young child found in rubble after one of the tornadoes that hit the state on April 27.
—Cpl. Brian P. Faulkner of the Alabama Bureau of Investigation for helping find a missing four-year-old child after a winter storm.
—Chief Johnny Grant, Reserve Deputy Michael Bishop and investigator Josh Morgan of the Etowah County Sheriff’s Department for helping to rescue a family trapped under a home by a tornado.
—Officer Brian Nalley, Officer Tommy Tyler, Officer Deangelo Hall, Officer Robert Stewart, Officer Frank Alexander and Sgt. Kenneth Smith Jr. of the Birmingham Police Department for apprehending a domestic violence suspect who was threatening to kill himself.
—Lt. Beverly Peterson of the Birmingham Police Department for saving a life by performing the “Heimlich Maneuver” on a man who was having trouble breathing.
—Officer Donald Reese of the Birmingham Police Department for helping save his partner who was being attacked by a domestic violence suspect.
—Officer Katherine Snider of the Birmingham Police Department for using first aide to help save the life of a woman injured in a tornado.
—Officer Willie Willis of the Birmingham Police Department for using his “Taser” to stop a woman from jumping off an overpass onto Interstate 20/59.
—Officer Charles Wilson of the Birmingham Police Department who prevented a man from committing suicide.
Source:montgomery advertiser
Fla G4S security officer awarded industry honor for his role in saving life of woman trapped in submerged car www.privateofficer.com
Jupiter, FL (PRWEB) December 15, 2011
A G4S security officer has been awarded the industry honor in the state of Florida for his role in saving the life of a woman who was trapped in a car submerged in the water near I-95 in south Florida.
Ryan Haase, who is a G4S Custom Protection Officer ®, was presented with the John M. Russi Award, from the Florida Association of Security Companies, (FASCO) on December 8, 2011, in Tallahassee.
“CPO Haase is a brave and dedicated security officer,” said Drew Levine, President, G4S Secure Solutions USA. “We are honored to have him as part of our team. The recognition from other industry professionals in the state of Florida shows how much his efforts are valued.”
Each year, FASCO presents the John M. Russi Award to a licensed security professional who has performed their services in an exemplary manner displaying both valor and dedication to the industry
CPO Haase is credited with saving the life of Henriette Saintvil, 25, who was trapped in a car that plunged into a lake after a crash on I-95 near Deerfield Beach. Haase was driving to work in Fort Lauderdale when he witnessed the accident which sent the car Saintvil was driving through a chain link fence and into the water.
CPO Haase pulled his car off the road, ran to the water and dove into the lake in an effort to rescue the woman who was trapped inside. While underwater, CPO Haase tried unsuccessfully to open the vehicle doors. Luckily, another motorist had also stopped and brought CPO Haase a hammer, which he then used to smash the left rear window of the submerged vehicle.
CPO Haase pulled the woman to safety through the smashed window. Other than receiving a few minor scratches, the woman was not injured in the accident. The Florida Highway Patrol charged the driver of another car with causing the accident.
“At the time of the incident, I was working on instinct and adrenaline, said Haase. I’m just glad no one was hurt. This award from FASCO is truly an honor.”
In recognition of CPO Haase’s selfless act of bravery, he also received the rare Exceptional Valor Award from G4S on August 31, 2011.
The Russi Award was established to honor former Florida Division of Licensing Director John M. Russi, whose years of public service were exemplified by a continuous display of professionalism, integrity and courage. Director Russi’s contributions toward the professionalism of Florida’s Security Industry are widely recognized by all.
2011 FOUNDER’S AWARD RECIPIENT NAMED
PRESS RELEASE
DECEMBER 8 2011
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
We are proud today to announce the recipient of the first annual, Private Officer International, Founder’s Award.
Mr. Ken Kingman has been selected for his continual support of the association, personal efforts and dedication to the growth and overall mission of the Private Officer organization.
The 2011 award winner is married and the owner of a security company in Billings Montana, a prior law enforcement officer and fire chief.
Mr. Kingman is a Lifetime Member of POI and has recently been appointed the Montana State Director for the association.
