First up, Trump was secretly moved off Air Force One in an airport catering truck and flown out of Turkey aboard a smaller military aircraft as part of “an elaborate security operation prompted by a reported Iranian threat,” according to a New York Post report.

The traditional Air Force One “departed as a decoy before Trump rejoined his entourage at a U.S. air base in the UK,” the report says.

Meanwhile, Detroit TV news anchor Taryn Asher was fired in November after being caught on video calling her boss a “bitch” during a heated newsroom confrontation as she was recording a public service announcement.

Other top surveillance videos this week include an Amazon delivery drone having a problem figuring out where to drop a package, an F-35 jet pilot ejecting from the plane before it crashes on a military base in San Diego, a father and son building a farmstand for a Rhode Island family whose stand was stolen the day it opened and more.

We also saw an Amazon driver go viral for a seemingly simple act of untangling an American flag on one of her drop-offs and saluting the flag before heading back to her truck.

Click here to check out the latest batch of Surveillance Videos of the Week. Send your suggestions for future editions to digital editor Craig MacCormack at craig.maccormack@emeraldx.com.

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Avnaim brings more than 20 years of experience to this role and “will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive, risk-based cybersecurity program designed to help protect Allied Universal employees, systems, data and technology platforms against evolving cyber threats,” the announcement says.

Reporting to global general counsel Loretta Cecil, he will also “oversee and manage the company’s cybersecurity resources and teams, working closely with [Allied Universal’s] technology, legal, operations and business teams across more than 100 countries and territories,” according to the company announcement.

Why Did Allied Universal Add Jordan Avnaim as CISO?

“Protecting our people, systems and data is fundamental to our ability to serve customers and operate effectively around the world,” says Steve Jones, global chairman and CEO of Allied Universal, in the company announcement.

“Jordan is an accomplished cybersecurity leader who combines deep technical expertise with a clear understanding of business operations and enterprise risk. His leadership will help us continue to strengthen our cyber resilience while supporting the innovation and responsible growth of our company,” he says.

“Experienced in developing and leading cybersecurity, technology risk and regulatory compliance programs for large, complex global organizations,” Avnaim has “advised boards and executive leadership teams, strengthened enterprise security capabilities and built high-performing teams focused on protecting critical infrastructure, sensitive information and business operations,” according to the company announcement.

“Jordan brings an exceptional combination of cybersecurity leadership, enterprise risk management experience and sound business judgment,” says Cecil in the announcement. “He has demonstrated an ability to translate complex technical risks into clear business priorities, respond effectively when incidents occur and establish accountability across large global organizations.

“Jordan will provide independent oversight and transparency while enabling close collaboration with our technology and operational leadership,” she says.

What is Avnaim’s Resume?

Previously, Avnaim served as chief information security officer at Hyundai AutoEver America and at Entrust Corp., where he was responsible for the company’s global information security program across more than 150 countries, 40 offices and 20 data centers. He also held several senior technology risk and information security leadership positions at the Capital Group Companies.

Avnaim holds a master of engineering in management of technology with an emphasis in information security and risk management and a bachelor of engineering in computer engineering and mathematics from Vanderbilt University.

He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Certified Information Systems Auditor and a member of InfraGard, ISACA and ISC2.

“I am honored to join Allied Universal and support an organization whose mission is centered on helping keep people and businesses safe,” says Avnaim in the company announcement. “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that requires strong governance, operational readiness and collaboration across every part of an organization.

“I look forward to working with colleagues around the world to further strengthen Allied Universal’s cybersecurity capabilities, protect its critical assets and support the company’s long-term growth,” he says.

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Local security and technology professionals, business partners, media and community members are invited to join the opening celebration and official ribbon-cutting on Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Designed to “help organizations capture everything and understand what matters,” Milestone’s new immersive Experience & Collaboration Center “gives visitors a hands-on look at how video technology can help turn complex data into clearer insights, strengthened security and improved operations,” the announcement says.

The center “showcases Milestone’s full product suite, including XProtect video management software, BriefCam AI-powered analytics and Arcules cloud Video Security as a Service, alongside the company’s responsible, regulatory-compliant solutions to training artificial intelligence on high-quality video data.”

Why is Milestone Opening a New Experience Center?

“This space gives our customers and partners the freedom to see what’s possible when you’re not locked into a single vendor’s roadmap,” says Tim Palmquist, vice president of Americas at Milestone Systems, in the company announcement. “Video has moved far beyond security and the center lets people test that for themselves on real systems with the same responsible approach to data that guides everything we build.”

