Featured Security Officers

“I just wanted to pass on my sincere appreciation for the manner in which U.S. Security Associates personnel performed during the severe weather we just encountered from Hurricane Ivan.”

Currently Featured Officers

	Flooding in Cedar Rapids Posted 10/3/2008 June 9, 2008 – T he Cedar Rapids area was preparing for a potentially disastrous flood from the Cedar River. Cities upstream were already experiencing high flood waters. The last major flood experienced was in 1929 . Unfortunately, now water levels reached 12 feet higher than the previous record set in 1929. Ironically, the Quaker Foods plant flooded both times. In the days preceding the flood, U.S. Security Associates Officers assisted the Quaker Foods Maintenance Staff hauling items to safety and moving cars away from the construction area. The team worked feverishly using dirt and rocks to help build the Cedar River dike up to a height of 26 feet. The Cedar River crested on Thursday June 12th and flooded the entire Quaker Foods building. Wading through three feet of moving water, Sergeant Wallace and Officers Cole and McPoland vacated the building to safety. An inspection of the facility three days later revealed the river water had actually entered the second floor and destroyed the Security Office. The other portions of the twenty seven acres of building also suffered similar damage. USA’s Officers worked round the clock out of their personal vehicles protecting the site. U.S. Security Staff from nearby Rockwell Collins provided support as well. Working out of a temporary office, the officers worked closely with the Quaker personnel with various tasks such as directing traffic, controlling over 500 daily laborers, and even putting together emergency generators. Quaker Foods is pleased with U.S. Security Associates contributions. This successful team was led by Sergeants Wallace and Jennings. The facility expects to return to 100% operation by November. Though the reconstruction costs are significant, the plant has decided to remain open. The security team operates out of a temporary trailer located on site. They continue to provide support to the Quaker Staff, conduct all of their contractual duties, and man all entrances and exits. On any given day, the plant is managing 300-450 contractors working on the plants reconstruction. Great Job by the U.S. Security Associates Staff at this site!
	Officer Josh Isham Honored Posted 10/3/2008 May 17, 2008 – Family, friends, and members of the Elks Lodge #477 gathered for the Antlered Guard Regiment Annual Black and White Ball. USA Officer Joshua Isham, who served our country in Korea from 1950—1957, is a 50 year member of the Elks, serving in both Phoenix, AZ and in Las Vegas. While in Las Vegas, Isham became the first black food and catering manager at the Stardust Hotel and the first black Captain in a major showroom on the Las Vegas Strip. During his tenure in the Elks and Antlered Guard, Isham was awarded the coveted Beverly Award (the highest award you can receive in Elkdom). He has also been titled Past Grand Lodge Exalted Ruler, Grand Inspector (Emeritus) General. He is especially proud of the positions he’s held; Cadet LT in Police Dept. at Dunbar Elementary School, Cadet Major in ROTC at Carver High School. He states”My main objective in being with the Antlered Guard is working with the youth, training drill teams and teaching military courtesy.” After receiving the plaque presented by Elk Commander Ward, Isham acknowledged those that have helped him on the way; particularly his son, daughters, and wife Blanche, of 57 years. Joshua Isham has been employed with Advance Security since Feb. 14, 2000. His duties include Access Control, CCTV Monitoring, Foot and Motorized Patrols. Joshua is the “Lead day shift” officer at the JP Morgan Chase Sky Harbor Operations Center (SHOC).
	One Energy Plaza "Upgrades" Posted 10/3/2008 March 18, 2008 – Earlier this year, One Energy Plaza was searching for the best possible security company . U.S. Security Associates, which operates under the name “Advance Security,” was chosen for One Energy Plaza and other company buildings. Plaza Corporate Security considers it an upgrade. “There are no signs of any changes as far as our day-to-day operations,” said Michael Williams, Director of Corporate Security. While the Energy Plaza customers may not notice the change, the same smiling officers are greeting employees in different uniforms. Procedurally, the job responsibilities did not alter—just the provider name on their uniforms and on the patrol vehicle. As Director of Corporate Security, Michael Williams believes the security change will benefit all employees, companywide. “The company has a very strong training program," he said. “They are also very good at overseeing more security drills and exercises for the officers.” Changing to Advance Security Associates affects not only One Energy Plaza, but Parnall, and other company generating plants. Bob Trowbridge, Quality Assurance and Compliance Program