Congratulations Ken and thank you for your positive attitude, forward thinking and all of the can do attitude that you have brought to Private Officer International!
ABOUT PRIVATE OFFICER: A membership based private security-law enforcement association headquartered in Atlanta Georgia USA. POI provides membership, networking, news services and products and services for the private security and public safety industry.
CONTACT INFO: Kyle T Greene- kyletgreene@privateofficer.com
Quantico civilian police officer receives purple heart www.privateofficer.com
QUANTICO, Va Dec 4 2011Michael Rivera, a civilian police officer at the Provost Marshal’s Office on Quantico Marine Corps base was awarded the Purple Heart by Col. Barry C. Neulen, the commanding officer of Security Battalion on Nov. 22 at the PMO.
In 2009 then-Gunnery Sgt. Rivera was wounded in combat while deployed to Afghanistan when a road-side bomb exploded.
“During the ball we all saw the message from the commandant and sergeant major of the Marine Corps talking about the Marine Corps and what it’s all about,” said Neulen. “Marines are saving lives and being heroes and I am proud to award one of those heroes. Rivera is a hero not only for what he did while he was in the Marine Corps but also what he does here. ”
“I have mixed emotions about receiving this award,” said Rivera. “It happened two years ago, and the medal is not for me. It’s for the Marine who died.”
The Los Angeles Times wrote about the explosion that killed Lance Cpl. Justin J. Swanson, 21. Swanson was born in Fountain Valley and was reared in Tustin, Buena Park, Corona and Anaheim.
“Swanson was killed Nov. 10, 2009, when a roadside bomb exploded beneath the Humvee he was driving in southern Afghanistan’s Helmand province, on the Pakistani border,” reads the article.
Three others, including Rivera, were injured. Swanson was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, and 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton.
After the ceremony, Rivera was concerned more about talking about Swanson than his own experience that day. The Los Angeles Times referred to Swanson as Rivera’s right-hand man.
“Rivera was a few feet away,” reads Los Angeles Times. “He saw a spurt of sand and dirt. He limped to the Humvee: his leg was fractured, though he only realized it later. In Rivera’s memory, the scene plays out in silence.”
Rivera spoke to Swanson’s mother a number of times, joking with her that her son would be the one bringing him home.
“When it came down to it,” said Rivera, “him not coming home, it was hard.”
Canadian casino security officer receives honor for aiding police www.privateofficer.com
Warni Fernando, 28, was feted by his employer, city officials and members of the Nanaimo RCMP detachment for going to the officer’s aid.
Fernando, who works at the casino, was presented with the company’s Chairman’s Award of Merit by its president, Rod Baker, for his actions on May 12.
RCMP Insp. Al O’Donnell said: “We really appreciate Warni’s intervention that evening.”
Source:www.timescolonist.com
Arizona security officer honored with award for saving a life www.privateofficer.com
Phoenix AZ July 2 2011 The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors honored a Tolleson security guard who saved a man’s life at the county’s transient resources campus in Phoenix.
Board members recently praised Officer Raymond Belmontes, 30, and gave him a plaque for his efforts May 25 when he helped revive Daniel Hill after he lost consciousness at the St. Vincent de Paul dining hall, which is part of the Human Services Campus in Phoenix. Other organizations on the campus include Central Arizona Shelter Services and Maricopa County Healthcare Clinic for the Homeless.
Belmontes and Benny Martinez were working security about 11 a.m. in the campus’ Lodestar Day Resource Center when they were called to the dining hall to help Hill, who had slumped over in his seat after an apparent drug overdose.
They helped Hill out of his chair onto the floor and started talking to him, but when Hill’s pulse and breathing stopped, Belmontes immediately began administering chest compressions.
He got a pulse back, but Hill still wasn’t breathing, so Belmontes continued the compressions, even after paramedics arrived. With the help of the paramedics, they revived Hill and he was taken to a hospital.
Belmontes, who started with Maricopa County on May 2, spoke with The Republic about the incident, how his experience on two tours in Iraq as a U.S. Army cavalry scout helped him stay calm, and about being recognized by the board.