Kyle Craven, Milestone’s channel business manager for the Oregon territory, says the new Milestone Experience & Collaboration Center reflects the company’s investment in a region with significant untapped opportunity.

“We’ve done great work across the Pacific Northwest but I don’t think we’ve shown this region everything that we can do,” he says. “This ribbon-cutting is just the start. If you’re in security, IT or facilities anywhere in Oregon or Washington, come see what a truly open platform looks like.”

The Experience & Collaboration Center is located at Milestone’s Lake Oswego office, just south of Portland, and will be open to prospective and existing customers by appointment following the ribbon-cutting celebration.

The opening celebration and official ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Milestone Experience & Collaboration Center is scheduled for Sept. 1 from 3 to 5 p.m. Media, customers and partners are invited to attend or schedule a future visit. Contact Kristi Corno, Milestone sales business manager, at kdc@milestone.us or call 503-350-1156.

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Founded in 2019 in Newport Beach, Calif., Azure Access “develops next-generation, adaptable electronic access control hardware for the U.S. commercial market,” the announcement says. Its open architecture controller platform is designed for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and software providers.

Apollo Security, also based in Newport Beach, develops and manufactures access control and integrated security systems. Together, Azure Access and Apollo Security employ around 30 people and serve access control companies worldwide, according to the joint announcement.

Azure Access “empowers software organizations to deploy their own controller panels and accessories, enabling them to introduce new features to customers,” according to the joint announcement.

“This move reflects our continued commitment to strategic growth in the Americas and expands how we can support original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and other access control customers and partners in the market,” says Heather Torrey, executive vice president of dormakaba Americas, in the company announcement.

“What makes this especially meaningful is how naturally the legacy of this business connects to our story,” she says. “It is rooted in trusted relationships, practical innovation and a commitment to helping create more connected, flexible and resilient access control systems. We see a clear opportunity to carry that story forward with simpler systems and better outcomes for customers.”

“By offering an open and adaptable controller platform, Azure Access enables partners to bring access control solutions to market more quickly and efficiently,” the announcement says. “Apollo Security complements Azure Access’ offering with its significant installed base and industry recognition.”

Why Did dormakaba Acquire Azure and Apollo?

“Our acquisition of the assets of Azure Access and Apollo Security will accelerate the development of next-generation access control solutions and advance our components strategy in the U.S.,” says Till Reuter, CEO of dormakaba, in the joint announcement.

“Historically, dormakaba has mainly offered engineered solutions as a bundle,” he says. “Going forward, we will strengthen our open component portfolio – including locks, readers and controllers – to OEM partners, a customer segment we are now well positioned to support. This creates a new go-to-market opportunity for us to expand our position.”

“We are thrilled to join dormakaba and to take our platform to the next level,” says Evan Zinger, executive vice president of Azure Access and Apollo Security, in the joint announcement. “Industry leaders have long acknowledged the strength of our solution, and this acquisition eliminates the remaining scale and adoption barriers, positioning us to establish enterprise adoption and global reach.

“By challenging the status quo together, we are significantly expanding our market reach while gaining the resources needed to accelerate our product roadmap and execute on our most aligned, ambitious vision,” he says.

The signing and closing of the transaction happened on Aug. 14, 2026. The parties have agreed not to disclose further details or the financial terms of the transaction.

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The winners of the 2026 Hébert Scholarship are Joseph Robles of SAGE Integration and Kevin Vettorel of BOS Security. They were recognized at the 2026 AcceleRISE conference, an event presented by the SIA RISE community for emerging security leaders, in San Diego, Calif., earlier this month.

This scholarship program—named after Hébert, a longtime security industry executive and past member of SIA’s Board of Directors who served as SIA board chair from 2016 to 2018—is designed to “support the professional development goals of individual SIA members and student members who specialize in identity management,” according to the association announcement.

“My sincere congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Denis R. Hébert Identity Management Scholarship Awards, Joseph Robles and Kevin Vettorel,” says Hébert in the announcement. “As Identity becomes a central element in our daily lives, their focus is a key part of our industry’s future.”

What Do The Hébert Identity Management Scholarship Do?

Robles, service coordinator at SAGE Integration, is an operations professional based in San Francisco, with experience in service coordination, field operations planning, technician scheduling, KPI reporting and process improvement across security integration and fire and life safety environments.

