Paladin Appoints President of Airport Security Services Division

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Paladin Security recently announced the promotion of Tyson Black to president of Paladin Airport Security Services (PASS).

The company created PASS after it successfully bid to supply security screening services to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) in 2024.

PASS, which employs more than 5,500 security professionals administrators and managers, provides screening services to 33 airports across Western and Northern Canada.

Black began his tenure with Paladin Security in 2009 as a client service manager. After being promoted to operations manager in 2010, he  served as director of operations from 2011 to 2016. He was promoted to vice-president in 2016 and served as executive vice-president of Central Canada from 2021 to 2025 until his most recent promotion.

“I am excited to continue evolving and refining PASS’s partnership with CATSA in pursuit of our shared mission to protect the travelling public through the provision of the highest level of aviation security,” said Black in a statement. “We have an incredible team of dedicated security professionals, and I look forward to continuing to build upon Paladin’s award-winning culture and service delivery methodology in the aviation security space.”

Allied Universal Acquires Mulligan Security to Boost Northeast U.S. Presence

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Allied Universal has finalized its acquisition of New York–based Mulligan Security from Protos Security, strengthening its service presence in the Greater New York City region. The agreement was announced on August 13, 2025.

“With the divestiture of Mulligan, Protos will be laser-focused on driving a superior customer experience across its national footprint through our supplier managed model,” said Mark Hjelle, CEO at Protos, in the company’s official announcement.

Mulligan Security has delivered security, fire safety, and facility protection services across commercial, healthcare, and museums throughout New York City for over 30 years.

Steve Jones, Global Chairman and CEO of Allied Universal, commented that the acquisition is intended to extend the company’s regional footprint in the Northeastern U.S. and boost its local service capabilities.

ASAP Service Reduces Call Handling Time by 33+ Hours a Month at Riverside, California 911 Center

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The Monitoring Association (TMA) announced that the City of Riverside, California’s Emergency Communications Center (ECC) has saved an estimated 24,462 minutes—over 33 hours a month—in 2024 alone by using TMA’s ASAP Service to process alarm and sensor notifications.

The estimate is based on an average savings of two minutes per call for 12,231 alarm notifications processed via ASAP Service in 2024, bypassing the traditional multiple voice calls required to gather dispatch and response details.

“The streamlined call-handling enabled our telecommunicators to focus more on priority 911 emergencies, which was especially beneficial during periods of high call volume,” Brandt said. “ASAP Service has been a valuable tool for our center, and I’m surprised that more agencies haven’t adopted it.”

Riverside’s ECC handles emergency calls and dispatches police, fire/rescue, and emergency medical response. In 2024, the center handled more than 756,000 calls for service. Given the large call volume, ECC officials sought a way to mitigate the impact of alarm/sensor notifications, which can require as many as five voice calls between an ECC’s telecommunicator and alarm monitoring center personnel to gather the necessary information for dispatching the appropriate response.

Consequently, the ECC implemented ASAP Service in 2023, for law enforcement-related alarm notifications, and the results have been eye-opening, according to Michelle Brandt, the city’s police/fire communications manager. In 2024, 12,231 alarm notifications were delivered directly to the center’s CAD system via the ASAP Service, dramatically reducing the number of manual phone calls between telecommunicators and alarm-monitoring center personnel.

ASAP Service was developed by TMA to lessen the impact of alarm/sensor notifications that typically enter an ECC over nonemergency administrative telephone lines. With ASAP Service in place, those notifications are automatically delivered to the ECC’s computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, providing all the information needed by ECC’s telecommunicators to dispatch the appropriate emergency response. This saves approximately two minutes per call on average, a significant amount of time during emergencies when lives are at stake and every second counts.

ASAP Service leverages the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP). The protocol was developed jointly by TMA and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO). ASAP Service also leverages the Alarm Verification Scoring standard (ANSI/TMA AVS-01), which identifies five scoring levels to help telecommunicators prioritize the severity of an alarm/sensor notification.

Learn more about how TMA’s ASAP Service is saving lives every day nationwide at www.ASAP911.org.

Vector Security®, Inc. Earns Prestigious UL Alarm Validation Scoring (AVS-01) Standard Certification

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Vector Security®, Inc., announced its achievement of UL Alarm Validation Scoring (AVS-01) standard certification, a significant milestone that further solidifies its commitment to improving alarm verification and emergency dispatch communication between alarm monitoring centers and first responders.