Manger, states the importance of keeping the current security officers on board, though the security provider changed. “We know our security officers are the best,” Trowbridge said. “It was not about the money. We went with the firm that had the better programs.” After the existing security contract, Corporate Security staff evaluated eight different security vendors in an effort to find the best program. Starting over with a new firm can sometimes be loaded with snags. “A lot of these transitions come with cutbacks on employees’ salaries and minimizing health benefits,” he said. “We weren’t going to let that happen.” Despite the security provider change, security officers remain dedicated. “To them, they are members of the utility’s security team and not just contractors,” he said. One Energy Plaza values the Advance Security team, and the services we provide. Here’s to a long and prosperous relationship between Advance Security and One Energy Plaza!
	Security Officer Jeff Johnson Aids Injured Man and Holds Suspects at Bay Posted 5/1/2008 January 13, 2008 – Denver, CO – Security Officer Jeff Johnson prevented further injury and even possible death to an unidentified man. Johnson also prevented potential property damage at the KCNC TV – CBS Channel 14 facility. While manning the front desk in the lobby of the KCNC facility Officer Johnson observed an unidentified Asian male run into the covered parking area. Johnson immediately ran after the man to investigate. It was at that point he discovered the man sitting on the ground positioned between two station vehicles. A closer look revealed that the man had sustained injuries to his face, forehead, arms and hands. Once the man became aware of Johnson’s presence he asked him to hide him and stated that several men were trying to shoot him. Officer Johnson asked the man to remain where he was and went to call 911. While on the phone with the Denver Police Department, Johnson observed nine Asian males heading toward the covered parking area. He then exited the building and positioned himself between the men and the parking area to prevent them from proceeding into the lot. He then asked the men if he could assist them. Initially the men did not respond to Officer Johnson, instead they continued looking around as if in search of someone. He also advised the group that they were on private property. Johnson asked the men a second time if he could assist them and advised them again they were on private property. After a brief hesitation the men left. Officer Johnson remained with the man until paramedics arrived. The man was treated and transported to the hospital for treatment.
	Security Officers Stop Cluck Cluck Capers Posted 5/1/2008 December, 2 nd 2007 – Perry, GA – Officers Warren Sodan and Kathy Lee prevented several thousands of dollars of product from being stolen when they recovered 82 cases of “ready to sell” chicken at the Perdue Packaging Plant in Perry, Georgia. While patrolling, Officer Sodan noticed a full pallet of “ready to sell” chicken cases sitting in the loading lot. Also nearby, in a poorly lit area, he noticed two vans parked in a non parking area of the lot. Sodan was unable to radio for back up due to his radio malfunctioning, therefore he walked to the guard shack and informed shift supervisor, Kathy Lee, of what he observed. The two officers then arrived back at the scene, where they discovered the pallet was missing. They then walked to the vans parked in the dimly lit area and discovered that several cases of chicken had been loaded into the vehicles. It seems as though the presence of the officers scared the thieves away in the middle of their act. One of the officers called Site Manager, Jeff Connors. Connors advised the officers to call the Houston County Sheriff’s Department and told them that he was in route to the site. Approximately half an hour later Deputy Zimmerman and Deputy Phillips arrived on the scene Upon running the plates the deputies discovered the identity of the vehicles owners’. One of the vans, a green Chevrolet Venture is registered to a company that picks up and drops off plant employees. The other vehicle, a maroon Chevrolet Conversion Van, is registered to a Macon citizen and is driven daily by a plant employee. Once Plant Safety Manager, Bill Flynn, arrived and spoke with Connors and both deputies, pictures were taken. At that time 13 cases were removed from the Venture and 38 cases were removed from the Conversion Van. The officers discovered another pallet of 31 cases nearby. Pictures were taken of that pallet as well. Neither of the vehicles’ drivers could be located but their names were noted. The names of other associates who may have been involved, directly or indirectly, were also noted. U.S. Security Associates, plant management and local authorities worked closely to identify and track down the suspects. The suspects were positively identified as plant employees. Police apprehended the suspects and turned them over to the District Attorney’s Office for pending charges.