His background includes supporting access control, CCTV, service delivery, workforce coordination and operational reporting. Robles is currently completing a project management certificate with a Lean Six Sigma focus through UCLA Extension.

Through the Denis R. Hébert Scholarship, he plans to continue building recognized skills in data analysis, identity management, cybersecurity and operations improvement and his long-term goal is to apply data driven process improvement to technician utilization, capacity planning, credential coverage, access control operations and operational decision making in the security industry.

“I am honored to receive the 2026 Denis R. Hébert Scholarship,” says Robles in the SIA announcement. “This award will help me build the certifications and technical skills needed to turn operational data into better decisions across the security industry.

“My goal is to improve how teams measure performance, manage technician capacity, track credentials and strengthen access control operations. I am grateful to SIA for investing in my development and helping me move toward a career focused on data-driven process improvement and operational excellence,” he says.

Vettorel is chief technology officer at BOS Security. His career has been built around mission critical operations, enterprise IT and applied artificial intelligence. His 20 years of service in the Air Force shaped his leadership style and technical discipline, where he directed large-scale IT operations, managed multimillion dollar programs and led cross functional teams supporting secure and highly regulated environments.

After transitioning to the private sector, Vettorel held roles including technical solutions architect and site reliability engineer. He later advanced to vice president of IT, where he led enterprise technology strategy, built and scaled an artificial intelligence-enabled command center, achieved UL certification.

Vettorel holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and a master’s degree in applied artificial intelligence. His work consistently centers on turning advanced technology into practical, scalable solutions that improve performance, reduce risk and provide clients with white glove service.

“I plan on using this generous gift to complete my master’s-level certification in advanced data analytics and start my Ph.D,” says Vettorel in the SIA announcement. “I believe this will allow me to use data to further enhance the efficiency and protection of our VirtuGuard client base.

“As a 20-year Air Force veteran, I believe education is one of the most important things a person can do to better themselves. I have four children who are also college graduates or currently working toward their degrees, and I am thankful to SIA for helping me reach another important milestone and furthering my education,” he says.

SIA and the board of directors established the Denis R. Hébert Identity Management Scholarship program in 2018 “in recognition of the substantial subject matter expertise Hébert offered and continues to offer to SIA members,” according to the association announcement.

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This marks the company’s fifth consecutive year on the list — a milestone achieved by fewer than 1% of companies ever named to the Inc. 5000 — underscoring scDataCom’s “ability to sustain its pace of growth even as its revenue base has grown substantially larger each year,” according to the company announcement.

The Inc. 5000 “recognize[s] companies that have achieved remarkable growth while driving innovation, creating jobs and shaping the future of the economy,” the announcement says.

“As I reflect on this, what strikes me most isn’t the ranking,” says Kathleen Ford, chief executive officer and co-owner of scDataCom in the company announcement. “It’s how hard it is to keep growing year after year. Every year you start from a bigger base, the challenges get more complex and what got you here isn’t enough to get you to the next level.

“Growth isn’t a straight line and it’s never easy breezy. It’s continuous risking, learning, adjusting and trusting. Five years on the Inc. 5000 is something we’re proud of, yet a reminder that we’re still just getting started,” she says.

Where Has scDataCom Ranked on Inc. 5000?

scDataCom’s 2026 ranking of No. 2,177 reflects 155% three-year revenue growth and continues a streak of consecutive Inc. 5000 honors:

• 2026: No. 2,177
• 2025: No. 1,020
• 2024: No. 1,134
• 2023: No. 4,533
• 2022: No. 3,693

This year’s Inc. 5000 “recognizes a new class of companies redefining what growth looks like,” according to the scDataCom announcement.

“From [artificial intelligence] and advanced manufacturing to healthcare, consumer products and professional services, these businesses are expanding their impact, creating jobs and proving that entrepreneurial ambition continues to fuel the U.S. economy,” the announcement says.

Among the 5,000 companies on the list, the median three-year revenue growth rate was 130% and those companies have collectively added more than 627,208 jobs to the U.S. economy over the past three years, according to the announcement.

“Every company on the Inc. 5000 has a story of perseverance, smart decision making, and a refusal to sit still,” says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc., in the scDataCom announcement. “Their growth reflects more than strong financial performance. It reflects creativity, resilience and the customer focus required to build companies that make a lasting impact. We congratulate all honorees on this significant achievement.”