With this achievement, Vector Security becomes one of less than 10 alarm monitoring companies nationwide to earn this certification.

Developed by The Monitoring Association (TMA) and UL Solutions, AVS-01 establishes best practices for burglar alarm monitoring to ensure first responders receive accurate, prioritized information. By implementing a scoring system ranging from Level 0 (no call for service) to Level 4 (threat to life), the standard provides emergency responders with actionable, prioritized alarm information, allowing them to allocate resources more efficiently and effectively.

“AVS-01 enables improved collaboration with law enforcement to better prioritize the safety and security of our customers by assigning the appropriate level of response to burglar alarms,” said Josh Studeny, Director of Central Station Services for Vector Security. “Achieving this certification underscores Vector Security’s dedication to protecting our communities through faster, more accurate emergency response, as well as our pioneering efforts to reduce false alarms. By adopting this standard, we’re not only enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of alarm responses but also strengthening our role as a trusted partner to law enforcement and the customers we serve.”

For Vector Security customers, this means increased peace of mind knowing their safety is supported by a standardized prioritization system for burglar alarms. For first responders, it ensures resources are allocated efficiently and appropriately for the emergency at hand. As a whole, communities benefit from improved public safety and resource management.

Vector Security was awarded the certification after evaluation by UL for utilizing enhanced call verification; designating and detailing the appropriate threat level to emergency centers; and internal auditing for ongoing operator coaching and training.

TSi Stands Apart With ISO 42001 AI Certification

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As part of its unwavering commitment to innovation and ethical technology adoption, Tech Systems Inc. (TSi) is proud to announce it has earned the ISO/IEC 42001 Certification, the world’s first international standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS). The certification was conducted by Schellman Compliance, LLC, an ANAB and UKAS accredited Certification Body.

Published in December 2023 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO/IEC 42001 sets a global framework for responsible AI management across an organization’s lifecycle. It promotes transparency, fairness, accountability, and safeguards against unintended bias and misuse.

As artificial intelligence continues to transform the security industry, manufacturers and system integrators alike are being challenged to implement and manage increasingly complex technologies. TSi’s achievement of ISO 42001 ensures the company remains a leader in the ethical and responsible integration of AI systems.

“This new certification will allow TSi to establish, maintain, and continuously improve AI management for our clients,” said TSi President, Wayne Smith. “AI is being rapidly integrated into the core of security solutions. Our ability to manage data quality, privacy, and algorithmic transparency will be essential as this technology becomes pervasive in our clients’ critical infrastructure.”

TSi’s history with ISO standards is long and distinguished. The company is already certified in ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 27001 for information security. With the addition of ISO 42001, TSi becomes one of the few security integrators in the industry to hold all three certifications, demonstrating comprehensive compliance across physical, digital, and now AI-based systems.

“Achieving ISO 42001 was no small feat,” added Smith. “But we believe it’s necessary to maintain our commitment to fanatical customer service. In the near future, clients won’t just prefer certified AI standards…they’ll require them. We want our clients to know we’re already there.”

TSi is a leading security systems integrator that brings subsystems together through planning, design, implementation, and service. Its signature F.O.C.U.S.™ services provide 24/7 unconditional support, with guaranteed on-site response and 100% functionality upon completion of every service call.

In addition to achieving ISO 42001 Certification, TSi has recently announced plans to bring its unique, customer-first approach to international markets, a natural next step in its mission to deliver extraordinary service and secure infrastructure around the globe.

To learn more about TSi and its innovative approach to integrated security solutions, visit www.techsystemsinc.com.

Elite Interactive Receives Strategic Investment From CIVC Partners

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Elite Interactive Solutions, the industry pioneer in remote video guarding and real-time crime prevention, is excited to announce an investment from Chicago-based private equity firm CIVC Partners. The transaction, coordinated by security-sector investment bank Barnes Associates, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of both Elite and the broader remote guarding industry.

“This is a defining moment not just for Elite, but for the entire category of proactive security,” said Aria Kozak, founder of Elite and a 2024 inductee into the Security Industry Hall of Fame. “After an exhaustive process, CIVC emerged as the ideal partner to help us scale our vision. This strategic investment enables us to fully capitalize on our unmatched ability to prevent crime, drive apprehensions, and deliver industry-leading customer retention.”

Founded in 2007, Elite is widely recognized as the category leader in remote guarding, delivering a proven solution that consistently outperforms traditional guard services at a fraction of the cost. With a nationwide footprint across retail, multifamily, automotive, industrial, and campus markets — and an enterprise-focused client base — Elite is the first security firm to eliminate false alarms at scale and maintains a Law Enforcement Advisory Board made up of former police chiefs.

