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“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.”
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Currently Featured Officers |
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Sushma Bhutani Selected as Verizon Security Supervisor of the Year
Posted 5/1/2008
January 23, 2008 – Ashburn, VA – Sushma Bhutani, U.S. Security Associates’, Verizon Project Manager, was selected as the Supervisor of the Year by members of the Verizon Guard Services Center (GSC).
Supervisor Sushma was selected from the 2007 monthly winners of the Verizon Supervisor Outstanding Performance Award (SOPA).
Sushma efficiently ensured adequate security coverage in a period when guard service hours were reduced.
According to Gene Verdino, Manager-Verizon Security, “Ms. Bhutani proactively provides outstanding hands-on training to her officers. She is always available to respond to emergencies and Verizon employee requirements.”
The selection process was not easy for the GSC members because each of the monthly winners had “terrific job performance credentials”.
Sushma has received a $500.00 check in connection with the award.
Congratulations Sushma and thanks for the hard work!
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Josh Blackwell Receives Verizon Supervisor Outstanding Performance Award
Posted 5/1/2008
July 2007 – Colorado Springs, CO – Site Supervisor Joshua Blackwell received a Verizon Supervisor Outstanding Performance Award (SOPA).
February 2008 – The Verizon Security Guard Service Center (GSC) received two separate letters from Verizon employees commending Blackwell’s performance.
Jack Berman of Verizon Hardware Management remarked, “He is both personal and professional in his duties...Joshua us a very valuable asset to Verizon”.
Marilyn Thompson, Verizon Senior Manager – Human Resources wrote, “…He is always pleasant, attentive and alert to what is going on around him…He is also always professional…Josh is a great representative for Verizon and hope we keep him around for a long time-good people are hard to find…”.
Additionally, another Verizon employee, Rose Ann Diluzo commented that there has been a noticeable improvement in guard service and security” since his arrival on the job two years ago.
Sources say Joshua is being considered for a second SOPA.
Congratulations Joshua!!!!
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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.
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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. |
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Previously Featured Security
Officers
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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
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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! |
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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.”
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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. |
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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.” |

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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) |

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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. |

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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.
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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. |

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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. |

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