Previously Featured Security Officers

Security Officer Reel Prevents Further Injury
Posted 12/28/2006

Dayton Ohio, September 22, 2006—Security Officer Shawn Reel prevented a woman from sustaining further injuries due to an ulcerated varicose vein.

The lady and her husband were getting on a parking garage elevator in Kettering tower when Officer Reel noticed she was bleeding.

When Officer Reel approached the lady she was unaware that she was bleeding

Although she stated that she was okay, Officer Reel asked the lady to sit down so they could discover the source of her bleeding.

Once he found that she was bleeding profusely from her leg, Officer Reel contacted his supervisor, Charles Melson, and retrieved the first aid kit from the reception desk.

Reel asked that 911 be called and preceded to elevate the lady’s leg and put pressure on wound to stop the bleeding.

Soon the medical technicians arrived and escorted the lady to the hospital.

Later it was discovered that the lady had a ruptured, ulcerated varicose vein.

Because of his quick response and actions, Officer Shawn was awarded a Meritorious Service award as well as a monetary award from the Dayton branch office. Congratulations Shawn!

--Tim Reed

Security Officer McDowell Aids in Capture of Suspect
Posted 11/29/2006

October 29, 2006 – Joplin MO, Officer Clay McDowell aided in the capture of a suspect while on duty at the client site, Construction Freight, Inc.

Officer McDowell was conducting his patrol and watching the client property when he observed a man attempting to enter the property through a gate.

The man’s attempts to enter the property were fruitless; therefore he went across the street and entered the adjacent Crossland Construction site, where he was trespassing.

Meanwhile, Officer McDowell turned the video camera to the suspect, followed him to the adjacent property and watched as the man climbed into a crane.

McDowell called the Joplin Police Department and told them about the suspect and where to find him.

When the police arrived they found the suspect in the crane and apprehended him.

Because of his actions he received a Certificate of Commendation from U.S. Security Associates, a placard and a letter of appreciation from Construction Freight Inc, as well as a gift certificate for Lowe’s Home Improvement from Crossland Construction.

Congratulations Officer McDowell!

Trevor Rasmussen - Dallas, TX
Posted 6/12/2006

Supervisor Trevor Rasmussen is the site supervisor at the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control out of Branch 310 in Dallas, Texas. He improves service and quality by developing detailed site procedures for officers and devotes many hours to working with his officers and the customer to provide top notch service. Administrative Assistant Chiquita Bolden said, “His officers actually look forward and are eager to work for and with Trevor…He takes the new officers and turns them into professional leaders.”

Officer Rasmussen’s extra efforts in training, customer relationship, and facility security have assisted Lockheed Martin MFC Dallas in achieving a “Superior” rating for the Department of Defense Auditors twice, which is the highest possible rating. He took it upon himself to become a certified HAZMAT trainer, and he has been asked by Lockheed Martin to assist in other USA job starts, such as the El Paso LM start.

Rasmussen’s leadership is proven from the accomplishments of his officers. There has been a measurable reduction in crime around the LM MFC site and the surrounding community because he has three patrol vehicles on the local streets at all times. Over twenty weapons have been discovered and prevented from entering the site, and there have been several access rejections due to forged or stolen ID’s by people trying to enter the site. There have been multiple successful medical responses, one in which resulted in a life saving award.

