Our Heroes
One of the most basic human needs is to feel safe. Allied Universal® security professionals help people, businesses and communities meet that need every day.
Read about our heroes who are commended for their courage, outstanding achievements and noble qualities
Learn how you can become a hero.
Security Captain Arsenault began his day like usual. He woke up at 2:50 a.m. and started to make the 45-minute commute to hit the gym before his shift.
“I was going down the road and saw some debris. I drove a few miles and didn’t think it looked right, so I turned around,” said Arsenault. “That’s when I saw a car had gone off the road, and I called 911. I planned to stay until police or fire showed up. I rolled down my window. I don’t know why. It was dark, and it was raining. I heard someone say, ‘Help me.’”
Eight to 12 feet deep in the brush below the road, Arsenault found a car with a young man pinned underneath. He called 911 again, and while he waited for first responders, he spoke with the victim. His name was Ian, a recent high school graduate who wanted to join the Navy. He had been playing video games with his friends that evening and estimated he'd been trapped under his car for about two hours.
“We talked about simple stuff to keep him calm,” Arsenault said. “He was begging me to get him out from under the car, but I knew we had to wait because he was probably injured, and it could be dangerous to move him. What resonated with me is how scared he must have been – I would never want that for my son – what he must have thought when he heard my truck drive away.”
Arsenault was in the right place at the right time, and his prior service in the Marine Corps, Reserves and law enforcement helped him make calm, rational choices in a critical situation. After Ian was freed and loaded into the ambulance, Arsenault got in his truck and cleaned up at the gym before starting his shift. He later learned that Ian had a shattered pelvis and many broken ribs. “He’s banged up, but he’ll be okay,” said Arsenault.
Security Professional Paul was recently honored by the American Red Cross for his heroic actions that saved a life. While on shift at State Farm Park in Illinois, Paul saved the life of a State Farm employee who collapsed from cardiac arrest. He administered CPR while another worker administered an AED (automated external defibrillator).
“In saving a life through CPR, Mark Paul reminds us that our commitment to safety extends far beyond the confines of our roles. This heroic act serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team and underscores the values that define our company. We are immensely proud to have such exceptional individuals on our team, embodying the essence of true heroes,” said Steve Jones, global chairman and CEO.
Saving the life of a mall patron was a team effort for the Allied Universal security professionals at a mall in Queens, New York. Housekeeping Supervisor Jaime was working in a parking structure when he noticed a mall patron sitting near the elevator struggling to breathe. He immediately called dispatch and the Allied Universal security team was quick to respond.
Assistant Security Manager Rubio, Security Manager Walter and Shift Supervisors James and Paredes arrived on the scene as the victim began vomiting, stopped breathing and lost consciousness. They radioed EMS, handled crowd control and dislodged the blockage impeding the mall patron's airway and rolled her onto her side to aid her breathing until paramedics arrived.
FDNY paramedics arrived on the scene and transported the mall patron to a local hospital where she received medical treatment for a pre-existing condition that caused her collapse. After she was released from the hospital, the mall patron returned to the mal to thank the Allied Universal team that helped her, stating that if it had not been for their quick response, she most likely would have died as a result of her medical emergency.
While working her shift at JFK Airport, Security Professional Stephenson was contacted by an airline employee who found a passenger unresponsive. Security Professional Stephenson responded immediately and notified the authorities. After assessing the situation, she utilized the nearest AED on the unresponsive passenger, followed by CPR chest compressions until EMS arrived. When EMS arrived, they transported the victim to the nearest hospital for treatment. We commend Security Professional Stephenson for her swift and decisive actions that ultimately saved the passenger’s life.
Faces light up when Seth walks through the lobby to report for work every weekday morning. Seth, a three-year-old black Labrador, and his handler, Scott, a retired NYPD sergeant, are a highly-trained MSA Security explosive detection canine team that works to keep a 20-story office building in Manhattan safe. Their job requires quite a bit of footwork, sweeping incoming vehicle deliveries, unattended bags and areas far and wide in a building that spans nearly an entire city block. He’s been on the job for only a few months, but Seth keeps his nose buried in his work. His outstanding performance has quickly made him a key asset, earning praise from everyone – including the company’s CEO.