The 10 Winners of the ACS Pacesetters ‘Security Officer of Distinction’ were presented with their awards by Mr Bill Butler, CEO of the Security Industry Authority, at the ACS Pacesetters Achievement Awards lunch on Wednesday, 4th June.
The Security Officers were recommended by the clients for whom they work, endorsed by the contract company and ultimately selected by the main sponsors of the event.
h3. Sophie Cooke – Axis Security
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h4. Nominated by David Rasburn – Woking Shopping Centre
Sophie has worked as part of the security team for 8 years and has assisted in several serious incidents including life-saving first aid to a boy hit by a vehicle and a suicide attempt. The client commented ‘Sophie is an absolute asset to the team at Woking Shopping Centre. Her attitude and commitment cannot be faulted and she is always on hand to help’.
h3. Paul Hodgson – Equinox Security Management
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h4. Nominated by Mark Hayward – Cambridge Assessment
Paul has been at the site since 2005. He always presents a ‘can do’ attitude and has the ability and professionalism to deal with all types of security issues, making him a credit to both his profession and his company.
h3. Muhammad Butt – Interr Security
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h4. Nominated by: Smyths Toys
Muhammad is employed in a retail environment and during 2013 managed to stop and recover approximately £7,000 worth of goods. He also challenged offenders in the car park in December of that year which resulted in him being faced with a hand gun, but he still managed to pass details of the vehicle and occupants to the Police.
h3. Stuart House – Kingdom
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h4. Nominated by James Small – Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Stuart commenced at Freshfields in 1995, 14 years after Whitehall Security (now Kingdom) first acquired the contract. The success of the contract, now in its 33rd year, is largely due to the professionalism of Stuart who is an excellent leader and motivator of his team of 38 Security Officers.
h3. Stephen Newall – Oakpark Security
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h4. Nominated by Ian Ballham – Colchester Borough Council
Stephen has held a number of positions within Oakpark Security, most recently a police-accredited enforcement role supporting the local authority in keeping the public parks safe. His professional and friendly approach to his duties has seen a marked decline in the number of alcohol, drugs and nuisance related incidents in the park.
h3. Nicholas Jansen – Shield Security Services
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h4. Nominated by Martin Ford – Vertu Corporation
Nick has been at the site for 3 years during which time he has overseen the transformation of the security regime through his personal commitment. He has introduced cost saving initiatives for the company as well as encouraging personal development within the security team. Nick has also recently been awarded a professional diploma in security management.
h3. Christopher Lowe – Sodexo
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h4. Nominated by Dave Neil – Unilever UK
Chris commenced employment with Sodexo as a cleaning operative, but as a SIA licence holder he volunteered to transfer to the security team at a day’s notice when cover was urgently required. He changed his working pattern and took on additional training and responsibilities with a minimum of fuss, all whilst his partner was seriously ill. The client has commented that Chris is a credit to himself, his family, Sodexo and Unilever UK.
h3. Dumitru Didu – TSS
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h4. Nominated by Novus Leisure
Danny has been with TSS Security for 11 years, the majority of his time at one of London’s busiest clubs in Leicester Square. Danny has received numerous commendations from the local police varying from crime reduction to assisting the Police with arresting a violent suspect and is recommended as a role model for others to follow.
h3. Douglas Johnson – Ward Security
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h4. Nominated by: Nick Wetherill – MJ Mapp
Nick Wetherill says ‘When MJ Mapp commenced the management of 95 The Promenade, it soon became clear that Doug was the only asset that came with it. He has always been dependable and will be happy to go the extra mile. Doug has the ability to keep the tenants onside and will never hesitate to contact me should there be any problems in the property. A very conscientious security guard who genuinely cares about carrying out his day to day duties.
h3. John Taylor – Wilson James
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h4. Nominated by Dennis Ahern – Tate Britain
John has been part of the Tate team for 30 years during which time he has been responsible for a team of 11 staff. In January this year he found that one of his own staff had collapsed and was unable to breathe. John performed CPR until the ambulance staff arrived and was commended for his actions as it unlikely his colleague would have survived without his early assistance.