Saved a Life Medal – RON BLAIR & PAUL HENDERSON, allied security
Pictured L-R: Ian Adank, Jody Adank (Ian’s wife), Ron Blair (medal recipient), Paul Henderson (medal recipient).
On Monday 12 August 2024 Allied Security Officers Ron Blair and Paul Henderson were at work at the branch of one of the large customers that Allied service on the South Islands West Coast.
At 7.50am a fellow guard, Ian Adank, arrived at the site and went to clock in for his shift as normal when he suddenly let out an exclamation and then fell backwards to the ground, hitting his head on furniture as he fell.
Ron immediately responded to the guard lying prone on the ground and seeing he was in obvious trouble, requested that Paul call for an ambulance.
Having assessed that the officer was unresponsive and had stopped breathing, Ron immediately started CPR.
As Ron was administering CPR Paul retrieved the sites Defibrillator and began getting it ready for use and applying the pads to the officer’s chest. They then defibbed the officer twice to bring him back whilst continuing CPR until emergency services arrived and took over. The officer was later flown to Nelson Hospital where it was found he had two main arteries blocked and requiring stents.
The ambulance crew had high praise for Ron and Paul, telling them both that without a doubt they had saved the life of their fellow officer. He is on the road to recover and will hopefully be back at work soon.
It is also noted that in the week prior to this incident both Ron and Paul had to take control of another medical emergency at the same branch when a client experienced a seizure, applying care and support until the arrival of emergency services.
Saved a Life (Highly commended) – THEO Manila, first security
Pictured L-R: Brett Farrell (General Manager Northern Region) and Theo Manila (Security Officer), both First Security.
Theo Manila is a security officer with First Security and works on the Auckland One Rail contract.
At approximately 1125 hours on 5 July 2024 Theo observed a young man who appeared distressed following an argument with his partner. Theo kept a close watch on the man after he chose not to board the train with his partner and observed him near the edge of the platform, beyond the yellow lines, and approaching the tracks.
As the man moved out of camera coverage, Theo ran down the platform so that he could intervene if necessary. He found the young man had removed his bag and preparing to sit on the edge of the platform. Theo was able to grab the man and pull him back to safety as a train was approaching the platform.
Theo remained with the man to ensure his safety whilst the second site officer notified Station Control and sought further support attendance.
Saved a Life MEDAL – Kenneth Bethell, Aegis Private SecuritY
Pictured L-R: Kenneth Bethell, with his colleague Sharon whose life he saved.
Kenneth (Kenny) is the second in charge of Aegis Private Security, Rotorua, providing security services in the Bay of Plenty region.
On 15 May 2024 Kenny was unable to contact a colleague on her cell phone and noting that she is elderly, lives alone, and usually responds promptly to any missed phone or text calls, he sought approval from the owner to conduct a house call and check on her welfare.
On arrival at the property Kenny again tried to contact the resident without any success. He noted that some things seemed out of place with curtains still closed and the outside lights on, even though it was daytime.
Kenny made a call to the resident’s daughter who similarly was unable to make contact.
After discussing Kenny’s concerns, the daughter immediately drove to check on her mum and when entering the house found her unconscious next to her bed, having suffered a fall. She immediately called the ambulance, which arrived swiftly and provided the necessary medical assistance and ultimately transported her to the hospital emergency department.
The family later updated Kenny that their mother was recovering and in a stable condition however the paramedics mentioned that if care was delayed for another hour, she might not have survived.
As the family expressed in their letter of thanks, Kenny’s awareness and prompt actions truly saved her life.
Saved a Life MEDAL – Bing Kenny, Allied Security
Pictured: Bing Kenny with his award.
Security Officer Bing Kenny is employed by Allied Security and whilst on duty at Woolworths Bayfair on 3 May 2024, he observed an incident of assault between two customers. Security Officer Kenny fearlessly intervened and pulled a young person away from the victim who was being attacked. As he was pulling the assailant away, a knife was dropped and Bing was able to secure the knife and restrain the young person.
Following the incident Security Officer Kenny had the calmness to check on the welfare of the customer who had been attacked, members of the staff and public in the immediate area.
Security Officer Kenny’s actions were selfless and instrumental in preventing the loss of life and he was awarded a District Commanders Awards for his actions by NZ Police.
