Longtime Security Industry Contributor Dischert Honored with Top TMA Award, Nov. 7th

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

The Monitoring Association (TMA) had the distinct opportunity to recognize the exceptional contributions of Larry Dischert, LRD Consulting, on Mon., Nov. 6th during its General Business Meeting at the 2023 Annual Meeting in Maui, HI. TMA President Morgan Hertel presented the respected and esteemed volunteer with TMA’s highest honor, the Stanley C. Lott Memorial Award.

The Stanley C. Lott Memorial Award, established in 1991 to honor its namesake, a dedicated leader and past president, recognizes exceptional long-term leadership and support. In presenting the award to Dischert, TMA President Morgan Hertel shared, “In our industry, there is a whole subset of individuals who work tirelessly, doing the lion share of the work with little or no public recognition. This year’s Stanley C. Lott Memorial Award winner is one example of those that have been working in the background for many years. Over the course of five decades, his contributions to standards development within the security and monitoring industries have been immeasurable.”

From a blank piece of paper and assistance from a few industry peers, Dischert initiated the creation and development of UL1981 Central-Station Automation Systems and has since contributed to many UL standards. From an emphasis on the continuous maturation of UL1981 and UL827, he became a key contributor to UL STP 205 and its sub parts for all equipment and installation standards that impact the safe reliable operation of a monitoring center.

Most recently, Dischert’s involvement includes, but is not limited to, extensive work with TMA CS-V-01 Alarm Confirmation, Verification and Notification Procedures, and ANSI/TMA AVS-01 2023 Alarm Validation Scoring (AVS) Standard with the mission to increase the value of the Central Station service by greatly reducing or eliminating false dispatches.

“I can’t thank the TMA and industry leaders enough, for this recognition,” stated Dischert. “I’ve put 50 years of my life into this arena and have gotten much in return. And this rounds it out very nicely. Again, thanks.”

VIEW DISCHERT’S ACCEPTANCE REMARKS

Brown County WI Public Safety Communications became the 137th ECC to go live with TMA’s ASAP Service

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Brown County WI Public Safety Communications became the 137th Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in the United States and the 3rd ECC in the state of Wisconsin to implement the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP).

Brown County went live on October 31, 2023 with the following companies: Rapid Response Monitoring, Vector Security, Guardian Protection, Security Central, Protection One, Brinks Home Security, Securitas, Vivint, Tyco (Johnson Controls), National Monitoring Center, Affiliated Monitoring, United Central Control, and ADT.

Learn more about TMA ASAP-to-PSAP Service HERE.

FAST Launches 2023 Compensation & Benefits Benchmarking Study

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) is today launching the 2023 Security Industry Compensation & Benefits Benchmarking Study.

This survey “will provide invaluable insights into salaries and benefits across the security industry, empowering decision-makers to recruit, hire, and retain top talent effectively,” according to the foundation announcement.

“The security industry plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our communities and businesses, and understanding compensation and benefits trends is crucial for its continued growth and excellence,” the FAST announcement says.

“FAST, in collaboration with prominent industry partners such as the Security Industry Association (SIA), Electronic Security Association (ESA), PSA Security Network and Security Sales and Integration, is committed to providing the most comprehensive and accurate data possible.

Inside the Survey

Key highlights of the 2023 Compensation & Benefits Benchmarking Study include:

  • Industry-Wide Focus: This study encompasses both security manufacturers and integrators, offering a holistic view of the industry’s compensation landscape.
  • Standardized Data: Standardized job titles and descriptions enable direct comparisons of compensation data, allowing businesses to make informed decisions.
  • Advance Access: Participating organizations will gain access to a sneak preview of the survey results before the full publication, giving them a competitive edge.
  • Complete Confidentiality: Individual responses will remain confidential, with only aggregated data being published to protect participants’ privacy.

FAST invites all industry stakeholders to actively participate in this essential initiative. By contributing your insights and expertise, you can:

  • Assess compensation structures within your organization
  • Attract and retain top talent by aligning with industry compensation benchmarks
  • Make informed, data-driven strategic decisions

Complete the survey by Friday, Oct. 6 using the instructions provided by FAST’s survey partner, Vault Consulting. The survey may take one to three hours to complete.

“Widespread participation ensures the quality and reliability of the data, so your contribution is vital,” the FAST announcement says.

The latest news on TMA’s 2023 Annual Meeting in Maui

/0 Comments/in , , /by

We have received several inquiries in recent days as to the state of our 2023 Annual Meeting, which is scheduled to take place on the island of Maui, Nov. 4-8th. With all communications down in the area, we have not been able to connect with our contacts at the Ritz Carlton, Kapalua, our host hotel. We have reached out to the Ritz Carlton main offices and requested any information that is available but have yet to receive a reply. Therefore, we have not made any decisions at this point.

As you can imagine, we remain in a holding pattern as of today. Once we receive word from the Ritz Carlton, the Board of Directors and staff will evaluate our options and decide how to best proceed based on the information provided to us.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will keep you informed as to the status of the host hotel, its property, and the surrounding areas as we learn more in the coming days and weeks.

Until then, please keep the people of Maui in your prayers.

As in years past, TMA will select a local charity for Annual Meeting attendees to support. The names of those who donate are entered into a raffle for a prize. We are currently researching local Maui charities for this year.

Considering the urgent and overwhelming need for aid in Maui today, we have identified several organizations that you may consider donating to prior to the meeting below.