Question: What were you thinking while you were doing the chest compressions?
Answer: “Just trying to get his pulse back, trying to keep pumping, pumping, pumping. I wasn’t really, it was just going from training – you just do it. You go step by step and you just do it. I have prior experience from the military from doing that and some other security jobs that I had previously to working for the county.”
Q: How did your military experience help you with this incident?
A: “Just going to Iraq and all the stress, being able to handle stressful situations, I think that just helped with something like this. You know, not to panic, you know, just do everything in order the way it’s supposed to be done and then hopefully everything prevails, and luckily in this case it did.”
Q: Hill came back later that day to thank you for saving his life. What was that like?
A: “It was surprising to see his face that fast out of the hospital. It was surprising that he was walking. I mean, there was no pulse at all when I checked him before I even started chest compressions. There was nothing. . . . He was wondering who saved his life and (said) that he was appreciative, and I just told him, you know, ‘You got a second chance, now make good use of it.’ . . . And actually later he looked a lot cleaner than he normally is. He still drinks a little bit of liquor but other than that he doesn’t look like he usually looks when he’s on his drugs and stuff.”
Q: Does that happen often, where you get to see what happens after you help somebody?
A: “No, you actually don’t. . . . Even when I was in Iraq . . . and you help a soldier out and then they get taken off and you never see if they’re OK, if they lose their leg or anything, you never see the conclusion of that, so it was a sight to see (seeing Hill afterward).”
Q: What did it feel like to save a life?
A: “It’s just something you do. It wasn’t part of the job; it was just a human trying to save another human. He looked dead, I’m not just going to let him lay there. So it’s kind of like natural instinct, human instinct, just to try to help out another human. Not really the job, but I’m pretty sure the training helped out. I wouldn’t have known what to do other than call 911.”
Q: What is it like working security at the Human Services Campus?
A: “It’s pretty interesting. It’s always fast-paced. We deal with medical issues almost every day, especially now that it’s getting hot. . . . We have predators here that come here and try to prey on (people) and sell them drugs and keep them down, and we try to find those individuals and . . . keep them away from campus and the people that need help.”
Q: How did it feel to be recognized by the Board of Supervisors?
A: “It was surprising, especially since I just started with the organization, and then to earn an award, I was like, ‘I was just doing my job.’ It was nice. It was a nice thing. I got awards before from the military, but . . . since I’ve been in a civilian workforce after getting out of the military, this is the first time I got an award outside of a military award, so it was a nice gesture.”
Source:www.azcentral.com
2011 SECURITY OFFICER AWARDS NOMINATIONS www.privateofficer.com
2011 PRIVATE SECURITY OFFICER AWARD NOMINATIONS
7TH ANNUAL AWARDS PROGRAM
SPONSORED BY PRIVATE OFFICER INTERNATIONAL
Nominations are now being taken for these categories:
ELIGIBILITY:
Nominations may be made for exceptional achievement in any security or private police endeavor, either on duty or off-duty, including self initiated cases, community policing, criminal investigation, extraordinary valor, excellent arrest or detention, progressive security techniques, meritorious service, enhancing or advancing private security through education, training or community services, and overall client safety awareness or programs.
Nominees may come from virtually any area of private security including proprietary departments, contract agencies, special or private police forces or other private protective services.
The time frame for eligibility extends from actions performed between April 1 2010 and April 1, 2011. Posthumous nominations are not eligible.
All officers in any country are eligible and nominees do not have to be a POI association member to be nominated. An agency or department may nominate more than one officer.
Endorsement: Nominations MUST have a signed endorsement from the agency head, supervisor or manager to be considered.
Self nominations will be allowed but must include supporting uch as reports, witness statements, media coverage or other materials acceptable to the commission.
Submissions: There is an application for submissions. Please complete the information as thoroughly as possible. Nominations should include a statement of the specific circumstances involving distinguished performance. Supplemental material such as departmental citations, letters of commendation, and newspaper clippings will be accepted. No videotapes or CDs, please. A 5″x7″ black and white, head and shoulders photo is requested, if available. Submissions will not be returned.