Saved a Life MEDAL – ANTONY STEWART, ARMOURGUARD SECURITY
Pictured L-R: Antony Stewart and Steffan Dudley, Central Regional Manager, Armourguard Security
Security Officer Antony (Tony) Stewart commenced employment at the Armourguard Palmerston North branch early 2024 and has already proven himself to be an excellent Security Officer, including saving the life of two individuals on a single day.
On the 16 May 2024 Tony was seconded to the Downtown Mall site. Early in the afternoon he was conducting an external check of the building when he noticed a male, estimated at 20 years old, hanging over the railing of the adjacent level 1 carpark.
Whilst some distance from youth, Tony called out to check if he was okay, and the youth responded “no”. Tony immediately ran to the location of the male and once close to him was able to engage in conversation. Despite assertions that he wanted to jump, Tony was able to encourage him to move to a nearby stairwell where he was able to calm the youth down and summon assistance. Tony remained with the still agitated youth until police arrived and took him for medical assessment.
Later in the evening Security Officer Stewart was watching the complex cameras when he noticed two youths on the top floor car park who were creating a disturbance. Tony and the Downtown custodian went to investigate and as it was dark and raining, Tony used his torch to illuminate the car park area when he noticed a dark figure in the distance. As they approached it became apparent that it was a young female in her early 20’s and sitting on the ledge of the carpark outer wall. When the female refused to respond to requests to come down from the ledge, Tony instructed the custodian to remain with her whilst he stepped back out of sight and then proceeded to call Police for assistance.
The police response was prompt and in force. Four police officers spent over an hour negotiating with the female but when she became very agitated and made a motion towards the edge of the ledge, the officers moved in and took her into custody. Congratulations on your efforts Tony.
Saved a Life MEDAL – GURPREET SINGH, FIRST SECURITY
Pictured L-R: Brian Switalla and Gurpreet Singh.
Gurpreet Singh is a Senior Security Officer for FIRST Security in the Auckland One Rail contract.
On 14 April 2024 Gurpreet observed a person on a station platform and behind the yellow line. As a train approached the platform the person slowly started heading towards the train and then attempted to jump in front of it. Security Officer Singh immediately notified the SCC (Station Control Centre) and then rushed to where the person was located. As he approached, the person attempted to scale a fence and jump onto the tracks. Gurpreet was able to hold the person against the fence and to prevent them jumping until Police arrived and took them into their care.
Saved a Life MEDAL – GAGANDEEP BHALLA, FIRST SECURITY
Pictured L-R: Brian Switalla and Gagandeep Bhalla.
Gagandeep Bhalla is a Security Officer for FIRST Security and working on the Auckland One Rail contract.
The incident occurred at a South Auckland train station on 22 March 2024.
Gagandeep observed a teenager jump off an overbridge and land awkwardly on the platform edge. It was immediately apparent that the person had sustained severe head injuries and was unconscious.
Gagandeep urgently requested two members of the public to provide assistance and together they lifted the young person and carried them to a hospital Emergency Department.
Security Officer Bhalla then cordoned off the area pending Police arrival and taking of statements.
Several days later Gagandeep checked with Hospital Security and was advised that the young person was still a patient and was recovering.
Saved a Life MEDAL – VENUSULA TILO FAASAVALU & TALAVETA TOALA, FIRST SECURITY
Pictured L-R: Brian Switalla and Talaveta Toala.
Venusula Tilo Faasavalu, Senior Security Officer and Talaveta Toala, Security Officer, are employed by FIRST Security on the Auckland One Rail contract.
On the day of the incident, a member of the public exited from a south bound train holding the left side of their chest as they were in pain. Security Officer Toala contacted AOR’s SCC (Station Control Centre) and ambulance service. Security Officer Faasavalu noticed that the person was holding their hand next to their chest area and had started shaking uncontrollably and their eyes began rolling. Security Officer Toala was still on the phone with the paramedics and informed them that the patient appeared to be having a seizure. The paramedics spoke to Venusula and guided her on how to administer CPR to revive the patient. Thankfully the person started coughing and recommenced breathing. They were supported and cared for until the ambulance arrived onsite and took them to hospital.
