WARD SECURITY OFFICERS RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS SECURITY OFFICER OF DISTINCTION AWARD

Two of Ward Security’s Officers have been recognised for their exceptional work and individual acts of bravery at the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) Pacesetters industry awards.  Gordon Hewitt and James Gemell both received the highly coveted Security Officer of Distinction Award at an awards luncheon, which was held at Windsor Racecourse.  The event brought together some of the best manned security companies in the industry and the awards were presented by Rick Mounfield, Chief Executive of the Security Institute.

This the second Award these two officers have received this year for their exemplary actions, having been recognised at the annual Ward Security Star Employee Awards, which took place earlier this year.

Gordon and James were recognised for actions that took place during 2017 while at work on the Central Retail Park.  Both officers were on site when approached by two female care workers who were searching for some teenage boys who had absconded from a local care home.  The vulnerable boys had fallen into the company of some homeless men who supplied the minors with alcohol within the grounds of Central Retail Park. The homeless men became aggressive and threatening towards the two female care workers and would not allow them to take the boys away.

Gordon and James intervened, called the Police and attempted to assist the ladies. Before the Police had arrived, Gordon and James had diffused the situation with effective communication and conflict resolution skills, amicably escorted the homeless men off site and assisted the Care Staff in getting the boys off site and back into care. Minutes later, the two homeless men became involved in another incident just off site. They were subsequently arrested by the Police and found to be in possession of bladed weapons.  Gordon and James’s actions avoided what could have potentially been a very serious incident.

Kevin Ward, Managing Director of Ward Security said “We are immensely proud of Gordon and James and it is fitting that they have both been recognised and received these prestigious awards.  While both of these security officers have already been acknowledged internally receiving awards at our annual Star Employee Awards evening, it is even more gratifying to have them receive an external award.  It is important that our industry recognises the good work of security officers who are very often the first responders to criminal incidents and the people that the general public turn to when they need help.  We pride ourselves in going above and beyond the call of duty wherever possible and the actions of our two officers here are exceptional and avoided what could have turned into a very serious situation.  Congratulations to them both.”