The passing of Anita Ostrowski, Vector Security

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It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the sudden passing of long time TMA member and revered volunteer leader Anita Ostrowski, vice president of Central Station Services for Vector Security. Anita died suddenly on Sunday, January 7th. At the time of her death, Anita served as the chair of TMA’s UL Committee and co-chair of the Monitoring Center Notification of Active Threat Detection (TMA-ATN-01) Standards Committee.

“Anita was not only an exceptional and highly valued volunteer within TMA, but she was also an extraordinary human being. Time and time again, I witnessed her openly and generously sharing her knowledge and experience with other monitoring center professionals while speaking and mentoring,” commented TMA CEO Celia T. Besore. “Her contributions to TMA education, standards, and the ASAP-to-PSAP program are immeasurable.”      

She joined the Vector Security team in 1985. In her nearly 40-year tenue at the company, she was dedicated to managing its award-winning monitoring center’s services. Her commitment to excellence won her two distinct honors from TMA. In 2008, TMA and SDM magazine presented her with the Monitoring Center Manager of the Year Excellence Award. TMA’s Immediate Past President Morgan Hertel honored Anita’s outstanding contributions to TMA standards and the ASAP-to-PSAP program with one of its highest awards in 2022 – the Mel Mahler Award.

Over the course of her career, Anita was deeply committed to alarm industry standards and actively participated in TMA’s development of ANSI accredited standards. As the chair for TMA’s UL Standards Committee, she worked with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to update and adapt the standards to meet changing technologies. She also worked on the development of work-from-home requirements for monitoring center operators during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure the integrity of professional monitoring, as well as sharing with the industry best practices that Vector had developed at the beginning of the pandemic. More recently, Anita participated in the development of TMA’s groundbreaking Alarm Validation Scoring standard (ANSI-TMA-AVS-01), which was released in January 2022.

In addition, Anita was also instrumental in the original development of TMA’s Operator Level 1 and Level 2, which has evolved into the gold standard for training monitoring center operators. She was a key member of the first TMA licensing group and a speaker at many TMA and industry conferences. She played an integral role in the implementation of the ASAP-to-PSAP standard across 911 centers from the very beginning.

The TMA Board of Directors, volunteer leadership, and staff join with the Vector Security family, our members, and many others across the security industry in mourning her loss.

Photo: (l to r) Pam Petrow, president and CEO, Vector Security; Anita Ostrowski; Celia T. Besore, CEO, TMA, at the 2022 TMA Annual Meeting where Anita was presented with the 2022 Mel Mahler Award  for her work in TMA standards and the ASAP-to-PSAP program. 

Vector Security and Security Industry Mourn the Passing of Anita Ostrowski

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Vector Security announced today, the passing of Anita Ostrowski. Anita was the company’s vice president of Central Station Services, having joined the company in 1985. For the past 39 years, Anita had been dedicated to managing the award-winning central station services at Vector Security and has been a trusted ally to the security industry.

Anita recently was the recipient of the Mel Mahler Award from The Monitoring Association (TMA), one of the highest honors given by TMA at the discretion of its president in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Association.

Anita has also been recognized for her leadership in helping to develop alarm monitoring industry standards. As the chair for TMA’s UL 217 Standards Committee, she worked with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to update and adapt the standards to meet changing technologies. She also led the development of work-from-home requirements for central station operators during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure the integrity of professional monitoring. In addition, Anita has been a participant in the Alarm Validation Scoring (AVS-01) standard as well as implementation of the ASAP to PSAP standard across 911 centers. She was also recognized by CSAA with their Excellence Award for Central Station Manager of the year in 2008.

Pam Petrow, Vector CEO, stated “Anita was an integral part of the Vector Security team.  She was passionate about the people and the work done in Central Stations and worked her entire career to improve awareness, processes and service delivery for this vital part of our business.  She will be deeply missed.”

Justin Osborne to Serve the Southeast as New Regional Sales Manager

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DMP is pleased to welcome Justin Osborne to DMP as the Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast region. He will provide ongoing service and support to DMP’s dealers across Georgia, South Carolina and the Florida Panhandle.

Before joining DMP, Osborne worked in a similar capacity in security manufacturing sales. He has spent the past six years providing service and support to security dealers throughout the East Coast. His focus has been to increase dealers’ success by helping them become more operational, efficient and increase their sales volume with additional RMR.

“I joined DMP because I want to make an impact for a company that is highly respected in the security industry,” said Osborne. “I have always heard great things about DMP from others in the industry as well as the dealers that have chosen DMP to be their manufacturing partner. I also feel that the company culture and values closely align with mine. My goal is to provide the support and expertise needed to help dealers succeed at the highest level. I’m eager to work alongside the best security dealers in the industry.”

Osborne brings valuable experience and skills to his new role that makes him well-prepared to serve DMP dealers.