Saved a Life (HIghly Commended) – Victor Korotky, FIRST SECURITY
Pictured L-R: Brett Farrell (FSGS), Venusula Til Faasavalu (Medal winner), Su Kaur, Brian Switalla, Nick Gibbs (FSGS), Victor Korotky (Medal winner), Lisa D’Oliveira (AOR), Gagandeep Bhalla, Talaveta Toala, Gurpreet Singh (Medal winners), Garvin Couch, Tim Covic (FSGS) and Isaac Cubitt (AOR).
Security Officer Victor Korotky is a Security Officer with FIRST Security and employed on the Auckland One Rail contract.
On the day of the incident Security Officer Korotky was working at a South Auckland train station when he observed a person sitting on the overbridge and threatening to jump off. He reported the situation to AOR’s SCC (Station Control Centre) and Police who attended promptly and dealt with the situation, eventually escorting the person to hospital.
During the incident, which resulted in closure of the rail network, Victor kept the area contained and prevented customers from entering the area by guiding them to a different route.
Saved a Life Medal – GLORIA PEEA, ARMOURGUARD SECURITY
Pictured L-R: Warwick Stenson (North Island Metro Manager, Armourguard), Gloria Peea and Shane O’Halloran (General Manager, Armourguard)
Gloria Peea is employed by Armourguard Security at the Auckland Transport Bus Stop at Mangere Town Centre. On 22 October 2023 at 21.25 hours, Gloria was alerted to a youth on the roof of the doctors surgery at Mangere Bus Station. The youth was spoken to by Gloria who told her she wanted to end her life and that her father had just passed away, and doesn’t know who her mother is. Gloria continued to talk with her and managed to coax her down by bribing her with a pizza.
Police response was slow, and without her quick acting, nature and awareness, Gloria most certainly stopped the youth from attempting suicide.
Saved a Life Medal – GAGAN BHALLA, ARMOURGUARD SECURITY
Pictured L-R: Warwick Stenson (North Island Metro Manager, Armourguard), Gagan Bhalla and Shane O’Halloran (General Manager, Armourguard)
On 11 September 2023 Security Officer Gagan Bhalla was on duty at the Middlemore Train Station.
At approximately 9am an individual made his way onto the platform and was observed as showing signs of stress and agitation and nearing the edge of the platform. On being asked to stand clear for his safety the individual complied and departed the station.
He then returned several hours later and again approached the edge of the platform. When again asked to stand clear he became aggressive and threatening that he was going to commit suicide by jumping in front of a train. Gagan tried to console and calm the individual whilst also alerting AOR and the Police. At this time the individual calmed and left the station, only to return again around 3pm.
Noting that he was under observation from Gagan, and that he was in communication with back up services, the individual boarded a train heading to Manukau. Gagan was able to notify AOR and Police and request their presence for arrival at the Manukau Station.
Saved a Life Medal – NEIL TOMULI AND PULE TALIA, ARMOURGUARD SECURITY
Pictured L-R: Warwick Stenson (North Island Metro Manager, Armourguard), Neil Tomuli and Pule Talia, and Shane O’Halloran (General Manager, Armourguard)
Early on the morning of 20 July 2023 the Auckland CBD was shut down as Police and Emergency Services responded to an active shooter situation. Unfortunately, the incident resulted in three deaths, including the perpetrator.
Neil and Pule were on duty at the Britomart Train Station and construction site located next to the incident scene. Both Neil and Pule immediately enacted the protocols from the Emergency Response Manual and placed a cordon around the site, preventing public and onlookers from entering the scene and with the assistance of Police, pushing back members of the public who were at risk. Their actions were unprompted and letters of commendation from Auckland Transport state that they need to be recognised as their actions undoubtedly saved a number of people and also instilled confidence in Auckland’s Public Transport Network.
Saved a Life Medal – SINAPATI TUUGASALA AND FUAROSA OLOAGA, ARMOURGUARD SECURITY
Pictured L-R: Warwick Stenson (North Island Metro Manager, Armourguard), Fuarosa Oloaga and Sinapati Tuugasala, and Shane O’Halloran (General Manager, Armourguard)
On 15 August 2023 Security Officers Sinapati Tuugasala and Fuarosa Oloaga were on duty at the Manukau train station.
