NAPCO Adds New National Trainer, Tim Cahoon

NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc. is happy to introduce the addition of Tim Cahoon, National Training Manager, reporting to VP of Sales, Napco Fire & Security, Michael Venoit.
Ideal for extending Napco’s west coast training support, based in Phoenix, AZ, Cahoon, will be providing new product introductions and technical classes on Napco’s full range of residential and commercial solutions, in person and online, including award-winning Prima All-in-One Security/Connected Home/Automation Panel, as well as StarLink Max 5G Cell/IP Communicators, FireLink FACU with built-in StarLink comm. and Napco Access lines.

Tim comes to Napco with 20+ years of experience in the low voltage security and life safety industry, and proven expertise in sales & relationship management; coaching and developing sales teams for new business growth, in addition to one of distinguished US military service. For Napco’s dynamic training schedule visit and/or register at www.napcosecurity.com/seminars. Feel free to reach out to Tim at tcahoon@napcosecurity.com or cell 602-881-3008.

NAPCO Names Jim Pless, Southeast Regional Sales Manager

NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc., Amityville, NY, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Pless, as the new Regional Sales Manager for Napco’s Southeast sales territory, including North & South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia, replacing David Sperber, who was recently promoted to Napco’s new National Accounts Director.
Jim joins Napco’s sales team, providing a wealth of security experience, in all aspects of the industry, working with several top manufacturers, dealers and central stations, and from executive sales to operations management. He will report to Michael Venoit, VP of Sales, Napco Fire & Security, who commented, “With Jim’s extensive background, in residential system sales in particular, he’s joining Napco at an ideal time to support dealers, with our new introductions of award-winning Prima All-in-One Security/Connected Home/Automation Self-Contained Solution, as well as StarLink Max 5G Cell/IP Communicators, FireLink FACU with built-in StarLink comm. and Napco Access lines.”

As Napco Southeast Regional Sales Manager, Pless, based in Georgia, will offer area dealers expert sales support, insights & new product introductions, with the goal of growing their business with Napco’s intrusion & commercial fire security solutions. Dealer/Integrators in NC, SC, GA, & VA, feel free to reach out to Jim at jpless@napcosecurity.com or cell 631-942-4017 or Michael Venoit, VP of Sales, Napco Fire Security mvenoit@napcosecurity.com. See all of Napco’s labor-saving products at GSX or ISC East Expos, or online at www.napcosecurity.com

PureTech Wins Five Awards at GSX

PureTech announced that its cutting-edge solutions have received four platinum level and one gold level, 2023 Security Today, New Product of the Year Awards.

The company’s PureActiv Software Platform, which is widely known for its patented, Geospatial, AI-Boosted Video Analytics earned Platinum Level Awards for categories in Autonomous Response Surveillance, Outdoor Perimeter Protection, and Video Analytics. Additionally, PurifAI Software, a ubiquitous solution that eliminates nuisance alarms for central stations won a Gold Level Award for the Monitoring Solutions category and a Platinum Level Award for the SOC Automation Suite category.

“In the realm of security, innovation is essential. When judging new security products, remember that they should not just meet today’s challenges but also anticipate the threats of tomorrow,” said Ralph C. Jensen, publisher of Security Today magazine. “By taking a proactive and holistic approach to security products and technology, customers can better anticipate and adapt to ongoing physical security needs in commercial and industrial settings, ensuring the safety of assets, employees, and operations.”

The Security Today New Product of the Year Awards are granted to manufacturers whose products demonstrate exceptional achievements in solution development and have the potential to significantly enhance security measures.

Larry Bowe, President & CEO of PureTech Systems, expressed his enthusiasm upon receiving this news, stating, “These awards are a testament to the dedication, innovation, and expertise that our team brings to the table every day. We are incredibly honored to have our efforts recognized by Security Today.” Further, Mr. Bowe said, “The receipt of these awards underscores the company’s ability to develop and deliver highly reliable and field tested, cutting-edge technology.”

DGA Mourns the Loss of VP Craig Dacher

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.

Gene Miller, Cen-Signal, Passes Away

Gene Miller July 11, 1968 – August 5, 2023

In Honor and Remembrance

The following is a letter written and shared by the Cen-Signal family upon the death of their longtime colleague, Gene Miller.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our esteemed colleague, Gene Miller, who left us on August 5, 2023. During his time with Cen-Signal, Gene made an indelible mark on both the company and the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing them.

Gene joined our team on August 4,1999, and quickly became an integral part of Cen-Signal. His dedication, passion, and expertise were evident in every project he undertook. He tackled challenges with a positive spirit and inspired those around him to strive for excellence. His willingness to go the extra mile and his warm, friendly nature made him not just a colleague, but a true friend to many.

Gene had a natural ability to connect with people on a personal level. Regardless if you met him for the first time during a trade show or if you had known him years. You couldn’t help being captivated by his warm personality, genuine kindness, or the unwavering dedication to the alarm industry. His passion for his work and loving kindness for people has left an enduring mark on all who had the privilege of crossing paths with him.

As we mourn the passing of Gene, we also want to acknowledge the invaluable contributions he made to our company and the alarm industry as a whole. We are committed to upholding the high standards he set and continuing his legacy by striving for excellence in everything we do.

Throughout his tenure, Gene demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the alarm industry and its continuing advancements. This knowledge contributed significantly to our projects and will leave a lasting impact on our team. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward in his absence.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Gene’s family during this difficult time. Gene was survived by his devoted wife, loving daughter, adoring parents, and other family members. Gene has now been reunited with their grandson, whom he cherished. As we mourn the loss of an outstanding colleague and friend, we also celebrate the impact he had on our lives, the alarm industry, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Cen-Signal is profoundly grateful for the time Gene spent with us, and we will carry his memory with us always.