CIVC Partners, which has deployed more than $2.9 billion of capital across 88 platform investments since 1989, will provide both capital and strategic guidance to further accelerate Elite’s growth trajectory. Houlihan Lokey advised CIVC on the transaction.

“This is a milestone deal for the industry and a transformational opportunity for Elite,” said Michael Zatulov, who has been promoted to CEO as part of the growth initiative. “Private businesses and public agencies are increasingly overwhelmed by crime and ineffective security measures. Elite has already proven it can deliver exceptional results at scale. With CIVC’s backing, we are poised to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and build a truly next-generation security platform.”

Zatulov, who joined Elite in 2017 and most recently served as president and COO, succeeds Kozak as CEO. Kozak will remain actively involved as chairman of the board.

“It’s been a tremendous honor to learn from and work alongside Aria,” added Zatulov. “His legacy as a pioneer in this space is unmatched, and I’m humbled to continue the mission he started — to reimagine security as a proactive, intelligence-driven service.”

About CIVC Partners

CIVC Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm investing in high growth business services companies. Since 1989, the firm has invested more than $2.9 billion in 88 platforms and manages capital from CIVC Partners Fund VII. Learn more at civc.com.

About Elite Interactive Solutions

Elite Interactive Solutions is the leading provider of remote guarding and crime prevention services. In 2024 alone, Elite directly prevented nearly 80,000 crimes and assisted in more than 1,000 arrests and detainments. Its four-pillar model — technology, people, practices, and partnerships — delivers unmatched results and value. Elite was honored with The Monitoring Association’s 2024 Monitoring Technology Marvel Award and ranks No. 25 on the SDM 100. Visit eliteisi.com to learn more.

JamAlert Awarded Best in Show at ESX 2025 Innovation Awards

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Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) is honored to announce that JamAlert™, the revolutionary new cellular jamming detection device, has been awarded Best in Show at ESX’s 2025 Innovation Awards. According to ESX.com, the Innovation Awards “identify the next-gen products and services that will offer significant growth opportunities for dealers, integrators and monitoring centers.”

Security industry manufacturers and service providers could enter new products that had been released since January 1, 2024. Judges selected the top ten overall to compete in the TechVision Challenge, held live at ESX to determine the Best in Show award winner.

JamAlert instantly notifies the control panel when cellular communication is being compromised, empowering security professionals to stay ahead of the threat of cellular jammers, a growing industry-wide problem. Production and distribution of cellular jammers is on the rise in the U.S. These illegal devices are being used to defeat alarm system communications, allowing thieves to enter compromised facilities undetected. When jammed, cellular alarm signals never make it to the monitoring center and no authorities are dispatched. By detecting cellular jamming on multiple frequencies, JamAlert offers a way to mitigate potential losses.

“Competing in the TechVision Challenge was thrilling,” said Aaron McGhee, product manager of control panels at DMP. “We developed this device based on requests and feedback from our customers. This type of innovation is what makes DMP products exceptional.”

“JamAlert is positioned to make a huge impact in the industry,” added Jon Adams, vice president of sales at DMP. “The fact that it works with DMP and non-DMP panels offers a wide variety of applications. It’s a security system for your security system.”

JamAlert can be added to intrusion systems in retail stores, financial institutions, businesses and homes for an extra layer of protection against the growing threat of jamming devices that interrupt cellular alarm transmission.

Learn more at DMP.com/JamAlert.

TMA President Honors Retiring TMA CEO with Mel Mahler Award

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On Thurs., June 19th, in front of a crowd attending the closing luncheon of ESX 2025 in Atlanta, TMA President Steve Butkovich honored TMA CEO Celia T. Besore for her “leadership, advocacy and unwavering dedication to her field” by presenting her TMA’s most prestigious Mel Mahler Award. Formerly known as the President’s Award, this award is bestowed at the discretion of the TMA president in recognition of outstanding contributions within his/her tenure. This award represents extraordinary commitment to the values of the advancement of the professional monitoring industry.

In his remarks, Steve stated, “Celia has shaped policy, elevated standards, and built bridges across the alarm and monitoring landscape. Her name is synonymous with leadership, advocacy and unwavering dedication to her field. Across decades of service, her influence has been felt not just in her work at The Monitoring Association (TMA), but by the countless professionals she’s worked with and inspired along the way. She’s not only devoted her career to supporting this industry, but she’s helped to define it.  Her passion, integrity, and tireless efforts embody the spirit of the Mel Mahler Award and its enduring legacy.”