At approximately midday a young male came running down the escalator and jumped over the gate. He was observed by the officers who started to follow at a safe distance, and the male then jumped down onto the rail tracks and started running towards a stopped train.
The officers then approached the male and attempted to encourage him back onto the platform however the individual refused and said he wanted to die. The control centre, having been alerted by Sinapati, was observing via camera and immediately cancelled the train’s departure.
After further reassurance and coaxing from Sinapati and Fuarosa, the male eventually returned to the platform allowing passenger services to resume.
Unfortunately, the male declined further support and departed the scene before police were able to attend.
Saved a Life Medal – Josh Beckham, Allied Security
Pictured L-R: Aaron Brown (Waikato Operations Manager, Allied Security) and Josh Beckham.
For operational and legal reasons we need to treat specific details of this incident in confidence however on the 2nd June at approximately 3.30am, Josh was alerted to an incident involving an aggravated assault on one of his team.
Whilst Josh was off duty at the time, he attended the site within 5 minutes and found the guard had suffered injuries to his jaw, throat area and eye sockets and was experiencing breathing difficulties. Josh provided initial first aid, kept the guard conscious during the 20 minute wait for the arrival of emergency services and eventually accompanied the guard when transferred to hospital in a critical state.
During this time Josh also provided status updates to the local Operations Manager and the site customer.
We are also pleased to advise that the injured guard has fully recovered from the injuries sustained.
Saved a Life Medal – Thomas Tofilau, Armourguard Security
Pictured L-R: Warwick Stenson (North Island Metro Manager, Armourguard), Thomas Tofilau and Shane O’Halloran (General Manager, Armourguard)
On the 31st March at approximately 2100 hours, Security Officer Thomas Tofilau was driving through Te Irirangi Drive when he noticed a female leaning over the bridge. Thomas initially assumed she was watching the cars passing below however he was concerned by her actions and kept her under observation whilst he was stopped at the traffic lights. When he saw the female start to climb up onto the bridge barrier, he put on his vehicle warning lights and quickly ran up to her and grabbed her hand to stop her from jumping.
The female burst into tears and kept saying she wanted to die and to let her jump. Thomas refused to let her go and pulled her down from the bridge, putting her into a bear hug. He managed to calm her down enough and shifted away from the bridge where he was able to call the police and request their attendance. Police were onsite within 10 minutes, allowing Thomas to resume his duties.
Saved a Life Medal – Lily Wilson, Alpha Protection Services
Pictured L-R: Connlan Norton-Taylor (Director, Alpha Protection Services), Lily Wilson and Wayne Sofai (Training and Performance Manager, Alpha Protection Services)
On 28 October 2022 Lily Watson was working with a colleague doing her patrol route in the Christchurch CBD. They had finished their lockdown as scheduled and were completing their logbook entry for the customer when Lily heard a loud cracking sound coming from inside the premise, she felt uneasy and told her partner they should investigate, even though it would put them slightly behind on their patrol.
After re-entering the complex Lily could hear an odd buzzing sound and when she investigated she found the cleaner lying on the ground next to the still going floor polisher and with a large head wound and having a seizure.
Lily immediately had her partner call an ambulance whilst she placed the cleaner into the recovery position. She then retrieved a nearby defibrillator and followed the instructions of the 111 operator until the critical response team arrived with skilled paramedics. The gentleman was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and was later reported as being in a serious but stable condition with a potential brain bleed.
Saved a Life Medal – Leitualamavae Vaa and Shelley Herbert, Armourguard Security
Pictured L-R: Leitualamavae Vaa and Shelley Herbert with Warwick Stenson (North Island Metro Manager, Armourguard)
Saved a Life (Highly Commended) – MIke Fairbrother, Alarm SOlutions
Pictured L-R: Richard Jones (Managing Director, Alarm Solutions) with Mike Fairbrother (Senior Technician, Alarm Solutions).
Mike was recently commuting through the Christchurch city centre and was about to turn at a busy intersection when a very elderly lady wobbled on the footpath and then fell heavily, and face first, into the path of his vehicle.
Mike carefully manouevred around her, positioning his vehicle to create a protective barrier between her and oncoming traffic, and then went to her assistance. He sat with her and provided initial first aid until emergency services arrived and was commended by attending police for his actions in diverting traffic and providing immediate assistance and support.