BSIA honours security officers’ actions in the wake of 7/7 bombs

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) used its Annual Luncheon and Security Officer Awards Ceremony 2006 as a platform to honour some of London’s bravest security staff who were on duty in the bloody aftermath of the horrific 7/7 bombings.

Addressing the audience at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, BSIA chief executive David Dickinson said: “On the day of the bombings, not only were the emergency services key to the rescue of thousands of people – and we salute them for that – but so too were the security officers on hand to play their fullest part in the various rescue missions. Our Special Awards for Outstanding Service pay a deserved tribute to those officers. I commend their bravery.”

Sponsored by the Security Industry Authority, the Special Awards – along with the Security Officer Awards – were presented by Sir Ken Knight, Commissioner for the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority.

Marion Dooley and Aidan Harris of Britsec International were working at Capital House above Edgware Road Underground Station for a client of Lambert Smith Hampton. When the bomb exploded, the pair immediately began to administer First Aid to 30 people, and were then needed to help evacuate the multi-storey building in case another attack was imminent.

Marion and Aidan remained in the building when it subsequently ‘became’ the Joint Emergency Services Command Centre. They “kept a clear head and made sound judgements amid chaos and confusion”.

Terry Hughes of First Security (Guards) was on site for the British Medical Association at its Tavistock Square offices when the Number 30 bus bomb exploded right outside. In traumatic circumstances, Terry kept a cool head and helped evacuate the building before administering First Aid to the needy. Communications were down, so Terry made sure everyone was up-to-date with the latest information relayed to him. His actions were instrumental in saving lives.

On the day of the bombings, Dodou Dandeh-Njie – an employee of G4S Security Services (UK) – was stationed at King’s Cross, on assignment for client Costain Taylor Woodrow. He was one of the first on scene following the explosion on the Underground. With great composure, Dodou assisted with evacuation procedures and unloaded emergency supplies. He also helped the police to switch on the emergency power supply to the station, which had been blacked out due to the blast ferocity. Dodou helped prevent even more casualties.

Another G4S Security Services (UK) officer – Muhammad Khalil – was on duty at St Pancras Station. As terrified commuters ran out of King’s Cross, Muhammad ran in with a team of emergency response staff dispatched from the station. He risked his life to enter the Underground tunnels in a bid to rescue people.

Despite not having a mask to protect himself against the fumes, Muhammad remained below ground for seven hours with only a ripped-up bandage to cover his face. The selfless action of a dedicated professional.

Security Management Today pays tribute to these brave men and women. They deserve our never-ending gratitude for their brave actions and total devotion to the cause.

Minister praises security industry

Newly-appointed Home Office minister Vernon Coaker – the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State responsible for national security and policing matters – took to the stage after Luncheon, praising the private security industry for the value it delivers “in ensuring public safety.” Coaker stressed: “I have met with the industry and seen at first hand the efforts being made to ensure a high quality service is being provided to the sector’s customer base. We hope to see this becoming the norm.”

Coaker reiterated how economically important the security sector is to the nation’s welfare, accounting for a £4 billion spend year-on-year. “Its importance cannot – and must not – be underestimated,” said Coaker. “Business leaders must afford it the time, attention and funding it deserves. Ultimately, we want to see criminality driven out of our society thanks to security services being bought on quality and not price. We can achieve safer streets and safer communities if we all work together.”

In his response, BSIA chairman Adam Wiseberg offered an excellent and impassioned speech. “This industry of ours is about crime prevention, crime reduction and community safety. It is about reducing the fear of crime, reassuring members of the public and generating renewed confidence in the security services. It is a solutions provider and a reputation saver. A valuable partner for the Government, the police service, crime reduction agencies and the business world in general.”

To widespread applause, Wiseberg then fired a well-timed shot across the Government’s regulatory bows, pleading with the minister to address the issue of in-house licensing immediately. “If you don’t tackle this problem then a two-tier system will surely develop. That is going to be seriously detrimental to the industry.” SMT has learned that Coaker has read and taken note of the articles published thus far in the Four Issues, One Voice Campaign which we are running in conjunction with security guarding Web portal Infologue.com

Security Officer Awards 2006

Sponsored by Camberford Law plc for the eighth successive year, the BSIA’s Security Officer Awards are designed to recognise the commitment, professionalism, high levels of customer service and bravery exhibited by a band of men and women who ARE the security industry. Without them, we have no security sector. It’s as simple as that. Clients would do well to remember this as they assess the rising costs of security in line with regulation.

“Security officers and teams of operatives play a key role in business and public life throughout the entire year,” opined David Dickinson.

Stephen Wright of Legion Security is based at the Southampton Container Terminals site. His courageous actions following a serious accident had to be honoured... An industrial vehicle had tipped on its side resulting in the driver falling 15 metres and, in the process, sustaining serious head, arm and leg injuries. Remaining calm, Stephen administered First Aid and maintained constant dialogue with the casualty. His prompt and professional treatment allowed the victim to survive what had been life-threatening injuries.

Fellow officer Sidney Galloway is assigned to The Maltings Shopping Centre in Salisbury by G4S Security Services (UK). When on duty, he was alerted to a possible child abduction. Having spotted a man leading a young girl into a wooded area, Sidney called the police and then followed the man. The suspect fled, and was arrested. He was subsequently charged with unlawful abduction. The girl was found safe and well.

Achievements in the industry

Each year, the BSIA Chairman’s Awards identify individuals who have impressed their colleagues within the industry and also helped to improve the standing of the industry among customers, the police and other key stakeholders by making a special contribution.

The 2006 Contribution To Training Award was won by Jane McKenna – national training manager at Chubb Security Personnel – for her work on ‘Living With Confidence’, a unique DVD and accompanying training package offering safety advice for women that can be applied to all aspects of their lives.

The Contribution To The Community Award was bestowed upon the excellent robbery reduction initiative that is Raid-control. The scheme has just been recognised in the pages of ACPO’s Gun Crime Prevention Manual as a Best Practice approach to preventing retail robbery in smaller shops and outlets.

Syed Zaman – senior trade investment officer at the British Embassy in Riyadh – deservedly won the Services To Exporting Award, having promoted UK security expertise in Saudi Arabia for the past decade.

Lord Mohammed Sheikh of Cornhill, the chairman and chief executive of Camberford Law, has been a loyal supporter of the security industry for many years, and as a result he won the Promoting The Industry Award for 2006.

Finally, the Contribution To Standards Award went to two individuals – Brian Harrington of Castle Care-Tech and Cooper Security’s Paul Phillips – who have made a huge contribution to producing interpretation guidelines concerning the new European Standards for intruder alarms.