All nominations must received via email no later than April 23 2011.
Send them to Stephanie Kay-Operations Manager
stephaniek@privateofficer.com
2011 SECURITY OFFICER AWARDS NOMINATIONS www.privateofficer.com
2011 PRIVATE SECURITY OFFICER AWARD NOMINATIONS
7TH ANNUAL AWARDS PROGRAM
SPONSORED BY PRIVATE OFFICER INTERNATIONAL
Nominations are now being taken for these categories:
ELIGIBILITY:
Nominations may be made for exceptional achievement in any security or private police endeavor, either on duty or off-duty, including self initiated cases, community policing, criminal investigation, extraordinary valor, excellent arrest or detention, progressive security techniques, meritorious service, enhancing or advancing private security through education, training or community services, and overall client safety awareness or programs.
Nominees may come from virtually any area of private security including proprietary departments, contract agencies, special or private police forces or other private protective services.
The time frame for eligibility extends from actions performed between April 1 2010 and April 1, 2011. Posthumous nominations are not eligible.
All officers in any country are eligible and nominees do not have to be a POI association member to be nominated. An agency or department may nominate more than one officer.
Endorsement: Nominations MUST have a signed endorsement from the agency head, supervisor or manager to be considered.
Self nominations will be allowed but must include supporting uch as reports, witness statements, media coverage or other materials acceptable to the commission.
Submissions: There is an application for submissions. Please complete the information as thoroughly as possible. Nominations should include a statement of the specific circumstances involving distinguished performance. Supplemental material such as departmental citations, letters of commendation, and newspaper clippings will be accepted. No videotapes or CDs, please. A 5″x7″ black and white, head and shoulders photo is requested, if available. Submissions will not be returned.
All nominations must received via email no later than April 23 2011.
Send them to Stephanie Kay-Operations Manager
stephaniek@privateofficer.com
U.S. Social Security Administration security officer receives award www.privateofficer.com
DANVILLE, Va.Feb 19 2011 — An emotional morning in Danville as local heroes were honored for their bravery.
Security officer Jason Alsbaugh was stabbed at the Danville Social Security Office February 3.
Thursday, he and three others were recognized for how they hanled the crisis.
Michael Astrue, Commissioner of the U.S. Social Security Administration, visited Danville for a ceremony recognizing Alsbaugh and those who helped save his life. It was the first time the entire group was able to reunite since the day of the stabbing.
“I knew I was going to be ok,” Alsbaugh told News 7, recounting his initial thoughts after being attacked. “My greater concern was my secondary family here at the Social Security Administration.”
The stabbing happened near the entrance of the Social Security building. Alsbaugh says it happened so fast, he didn’t have time to think.
“Within a matter of seconds, I had been stabbed in the abdomen, in my hand, and in my head,” said Alsbaugh.
“I’ve never seen so much blood in my whole life,” said David Hyde, who was at the Social Security office that Thursday as a customer. He pulled the attacker off Alsbaugh while another man, Anthony Burtt, put the suspect on the ground.
“I flew into the guy with my elbow to the back of his head and knocked him unconscious,” said Burtt, who works at the Social Security office with Alsbaugh. His efforts left him injured, but he was still able to restrain the attacker.
“I reached around and choked him and told him to give me his left hand,” said Burtt. “He kind of lost consciousness again and when he did, I got him handcuffed.”
Another customer may be the one who saved Alsbaugh’s life. Pamela Anthony administered first aid until medics could arrive.
“I was shaking,” said Anthony. “My hands were shaking. I had to calm down and concentrate on what I needed to do.”
48-year-old Byron Clements of Gretna was later arrested for the stabbing.
Today, Alsbaugh isn’t mad at his alleged attacker – he’s defending him.
“You’ve got to understand, the gentleman is a nice guy,” said Alsbaugh. “Whatever was going through his mind at the time was very unfortunate.”
An unfortunate act that has brought co-workers together and left a group of four strangers with a bond they’ll have forever.