Huronia donates security equipment and services to Elmvale Foundation

Huronia Alarm & Fire Security has made a $4,100 donation to the Elmvale Foundation, a non-profit research organization that provides environmental science education.

Elmvale, Ont., located about 25km north of Barrie, is famous for the purity of its groundwater.

Huronia has deep roots in Elmvale and the townships of Springwater and Tiny.

“This is a tight-knit community with families living here that go back generations. The residents are all keenly aware of the excellent work and environmental stewardship that The Elmvale Foundation has done to protect this unique natural water resource and the surrounding lands,” said Kevin Leonard, COO, Huronia, in a statement.

Huronia’s donation comprises security cameras, an alarm system and monitoring services for the farm property on which the Elmvale Groundwater Observatory is located.

The donated equipment and services “have taken a load off my mind. It’s also given my colleagues a safe and secure place to meet, plan our collective studies, and discuss our findings,” said Dr. William Shotyk, president and founder of the Elmvale Foundation.

Alarm.com launches “Gopher Info” AI assistant for tech

Alarm.com announced the launch of Gopher Info, an AI-powered assistant for technicians and service providers.

According to the company, the tool “leverages large language models to improve service provider efficiency and operations – from training and sales to installation and support.”

Gopher Info contextualizes, processes, and summarizes information from Alarm.com installation guides, product summaries, specification sheets, troubleshooting best practices and training materials.

Gopher Info is accessible through the Alarm.com Partner Portal and Alarm.com’s mobile app for service providers, MobileTech. It is currently in limited release and will be available more widely later in the summer.

“Innovation is in our DNA and we are always looking for ways to use new technology that enhances service provider efficiency,” said Jason DaCosta, senior vice-president of customer operations, Alarm.com, in a statement. “This is a significant advancement for the security industry and sets a higher standard for support usability.”

Service providers can use Gopher Info to answer questions such as:

• Can you explain to me how Smart Arming and Arming Schedules work?
• How do I install a Smart Gateway?
• Do I need a power module to install a VDB750 with mechanical chimes?
• How many Video Analytics rules can my customers create on their video doorbells?

CPI Security Partners With Lumos to Offer Fiber Internet in the Southeast

CPI Security announced a partnership with high-speed fiber internet provider Lumos to offer homeowners in the Southeast with Wi-Fi that will better support their customized smart home security systems.

Lumos is the leading all-fiber optic internet and total home Wi-Fi service provider in the Mid-Atlantic region, according to the announcement. Based in Charlotte, N.C., CPI Security is the largest privately held security and home automation company in the Southeast.

Video surveillance is becoming more integral to home security, with more than 70 percent of homeowners adding video devices to their home security systems, the announcement states. Integrating multiple video streams and Wi-Fi-enabled smart security devices increases the demands put on home Wi-Fi networks. Lumos’ fiber optic Internet connection allows families to use home security systems, while having an abundance of remaining bandwidth to work from home, stream movies, upload large files, play video games and more.

“Our goal is to give our customers the best possible experience, and that’s why we are partnering with the best Fiber Optic Internet provider,” CPI Security CEO and Founder Ken Gill said. “Lumos’ high-speed internet services, combined with our cellular technology, will help our security systems perform more efficiently, and we can introduce Lumos customers to the best in smart home security.”

Lumos is building an all-fiber optic infrastructure that delivers up to 385 times faster upload speeds and 30 times faster download speeds than a cable connection, the announcement states. Additionally, fiber is more resilient against disruptions from heat, bad weather and power outages.

“Homes with Lumos’ fiber service, particularly a gigabit connection, will have more than enough bandwidth to support CPI’s cameras, locks, and monitors, while also allowing residents to seamlessly work from home, stream online classes in high definition, take advantage of advancements in telemedicine and more,” states Lumos CEO Brian Stading.

PPVAR announces newly appointed Board of Director for the 2023-2024 term

PPVAR is happy to announce that Mark McCall of Immix is the new PPVAR President. Mr. McCall takes over the position from David Holl, Director of Public Safety for Lower Allen Township, PA who will now be on the board as immediate past-president.

Mr. McCall commented on his new role at PPVAR “I have long believed that PPVAR is in a unique position to bridge the gap between the security industry and Public Safety and push forward topics that were important to both. They certainly have proven that over the past few years, as evidenced, in part, by pushing for and working with TMA in the creation of the AVS-01 Standard. I am honored to be a part of PPVAR and look forward to working with our members to advance our mission.”

Kristy Johnson of ADT has been voted in as the new PPVAR Secretary. Ms. Johnson remarked, “The electronic security industry plays a vital role in protecting life and property. However, it is just one piece of a larger picture, heavily reliant on collaboration with law enforcement and public safety partners. When I joined the industry in 2012, I discovered a significant issue concerning false alarms leading to unnecessary police dispatches. This realization motivated me to work passionately on bridging the gaps within our industry and in my various roles throughout my time in the industry, I’ve remained dedicated to correct this discrepancy. My mission is to enhance the sector by focusing on solutions that make the best use of our combined resources and form true partnerships with public safety. My commitment to prioritized and verified alarm responses drives my enthusiasm to assume a more formal role within PPVAR (Priority Partners Verified Alarm Response) and actively contribute to these ongoing efforts.”

PPVAR ‘s Board of Directors is comprised of experts in Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Emergency Communications, the Electronic Security and Monitoring Industries, and consultants to these fields. We collaborate with all members involved in the alarm response process to maximize the effectiveness of all resources required to protect life and property.