Inc. will celebrate the honorees at the 2026 Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, scheduled for Oct. 14-16 in Dallas and the top 500 will be listed in the fall 2026 issue of Inc. Magazine. Tickets are on sale now.

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We ask that you please participate to help us share an accurate assessment of the current trends in this increasingly important aspect of the professional security industry.

This SSI Deep Dive on the electronic access control market will lend insights into one of the industry’s fastest-growing and changing sectors.

What’s in the Survey?

In the 2026 SSI Access Control Deep Dive survey, we’ll explore the average number of installs; openings and prices per project; gross margins; growth rates; market forecasts; top vertical markets; adoption of emerging technology; Cloud and managed services; access control as a service (ACaaS); cybersecurity; top market challenges; and more.

Respondents will also weigh in on the access control features they most desire.

Survey takers must be professional security dealers/integrators doing business in the United States, Canada or both. Your participation is critical for the success of this research. The results — along with analysis — will be featured in the November/December issue of Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration.

The analysis of the Access Control Deep Dive will also be posted on our website.

Click here to complete SSI’s Access Control Deep Dive survey. Answers and email addresses will be kept confidential and only used in tabulation with others.

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Based on a survey of more than 2,700 IT and physical security leaders across 10 global markets, the findings “reveal a growing gap between organizations with on-premise physical security systems and those with cloud-based systems,” according to the Verkada announcement.

“Organizations with cloud-based physical security are using AI at 2.6 times the rate of those with on-premise systems,” the announcement says. “While 39% of organizations are still piloting AI features today, as the share of AI adoption increases, the gaps are poised to grow between organizations that modernize their infrastructure and those that don’t.

“Leaders recognize the importance of this shift: among organizations that aren’t yet fully cloud-managed, 94% are planning a transition or already in one,” according to the Verkada announcement.

What’s in the 2026 Verkada Cloud Physical Security Report?

Other key findings of the Verkada 2026 State of Cloud Physical Security report include:

• AI adoption in physical security is widespread, but rolling out in a phased approach. Four out of five leaders say they are engaged with AI in physical security but 39% report that they are still piloting it and 41% report they are actively using it.

• Organizations find value from video security investments across other operational use cases. Most organizations report they use or plan to use video security to improve broader safety and operations within their organization, including for workplace health and safety compliance, operational efficiency and space utilization.

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TMA members have exclusive early access with public availability starting Sept. 1, 2026.

Video Monitoring Foundations is “designed to complement an organization’s operator training, providing a shared industry foundation that can be reinforced through company-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs), account instructions, platform training and applicable jurisdictional requirements,” the TMA announcement says.

Developed by industry subject matter experts, the program “uses realistic monitoring center scenarios, guided exercises, knowledge checks and final assessments to connect foundational concepts with day-to-day operator responsibilities,” according to the announcement.

The training is vendor-neutral and “designed for monitoring centers, systems integrators and security professionals seeking a shared industry foundation for modern video monitoring,” the announcement says.

“Video monitoring technology continues to evolve rapidly but effective outcomes still depend on well-prepared professionals who can interpret what they see and respond with sound judgment,” says Wes Usie, vice president of TMA and co-chairman of TMA’s Surveillance and Video Verification Committee, in the announcement.

“Video Monitoring Foundations gives operators a practical, consistent framework for combining technology with situational awareness, clear communication, accurate documentation and fact-based decision-making,” he says in the TMA announcement.

What’s in the TMA Video Monitoring Training Program?

The complete TMA Video Monitoring Foundations course includes five modules:

·     Introduction to Video Monitoring Systems: the purpose, services, tools, benefits and limitations of video monitoring.

·     Proactive Video Monitoring: System Meets Operator: how analytics and AI-assisted alerts work with operator context, judgment, communication and documentation.

·     The Video Monitoring Process: event evaluation, camera tools, evidence, alarm validation, communication with public safety and fact-based reporting.

·     Operator Self-Care: stress, fatigue, resilience, recovery and sustained readiness.

·     Legal and Computer Safety: privacy, confidentiality, cybersecurity, secure work habits, documentation and professional responsibility.

Learners may enroll in the complete five-module course or select individual modules for targeted development. The curriculum focuses on situational awareness, professional judgment, communication, documentation and fact-based decision-making, while “emphasizing the essential partnership between monitoring technology and trained operators,” according to the TMA announcement.

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An established industry leader, Taylor will be responsible for the company’s growth, go-to-market strategies and sales team development.