General Manager Thomas Thompson said, “Trevor exhibits an intense interest in his site and is always willing to go that extra mile to achieve excellence.”

El Paso Security Officer Award
Posted 11/22/2005

Amanda Fuentes was awarded security officer of the month for the El Paso, Texas branch. Amanda's dedication to her job and her client won her this award. We appreciate everything that she and our many dedicated security officers do for our clients.

Robert Luna - San Antonio
Posted 06/12/2006

Supervisor Robert Luna from San Antonio, Texas Branch 316 is extremely committed to his site; one would have to be to consistently maintain daily supervision of over 3600 weekly hours for the past two years. His dedication to the details of the business and unselfish commitment to the client and other officers is the major factor in San Antonio’s success of maintaining monthly increases in revenue of 35% and annual profits of almost 8%.

Officer Luna works extremely hard to improve the service by taking daily requests from the client. From 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., even while at home and off duty, he redirects and repositions coverage for all the last minute client personnel needs.

Branch Manager Jim Austgen said, “[Officer Luna] has built a mountain of trust from our clients, and they trust his judgment and control of their needs.” He has maintained a tight control of scheduled overtime and payroll and has provided a balanced act to satisfy all aspects of the business. Through Luna’s team leadership, San Antonio has attained the Client Service Excellence Award four times in the past two years and continues to maintain revenue increase of 25% to 32% on a regular basis.

Austgen continued by saying, “Robert sets a personal example of dedication to his assignment for all of his personnel to follow…His skills of leadership and trustworthiness have sustained our clients confidence in that they chose the right security company to transfer the responsibility of maintaining security forces that are responsive and reliable in all phases of their daily security requirements.”

Larry Overby Receives National Recognition
Posted 06/10/2005

Wake Tech’s contracted security manager Larry Overby recently received national recognition as Supervisor of the Year from his company, U.S. Security Associates Inc. To attain this distinction, Overby competed against approximately 2,000 supervisors across the United States.

The on-site supervisor of U.S. Security Associates personnel at Wake Tech since October 2003, Larry works closely with Wake Tech Security Manager Steve Gregory and Assistant Security Manager Denis Winters, who recommended him for the award. Steve cited leadership, a sense of professional pride, dedication, integrity and expertise as important qualities that have led to improvements in the college’s security operations. “He has earned the respect of everyone at Wake Tech,” Steve says.

During the past three years, the crime statistics submitted by Wake Tech to the U.S. Department of Education were “zero” for violent reportable categories. U.S. Security Associates President Charles Schneider says that this is an amazing accomplishment for the college and for those who work to provide security.

Larry, a retired captain of the N.C. State Highway Patrol and a retired master sergeant from the N.C. National Guard, says Wake Tech is an excellent place to work, with a great atmosphere and great people. Overby says that a supervisor is only as good as the people he works with. He credits receiving this award to the officers and people working with him. (article used with permission, News and Views, April 21, 2005, Wake Technical Community College)

Dallas Team Receives The Highest Possible Rating
Posted 05/26/2005

During a week-long team review, DSS looked at every aspect of the security program at Dallas, including interviews with employees to ascertain their level of security awareness.

DSS Team Chief Bob Corlett was especially impressed with the degree of knowledge and awareness employees demonstrated. "Last year you were good," he said, noting the continuous improvements in the security program. "This year you are even better."

At the conclusion of their review of a contractor facility security program, DSS awards one of five possible ratings. The highest rating, Superior, is reserved for those programs that are clearly above and beyond others in facilities of like size and complexity.

The following employees were commended as being especially security conscious:

Kenneth Havens –
security knowledge and understanding
Jerry Hatcher –
security procedures within the Reproduction Center
Toni Medina –
ensuring badge procedures are followed
Richard Browning Jr. -
ensuring badge procedures are followed
George McNutt –
excellence in ensuring compliance with export restrictions on the MEADS program.

The entire MFC Security team extends its thanks to all Dallas employees for helping achieve this noteworthy accomplishment.