DGA Mourns the Loss of VP Craig Dacher

/0 Comments/in , , /by

We learned yesterday of the passing of TMA member Craig Dacher, Vice President, DGA. He passed unexpectedly at his home on August 13th. Craig joined DGA in 1983 and was an essential contributor to DGA’s success over the last 40 years. He leaves an indelible mark on both the business and its employees.

A warm and deeply caring person, Craig made it a point to know each DGA employee and took sincere interest in their personal lives and authentic pride in their professional growth. His personal friendships with employees, customers, vendors, and members of the broader security industry span decades and his loss will be felt by many.

Raised in New York City, his warm smile and zest for life was evident to everyone he met. Craig’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife Lori, who he met while she also worked at DGA, and two sons, Richard and Matthew.

Fourth Maryland ECC Goes Live with TMA’s Automated Secure Alarm Protocol

/0 Comments/in , , /by

The Queen Anne’s County MD Emergency Services is the 131st Emergency Communications Center (ECCs) in the United States to implement The Monitoring Association’s (TMA) Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP). Launched in 2011 as a public-private partnership, TMA’s ASAP service is designed to increase the accuracy and efficiency of calls for service from alarm monitoring centers to Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs).

Queen Anne’s County ECC is the 4th ECC in the state of Maryland to implement ASAP. The Center went live the week of July 17, 2023 with: Vector Security, Rapid Response Monitoring, Johnson Controls, Securitas (Stanley Div), Securitas, CPI, Security Central, Brinks Home Security, United Central Control, Protection One, National Monitoring Center, Vivint, Affiliated Monitoring, Guardian Protection and ADT.

Learn more about TMA’s ASAP at www.tma.us/asap/.

TMA Louis T. Fiore Electronic Communications Scholarship Now Open for 2023-2024 Student Application

/0 Comments/in , /by

The Monitoring Association (TMA) is pleased to announce that the application period for the inaugural Louis T. Fiore Electronic Communications Scholarship is now open. The Scholarship is open to anyone studying an electronics curriculum, specifically electronic communications, or software development related to electronic communications, regardless of financial need. Students seeking such a degree in electrical engineering or an associate degree in electronics at any nationally accredited educational institution may apply. Established in 2022, the scholarship honors Mr. Fiore’s enduring contribution to the alarm industry and the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC) and is intended to promote careers in electronic communications. The application deadline is Sept. 15th.

“We are honored and thrilled to recognize Lou’s immeasurable contributions to the monitoring industry with the presentation of this Scholarship,” stated TMA President Morgan Hertel. “Our goal is to present this Scholarship to a student who embodies Lou’s own passion for electronic communications and drive for professional excellence.”

The winner will be selected by a panel of TMA leaders and members, including its namesake, Lou Fiore. The announcement and presentation of the Scholarship will be made at TMA’s 2023 Annual Meeting in Maui, HI in early November.

For more information on this scholarship and application, go to http://tma.us/louis-t-fiore-electronic-communications-scholarship/

 

Monroe Joins The Monitoring Association Team

/0 Comments/in /by

The Monitoring Association (TMA) is pleased to announce the addition of program management professional Ms. Karen Monroe to its team. In her new role as TMA Program and Administrative Coordinator, Monroe will be responsible for TMA’s Five Diamond, IQ, and FirstNet designation programs. Having previously managed customer accounts across the United States in the real estate sector as a title clearer, she brings a broad and diverse range of experience to the position.

“Karen brings a lot of passion and energy to this position, which an integral role on our team,” stated Celia T. Besore, CEO, TMA. “As monitoring centers continue to adopt our designations and new TMA programs are introduced, the combination of Karen’s experience, knowledge, and abilities will further enhance the quality and professionalism of all TMA offerings.”

“I am excited to be part of the TMA team,” shared Monroe, “As I learn more and more about TMA members and their dedication to saving lives, I find my own level of commitment to their businesses increasing. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of TMA member companies through the delivery of programs, education, and resources.”

Bell County, TX and Crawford County PA Go Live with TMA’s ASAP-to-PSAP

/0 Comments/in , /by

TMA is pleased to announce the addition of two new Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs) to its Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP-to-PSAP) service network.

Bell County TX  #129

The Bell County TX Communications Center became the 129th Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in the United States and the 15th ECC in the state of Texas to implement the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP).  Bell County went live the week of June 13, 2023, with: Vector Security, Rapid Response Monitoring, Vivint, DynaMark Monitoring, Security Central, Securitas (Stanley Div), Tyco (Johnson Controls), United Central Control, Protection One, Affiliated Monitoring, Securitas, Brinks Home Security, National Monitoring Center, Alert 360, and Guardian Protection. ADT is planning to go-live in the next few weeks.

Crawford County Department of Public Safety PA #130

The Crawford county Department of Public Safety became the 130th Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in the United States and the 7th ECC in the state of Pennsylvania to implement the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP).  The Crawford County ECC went live the week of June 19, 2023, with: Rapid Response Monitoring, Vector Security, Johnson Controls, Securitas (Stanley Div), Securitas, Quick Response, Doyle Security, Dynamark Monitoring, United Central Control, Protection One, National Monitoring Center, Vivint, Brinks Home Security, Guardian Protection, Affiliated Monitoring and ADT.

Learn more about the ASAP-to-PSAP service HERE.