“Security guards are unsung heroes who run to danger instead of away from it.

It takes a brave, selfless person to move in danger’s direction. To protect others before protecting themselves.

When danger arises, they are first on the scene – even before first responders.

Last May, one of our security professionals lost his life when a gunman opened fire in a supermarket in Buffalo, New York. He was a 30-year veteran of the Buffalo Police Department.

This weekend, one of our security professionals was tragically killed in the line of duty while protecting shoppers and employees in Allen, Texas. This young man suffered a senseless death in sacrifice to others.

All too often, the media reports negative stories about security guards as part of an agenda that I struggle to understand. They don’t report on the heroic actions of security guards. The lives saved. The plots thwarted. The crimes deterred.

In just the last few months, our security guards have administered life-saving medical aid, extinguished fires, foiled human trafficking, prevented suicides and removed firearms from public spaces.

Security guards aren’t perfect. They’re human like all of us. Focusing solely on their faults and flaws is unbalanced and is a disservice to the importance of public safety.

This is a call to reexamine how society views and portrays the millions of men and women who work every day to make the world safer.

To security guards reading this: There is no greater purpose than safeguarding customers, communities and people. You serve a great purpose. I’m proud of you. You are valued. Thank you.”

-- Steve Jones, Global Chairman and CEO, Allied Universal

About Allied Universal

The world’s leading security and facility services provider and trusted partner to more than 400 of the FORTUNE 500, Allied Universal® delivers unparalleled customer relationships, innovative solutions, cutting-edge smart technologies and tailored services that enable clients to focus on their core businesses. With operations in 96 countries, Allied Universal is the third-largest private employer in North America and seventh in the world. Annual revenue is approximately $20 billion. There is no greater purpose and responsibility than serving and safeguarding customers, communities and people. For more information, visit www.aus.com.

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