“I don’t feel like there’s any heroes in the deal at all,” said Burtt. “I feel like everybody just did what they needed to do.”
“Everybody that was in here got to go home that day and that was the most important thing to me,” said Alsbaugh.
Longwood School District security receive awards www.privateofficer.com
Middle Island NY Jan 8 2011 Once the Longwood School District security guards ensured that students were out of the high school safely after the last bell rang on Dec. 22, they filed into a conference room for a ceremony to honor three coworkers who had been chosen as the school’s first Security Guards of the Year.
Mike Tutunjian, Kenneth Schaal and Leticia Quintarilla, who haved all worked for the district for more than seven years, won the three awards given out among a team of 20 security guards.
High school principal Don Murphy said the three are consistently among the first to respond to radio calls, and have a talent for dealing with agitated students in difficult situations.
“How they talk to volatile students in the first moments of crisis situations is absolutely crucial,” he said. “They consistently treat them with dignity and respect. Our kids trust these guards.”
Ms. Quintarilla said she wasn’t surprised when fellow award winner Mr. Tutunjian’s name was called.
“That’s just the kind of guy he is,” she said.
At a celebration following the award ceremony, many showered the three security guards with congratulations and compliments, which they received humbly.
“It helps when you love coming to work every day,” Mr. Tutunjian said.
Mr. Schaal said he accepts his award on behalf of all of his fellow security guards. He said the students at Longwood make him look forward to going to work every day.
“You have to love kids,” he said.
Source:North Shore Sun
Heroic security officer injured trying to help crash victims www.privateofficer.com
He was on his way home to spend the holiday with his wife and five kids when he drove by the accident at I-275 Rt. 747 in Springdale. Being a security guard, Smith says his instincts told him to stop.
“If you drive by, then you’re left wondering: what if there was somebody in that car?” Smith said.
Seconds after pulling over, an on-coming Toyota Corolla slammed into the crashed car, clipping Smith’s lower left leg. He was transported to University Hospital where doctors inserted two titanium rods and four screws into his leg.
Smith says he’s lucky to be alive and thankful his kids won’t have to grow-up without a father, but now he’s facing his toughest challenge.
Smith provided the only income for his family, and doctors say it could take as long as six months before he can walk again and another six months before he return to work.
“I’ve lost all of my salary, and now we get into the litigation process. It’s going to be a matter of insurance companies fighting back and forth on who’s going to pay what, and what’s a fair price?” Smith said. “It’s going to be time before we see anything coming in.”
First Choice is in the process of creating a relief fund for Smith and his family. Once the fund is created, details on how to contribute will be posted at WCPO.com
L.A. County Security Officer Captures Felon www.privateofficer.com
Michael S. Butler, 44, was captured about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday by a security officer at a county Department of Public Social Services office in the 800 block of East Fourth Street, the sheriff’s department announced today.
The security officer recognized Butler from a wanted poster distributed by the U.S. Marshals Service, which had focused a search for Butler on a three- mile radius area of downtown Los Angeles that included Skid Row, according to the sheriff’s department.
Butler was walking through a metal detector at the office when the security officer recognized him and alerted nearby deputies and other security officers, who stopped Butler as he tried to run out the door.
Butler was considered an armed and dangerous fugitive, and the sheriff’s department described him as “a career criminal whose previous charges include lewd and lascivious acts with a child, sodomy, rape by force, numerous drug possession charges, firearms and other weapons charges, prostitution charges, and numerous parole violations.”
Butler was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department in 1995 on suspicion of felony lewd acts with a child. Police reports described a 15-year- old victim drugged and sodomized by Butler, who later admitted the
crime and was ordered to register for life as a high-risk sex offender.
During the recent search for Butler, the Marshals Service briefed multiple law enforcement agencies and private security firms in the downtown area, according to the sheriff’s department.
Butler was held tonight without bail in the Los Angeles County jail on a parole hold, as well as $1.18 million bail for failure to register as a sex offender, according to the sheriff’s department and inmate records.