Contact Information:
Justin Osborne | Regional Sales Manager, Southeast
Direct Cell: (417) 849-8135
Email: JOsborne@DMP.com

Creenan, Amherst Alarm, Elected Security Industry Alarm Coalition Chairman

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Tim Creenan, founder and Vice President of Amherst Alarm and a long-time leader in the field of electronic security, has been elected chairman of the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC).

SIAC is comprised of four major North American security associations–Canadian Security Association (CANASA), Security Industry Association (SIA), The Monitoring Association (TMA), and the Electronic Security Association (ESA). Tim serves as the ESA representative on the board.

SIAC represents one voice for the electronic security industry on alarm management issues by communicating solutions and enhancing relationships with law enforcement.

“Tim’s unanimous selection reflects his commitment to SIAC’s mission and breadth of experience and leadership in our industry,” said outgoing chairman Kirk MacDowell.  “As treasurer, Tim demonstrated exceptional leadership as the finance chair steering the financial ship with precision and securing a solid foundation for the future.”

“Working with Kirk and our other board members has been a privilege,” said Creenan. “We will continue to move forward on our path of grooming the next generation of experts on our law enforcement liaison team and enhancing the fund-raising efforts to support SIAC’s important mission.

“While SIAC has had a great deal of success promoting the Model Alarm Ordinance in communities throughout the country, there are still many opportunities as we help promote the TMA AVS-01 standard, ASAP-to-PSAP and other technology to reduce unnecessary dispatches,” said Stan Martin, SIAC Executive Director.

Tim started in the electronic security field in 1975 working for a large locally owned security firm. Tim earned a degree in electronic engineering at State University College at Buffalo. In 1984 Tim and his wife founded Amherst Alarm, Inc., which today has more than sixty-five employees serving the Western New York market. Amherst Alarm is the recipient of the prestigious Police Dispatch Quality Award (PDQ). In March 2023, Amherst Alarm became part of the Pye-Barker Fire Safety family of companies.

Tim’s involvement in the industry associations began with the Western New York Electronic Security Association, where he served as Secretary, President and Past President. He has also served the New York State Electronic Security Association, as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President- during two different terms. He is currently Chair of the association’s Legislative Committee and was instrumental in leading the association’s efforts in reforming the enforcement policies of New York State’s alarm installer license. On the national level, he has served as chairman of the Election Committee of the Electronic Security Association, the Government Relations Committee, Governance Task Force and as member of the Board of Directors as the New York State Electronic Security Association representative. And is a past Board member of the Electronic Security Association. He is also involved in SIAC – Security Industry Alarm Coalition as a member of the board of directors as Treasurer.

In 2018, Tim was inducted into the Security Sales & Integration’s Hall of Fame.

Tim’s concern for the industry and public has kept him focused on reducing false alarms. This has led to Amherst Alarm’s certification in and his personal involvement in the Installation Quality (IQ) Board program, where he served as Treasurer, Chairperson and is currently board member.

DMP Releases XF6 Series Fire Control Panels

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Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) announces the release of a 24V standalone fire panel. The XF6 is an addressable and wireless fire control panel, equipped with network and optional cellular communications. With a commercial UL fire-rated wireless offering, the XF6 Series can support up to 500 wireless devices.

“The XF6 is an extremely flexible and capable fire system. When combined with the 1100 Series Two-Way Wireless, you get a system that’s easier than ever to install—without losing any features or functions,” said Aaron McGhee, DMP’s product manager of control panels. “This exciting new product stands by our commitment to offer innovative solutions that provide business efficiencies and RMR opportunities.”

 

Benefits include:

  • Advanced Fire Monitoring – Real-time alerts and accurate detection to ensure early response and minimize potential damage.
  • Free Network Communication & Optional Cellular – Facilitates an easy integration into existing fire alarm monitoring centers. Plus, dealers receive free network communication.
  • Powerful Solution – Equipped with a 24V power supply.
  • Rock Solid Reliability – 100% of DMP products are quality tested before shipping.
  • The Path Advantage – No NOC communication eliminates potential points of failure. Every alarm message goes straight to your monitoring station.
  • Trusted Wireless – Affordable, commercial UL fire-rated wireless panels that can support up to 500 devices. 900 MHz spread-spectrum Two Way WirelessTM is tried and true.

“This new, standalone fire panel answers the call dealers have been asking for,” said Joe Gies, director of marketing. “This panel is compatible with other DMP products, including backward compatibility. It offers an intuitive graphic keypad and plenty of power for synchronized horns and strobes. It’s a fully wireless system for simpler, faster installations with reduced labor time and cost.”

The XF6 Series evolved from a long line of reliable panels, suitable for commercial and industrial applications. End users can manage their XF6 through the easy-to-use graphic touchscreen annunciator built into the front of the enclosure. The new panels are compatible with all DMP fire-related products and accessories.

Learn more at DMP.com/XF6Series