ESA Chairman Kevin Stone also honored Celia for her many contributions to the industry.

Celia announced her retirement just weeks ago after 19 years at TMA. In receiving the award, she shared, “It’s going to be very hard to walk away. Mel Mahler was someone I knew well. He was a mentor. This award means so much to me.”

Scott R. Elkins of Zeus Fire and Security Named Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Greater Philadelphia Award winner by EY US

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Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) today announced that Scott R. Elkins, CEO of Zeus Fire and Security was named an Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Greater Philadelphia Award winner. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the preeminent competitive awards program for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies. For 40 years, EY US has celebrated ambitious entrepreneurs who are transforming industries, impacting communities and creating long-term value.

Scott was chosen by an independent panel of past winners, top CEOs and business leaders. Judges assessed candidates on long-term value creation, entrepreneurial spirit, purpose-driven commitment and significant growth and impact.

A second-generation fire and security entrepreneur, Scott built Universal Atlantic Systems into a thriving business before leading its acquisition and becoming the founding CEO of Zeus in 2022. Since then, he has transformed Zeus into one of the fastest-growing, tech-enabled life safety companies in the nation, completing 17 acquisitions, doubling profits, and expanding to nearly 800 employees across seven hubs.

“I am deeply honored to receive the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® award, but this recognition truly belongs to the extraordinary team at Zeus Fire & Security. Their dedication, expertise, and shared commitment to our mission of protecting People, Property, and Profits have made this achievement possible. I am also grateful to Access Holdings, our Private Equity Sponsor, for their continued partnership and support in helping us scale with purpose and build a modern and enduring tech enabled business that’s redefining excellence in our industry.” stated Elkins.

As a Greater Philadelphia award winner, Scott is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 National Awards. The National Award winners, including the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced in November at the Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will then move on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Award in June 2026.

About Entrepreneur Of The Year                                                                                                                       

Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 60 countries globally.

 

The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November where National finalists and award winners are announced. The overall National winner represents the US at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.

About EY

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

All in to shape the future with confidence.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

Shannon Woodman to Receive Prestigious Moody Award for Leadership In Fighting Verified Response in Seattle

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Shannon Woodman, Chief Executive Officer of Washington Alarm, will be honored with the prestigious William N. Moody Award on June 17th at ESX 2025 in Atlanta.  Created in 2004 by the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), the Moody award is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates a passion for advancing positive alarm management and best industry practices.

“Shannon has a long history of involvement and leadership as a member of the Board of Directors of The Monitoring Association, NetOne International, and as Chairman of the Western Chapter and Board Member of the Security Integration and Life Safety Association of the Northwest,” said SIAC Board Chairman Tim Creenan. “When our industry was challenged by the Seattle Police Department’s sudden implementation of verified response, Shannon stepped up to lead an industry coalition to support the model ordinance and retain police response for the citizens our industry and the police serve and protect.”

“Her commitment and organizational skills have been instrumental in putting the issue in front of elected officials and Seattle’s new chief of police.”

“My family has been in the security and life safety field for 82 years now,” said Woodman. “I learned from an early age the value of the service we provide the community and the importance of giving back to our community and our industry,” said Woodman. “It has been a privilege to work with SIAC on the verified response update in Seattle. We value their expertise and guidance as we collaborate with our colleagues, law enforcement, and elected officials to make our community as safe as possible.”

About the William N. Moody Award   

The William N. Moody Award was established in 2004 by the SIAC Board of Directors to recognize those who embody Bill’s dedication to alarm management issues. The award honors individuals who reflect attributes that include integrity, fairness and perseverance in the face of adversity. 

About Washington Alarm Company

Founded by Jack Woodman and now under the leadership of Shannon Woodman, Washington Alarm has served Washington State for over 82 years. The company’s in-house UL-listed Five Diamond Certified Central Station in Seattle monitors over 10,000 customers, ensuring the highest standards of safety and security.

About SIAC

SIAC represents one voice for the electronic security industry on alarm management issues –communicating solutions and enhancing relationships with law enforcement.  SIAC is comprised of four major North American security associations–Canadian Security Association (CANASA), Security Industry Association (SIA), Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), and the Electronic Security Association (ESA). For more information, go to www.SIACinc.org,  www.siacinc.wordpress.com, or follow us on www.twitter.com/siacinc.