Alert security officer help nab car thieves www.privateofficer.com
Daytona Beach Fla Sept 2 2010 Four men and a 17-year-old juvenile, all from Orlando, were arrested early today after a chase that started at an auto auction near Daytona Beach and ended in New Smyrna Beach.
Volusia County deputy sheriffs said the five were attempting to steal four cars from the Manheim Auto Auction at 1305 Indian Lake Road when a security officer spotted the cars moving around inside the secure compound.
Christopher Mason, 21, Darrius Lowe, 19, David Williams, 19, Tacordon Riggins, 18, and a 17-year-old who is not being identified because of his age all are accused of commercial burglary, criminal mischief and four counts of auto theft, Sheriff’s spokesman Brandon Haught said. Mason also faces a charge of violation of probation and Lowe was arrested on an Orange County warrant charging him with aggravated fleeting and eluding.
A security guard spotted a vehicle driving around compound shortly after 3 a.m. called her partner, Haught said. Then they spotted other vehicles on the move and called 911, he said.
Four vehicles, with a combined value of $80,000, lined up at the exit and the drivers revved the engines, apparently trying to get the guards to open the gate, Haught said. When the guard wouldn’t open the gate, they drove around the lot, apparently looking for another exit, Haught said.
One of the drivers crashed 2010 Maxima into a parked car before all of them abandoned the cars and hopped a fence.
Haught said Mason had waited outside in a car that belonged to his parents and he fled after the others got back to the car.
Deputies tried to stop the car, but it fled onto Interstate four, where other deputies used spiked sticks to deflate some of the tires. The driver still refused to stop and continued to the State Road 44 exit, where he went east toward Interstate 95.
Officers from the New Smyrna Beach Police Department used more spiked sticks on the car and it finally stopped, Haught said.
All five were taken into custody. Williams and the juvenile were treated at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach for cuts inflicted by razor wire when they climbed over the fence at the auto auction, Haught said.
Source:Orlando Sentinel
Sharon Centner presented 201 Ohio School Resource Officer award www.privateofficer.com
Medina OH Aug 6 2010 Sharon Centner, A Medina County Deputy Sheriff and Highland Schools Resource Officer, was recently honored with the 2010 Ohio School Resource Officer of the Year Award.
The award was presented June 29 at the Annual Ohio School Resource Officer’s Conference in Maumee, Ohio.
Highland Middle School Principal Jon Deuber nominated Centner because of her hard work.
He said, “Officer Centner has worked tirelessly with the entire school community to provide an excellent education centered around the DARE concepts. As the DARE and School Resource Officer, she spends time communicating with parents to keep them abreast of their child’s progress academically, socially and behaviorally. She has a strong working relationship with her community of learners.”
He added that she is always suggesting and them implementing program and activities for students. In a relatively rural district, the opportunity to participate in healthy, fun activities outside the school day is vital for children.
For example, he said, she has coordinated many after-school programs such as DARE Skate Night, DARE Bowling Night and a huge 5th grade DARE graduation night. Each of these on-going activities is well attended and eagerly anticipated by the students.
“Deputy Centner maintains a very visible presence in the school and the community,” said Deuber. “She chaperones many of our school activities, including dances, athletic contests and musical programs. Sharon also coordinates a two-hour parent meeting that touches on many aspects of adolescence image, peer pressure, academics, smoking and internet safety to help provide insight and assistance to parents when dealing their new teenagers. She truly takes the success of each student personally.”
Source:Cleveland.com
Detective, Court Security named officers of the year www.privateofficer.com
Source:SJ-R.com
A sheriff’s detective who is the department’s “go to guy” for property crimes was named the 2009 Deputy of the Year Wednesday.
Detective Rodney Vose, a 15-year veteran of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, received the award during an afternoon ceremony that also recognized the top court security officer, correctional officer and civilian employee. Several civilians were also singled out for their service.
“This is something we do every year to recognize the hard work the men and women of this department do,” Sheriff Neil Williamson said. “Times are getting rough. With threats of layoffs, it’s hard to keep morale up, but this is one thing we can do to say ‘Thank you’ and let them know they are doing a good job.”