Martin Legger, SEBU VP Operations, US Security
Jeff Arko, Atlanta 190 Branch Manager, US Security; Felton Cox, Security Officer receiving award.; Velton Bowie, SunTrust Bank Project Manager, US Security; Lee Lantzy, Security Manager, VP SunTrust Bank; Rodney Howard. Chief Investigator, SunTrust Bank Security

Atlanta Officer Catches Bank Robbery Suspect Posted 04/19/2005

After receiving the emergency notification from the SunTrust Bank Operations Center located in Orlando, Florida that a robbery was occurring at the main branch of SunTrust Bank, located at 25 Park Place, Atlanta, GA, officer Cox immediately proceeded to investigate. After identifying a male suspect fitting the description as provided, officer Cox took the appropriate actions as trained. Officer Cox followed the suspect just outside the lobby entrance, and when the dye pack which the suspect had concealed on his person exploded, he summoned the assistance of Corrections Officer K. Daniels. Together they placed the suspect under arrest, and recovered the money taken in the robbery. The suspect was turned over to the F.B.I. for transport and initial appearance, before a Federal Magistrate.

Officer Cox's actions and attention to detail led to the arrest of the suspect without placing himself or others in any imminent danger. The training and professionalism displayed were indicative of the high standards and resourcefulness officers assigned to the SunTrust account are routinely expected to perform.

Texas Security Officer Of The Month
Posted 03/21/2005

On March 15, 2005, the El Paso Branch awarded Security Officer of the Month honors for March to Maria Gardea for outstanding performance during the Month of February, 2005. Ms. Gardea is currently assigned to Western Refining in El Paso. The award was presented by Todd Warren the Branch Manager and Joe Batten site supervisor for Western Refining. Also in attendance was the Regional Sales Manager Paul Santana and the client representative Mr. Larry Whipple. Ms. Gardea was given a Certificate of Achievement and a check for $100. The award ceremony also included a three year service pin to security officer Jose Vela and an Outstanding Service Certificate awarded to SGT Kirk Smith. After the ceremony, Maria Gardea, Todd Warren and Joe Batten were treated to lunch by Mr. Paul Santana in recognition of her achievement.

HEB-Texas Officers Of The Year
Posted 02/03/2005

The H E B Grocery Company (Howard E. Butt) is a family owned retail grocery company that was started in Kerrville, Texas. During 2005, HEB will be celebrating their 100th anniversary. As recognition of the security officer's service, HEB sponsored the Officer Of The Year award, giving special tribute to the distinguished efforts of officers that have clearly demonstrated their dedication to the assignment at HEB.

The First Annual Awards were provided to three (3) Officers for their Outstanding performances:
First Place and a $500.00 award, was given to Officer Phillip Cooper, from the Austin, Texas Branch for deterring an armed robbery, at an HEB Retail Store, that lead to the arrest of two suspects.
Second Place and a $300.00 award, was provided to Officer Raymond Williams of the San Antonio, Texas Branch for identifying an unauthorized person to a Visitors Center. Officer Williams action lead to the revamping of the Visitors Pass Processing program.

Third Place and a $200.00 prize, was awarded to Officer Clayton Castner of Waco, Texas for his distinguish leadership in providing security services to three HEB Retail facilities. Officer Castner has set the standard for an outstanding Client/Vendor Partnership in Security.

Officer Rescues Abandoned Newborn
Posted 12/27/2004

In the early morning hours of October 10, 2004, Security Officer James Maldonado displayed outstanding judgment and a high degree of courage when responding to a passer-by who said she heard a cat in labor. Although the woman appeared in an altered mental state, Officer Maldonado went off into the darkness to investigate and found a book bag containing a newborn human baby. Officer Maldonado picked up the bag and ran to the hospital's emergency room. Officer Maldonado's actions reflected great credit upon himself and the hospital and were in keeping with the highest traditions of U.S. Security Associates.