Williamson said Vose worked on several residential burglaries in the eastern part of the county. Along with several other people, he eventually got guilty pleas in federal court.
“This hard-working deputy is an invaluable asset to the detective bureau and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office,” Williamson said.
Vose said it’s rewarding to recover people’s stolen property.
“(Solving these crimes) is very important because it’s people like you and I who go to work every day who come home to find their door kicked in,” Vose said. “They are working hard, but the guys going around doing this aren’t working. They are making a living off making our lives miserable.”
John Reynolds can be reached at 788-1524.
Other awards
*Correctional Officer of the Year: Brad Martin.
“He has a good attitude toward his job and responsibilities. His work ethic and ability to work with others is unparalleled,” Williamson said.
* Court Security Officer of the Year: Barb Krueger.
“In addition to her regular duties, (Krueger) also serves on the auxiliary and has recently stepped up to coordinate the honor guard. She does all of this with a smile and a willingness to help wherever needed,” Williamson said.
*Civilian Employee of the Year: Chris Wiedel.
“He somehow completes tasks in minutes that we have been told are impossible to do at all. He hasn’t been here long, but he’s made an indelible impression on each employee and the agency as a whole,” Williamson said.
*Citizen of the Year: Jack Caldwell of Williamsville.
Caldwell helped deputies catch two men who were attempting to sell stolen property at his antique mall. Caldwell gave authorities detailed information and even blocked their vehicle in his lot. The two men later admitted to local thefts and numerous crimes out of state, Williamson said.
*Citizens Award: Emergency Response Coalition.
The coalition is made up of union workers who are called out after disasters, such as tornadoes in Springfield, Loami and Williamsville.
Brad Schaive, business manager for Laborers’ International Union, Local 477, said the group can mobilize chain saw crews and equipment operators in an hour.
“It’s a huge honor for us. It’s not anything we expected. Anytime an organized labor organization and members get recognized for community service, it’s a big deal to us.”
Security officer captures armed murder suspect www.privateofficer.com
The shooting happened at Twin Oaks Villas Apartments at 4600 Twin Oaks Drive at about 9 p.m.
A security guard captured a suspect shortly after the shooting, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Shedrick Johnson said.
The identities of the victim and the suspect were not released Monday night.
The guard went to the area of the shooting after hearing about three gunshots, Johnson said.
“The suspect was still shooting at the victim,” he said. “(The guard) drew his gun and ordered the suspect to drop his.”
The gunman complied, Johnson said.
The guard, whose name was not released, held the gunman at the complex until deputies arrived, Johnson said.
“This guy is good,” Johnson said of the security guard. “He is one of the better security guards that I have ever come across.”
A .32-caliber gun believed to have been used by the suspect was recovered at the scene, Johnson said.
Whether the victim was armed was not immediately known.
“We haven’t moved the body,” Johnson said.
The motive for the shooting was not immediately clear, Johnson said.
“We don’t know what it’s all about,” he said. “It’s known what they were fighting for.”
Johnson said the complex is not known for having serious violent crime, like Monday night’s shooting.
Casino security officer rescues infant left in car www.privateofficer.com
RANCHO CORDOVA, CA April 17 2010
The family of a Rancho Cordova mother who is accused of leaving her 7-week-old daughter alone in a car at Thunder Valley Casino while she and her husband gambled inside said they were shocked by the alleged incident.
“She is not a bad kid. We are all very surprised,” Panfila Pho Phan’s father said. The man, who asked not to be identified, said his daughter and her husband Thuan Nguyen, both have college degrees and never smoke, drink or gamble, though the couple have been unemployed for a year.
“I’m speechless. I don’t know what to say,” said Phan’s sister, who described her sister’s alleged actions Thursday as a lapse in judgment. “I can’t believe it. It’s my own sister.”
Phan’s father, who speaks only Vietnamese, said the couple live in a duplex next door, but were not very close with their family. The man said he did not attend his daughter’s wedding and didn’t have any pictures of his infant granddaughter.
Phan and Nguyen, both 27, pleaded not guilty Friday to felony child endangerment charges. The couple have been accused of leaving theri baby girl in the casino parking garage in Lincoln for over two hours while they gambled Tuesday evening, according to Placer County sheriff’s deputies.
Meanwhile, the Thunder Valley casino security guard who forced open the couple’s car door to rescue the infant said he couldn’t have done it alone. Roberto Ramos believes the baby made an effort to get his attention.
Ramos, 46, was on a routine bicycle patrol of the casino’s parking structure when he noticed something odd about a tan 1995 Toyota Camry parked on the third level. Most of the vehicles were clustered near the elevators, but the Camry was off by itself surrounded by dozens of empty parking spaces.
Then he saw something even more suspicious. “There was a car seat in the back covered with a blanket,” Ramos explained. He got off his bike and shook the Camry, and that’s when he discovered the baby.
“I shook the vehicle and the baby pulled out her hand from under the blanket and then put it back,” Ramos said. “Thanks to the baby showing me her hand, I had to do something.”
Ramos called his dispatcher, who sent a paramedic. Together, they forced open the driver’s window and unlocked the doors. It was 7:20 p.m. Tuesday. Thunder Valley security waited for a Placer County sheriff’s deputy to arrive and then the casino paged the owners of the car.
Nguyen and Phan arrived at the parked car at 8:08 p.m. Casino surveillance video shows they arrived at 5:30 p.m., more than two-and-a-half hours earlier.
The couple remained held in the Placer County jail on $50,000 bail each. The baby was in protective custody.
Ramos is an immigrant from the Philippines and has worked at Thunder Valley for three years. He said discovery of the baby was the most important thing he had ever done, but insisted he didn’t do anything above and beyond his job description.
“Thanks to my training, I did the job I was supposed to do,” he said.
Tacoma court officer wins national award www.privateofficer.com
For the past decade, it’s been Terri Wallace’s job to protect judicial officials at the Tacoma Federal Courthouse.
And while she’s kept judges and other people safe, it’s what she did on her way home from work that has her receiving the Harry Belluomoni Court Security Officer of the Year Award.
Wallace received the award at a U.S. Marshals ceremony this week in Arlington, Va., but her story began five months ago during a traffic jam on the westbound span of the Narrows bridges.
During her commute home to Gig Harbor on Nov. 18, Wallace noticed westbound traffic slowing on the bridge. Then she saw an abandoned vehicle in the far right lane with no emergency lights to indicate a breakdown.
“Something’s not right,” she remembered thinking.
Wallace attempted to dial 9-1-1 only to get a call-failed message. At that time, she watched a woman climb over the bridge’s railing. Wallace sprung to action and grabbed the woman before she could jump.
For the next 20 minutes, Wallace and one other bystander held onto the woman while they battled the wind and weather. Emergency crews arrived within minutes, but Wallace and the other bystander had to hold onto the woman for the duration of the incident.
With her face smashed between the bars, Wallace used all of her might to hold onto the struggling woman’s arms. Because of her positioning, Wallace also was charged with placing a safety harness around the woman.
Once emergency crews took over and eventually removed the woman safely from the bridge, Wallace left the scene, still shaking from the experience.
“I did the fight — and then I’m gone,” she said.
Wallace’s husband, Rocky, recalled his wife coming home and collapsing with exhaustion.
One question Wallace often gets from her friends co-workers and friends is whether or not she has kept up with the woman. In this case, Wallace has not made contact with the woman since the incident and said she has no idea where she is today.
However, she does keep tabs on other people she’s run into during her decades of work in law enforcement. Wallace has gotten to know many of the people she’s arrested or mentored.
Wallace said she often chats with drug addicts with whom she worked undercover, and she goes out to lunch with former DARE students.
“With some situations, you do get emotionally involved,” she said.
While her actions have been called heroic and live-saving, Wallace said she was merely doing her job.
“I just don’t see it as anything special,” she said. “Any police officer would have done the same thing.”
Rocky begs to differ.
“There’s nothing like doing something that saves a life,” he said.
A life that likely would have been lost, had it not been for Wallace.