“Mike Taylor has a long history of growing physical security dealer programs with intrusion, access control and video technologies,” says Rick Britton, founder and chief executive officer of DMP, in the company announcement. “Many on our team have worked with Mike in the past and know his reputation of success. He’s the right leader for this role, and the right fit for DMP.”

Why Did DMP Add Mike Taylor as Executive VP of Sales?

Taylor has spent 20 years in senior leadership, most recently serving as head of sales, public sector and channel sales at Alcatraz. As vice president of global sales and marketing at Hirsch, he constructed and deployed solutions for commercial and federal markets.

Previously, Taylor led North American sales teams for Milestone, Brivo and AMAG Technology. Taylor brings “extensive experience across all sectors and product groups to DMP,” according to the company announcement.

“The opportunity to join a talented team of people at a world-class company was too good to pass up,” says Taylor in the DMP announcement. “My goal is to build an industry-leading sales team to set the standard for our peers and competitors.”

Taylor began his position with DMP on July 20. During his first six weeks, he will be traveling to visit DMP customers, then attending the Global Security Exchange Sept. 14-16 in Atlanta.

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Allied Universal ranks No. 72 on the list of 500 privately held companies across the United States. The ranking “evaluates privately held companies based on employee satisfaction and company impact,” according to the company announcement.

“Being recognized by TIME is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the extraordinary people who make Allied Universal what it is today,” says Steve Jones, global chairman and CEO of Allied Universal, in the company announcement.

“Our team members show up every day with professionalism, integrity and a clear sense of purpose,” he says. “Their commitment to our clients, our communities and our shared mission continues to drive our success and distinguish Allied Universal as the industry leader.”

Why is Allied on TIME’s Best Private Companies List?

In its first ranking of America’s best private companies, TIME measured employee satisfaction through survey data from approximately 217,000 U.S. employees over the past three years, including recommendations from current and former employees and evaluations of employers across areas such as image, atmosphere, working conditions, salary and equality.

Company impact was assessed “based on Allied Universal’s contributions to helping ensure safer communities, employment opportunities, workforce training, client and public safety and responsible business practices,” according to the company announcement.

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Observed each September, the campaign delivers fire safety education and resources to students, families and campus housing professionals, according to the NFPA announcement.

This year, the initiative “shines the spotlight on safe cooking practices and lithium-ion battery safety, two critical areas of concern that can help reduce fire risk where students live, study and gather,” the announcement says.

Why Does NFPA Emphasize Campus Fire Safety?

According to the latest NFPA statistics, from 2020 to 2024, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 3,198 structure fires in dormitories, fraternity and sorority houses and other related properties. These incidents caused annual averages of two civilian deaths, 20 million civilian injuries and $20 million in direct property damage.

Roughly three out of four fires in these properties started in the kitchen or cooking area, accounting for 58 percent of civilian injuries and 14 percent of the direct property damage. Cooking equipment was involved in nearly eight out of 10 fires; unattended equipment was the most common factor contributing to the ignition of these fires.

“The excitement of moving into a new dorm or apartment often comes with new responsibilities including preparing meals safely,” says Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA and CCFS Advisory Council member, in the joint announcement.

“Cooking remains one of the most significant fire risks in student housing, with unattended cooking continuing to be the leading cause,” she says. “Campus Fire Safety Month is an opportunity to remind students that small actions such as staying in the kitchen while cooking and keeping anything that can burn away from the stovetop, can prevent devastating fires.”

NFPA and CCFS offer several tips and resources for cooking safely, including these key messages:

• Stay alert and present. Do not cook if you’re tired or drowsy from medicine or alcohol. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. Turn off the burner if you leave the kitchen for any reason.
• Keep flammables away from heat sources. Keep anything that can catch fire – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains – away from your stovetop.
• Be prepared for emergencies. Always have a lid within reach to smother small grease fires. Turn off the burner. Do not move the pan. To keep the fire from restarting, leave the lid on until the pan has cooled. If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire, get outside, close the door behind you, and call 911 from outside the home.

The Growing Danger of Lithium-Ion Batteries on Campus

This year’s campaign also addresses another growing fire safety challenge on campus: lithium-ion batteries. As their use continues to expand in everything from laptops and phones to e-bikes and e-scooters, so does the importance of understanding how to use and charge them safely.

“Lithium-ion batteries are prevalent in the campus environment from laptops to research projects,” says CCFS president and University of Maryland fire marshal Alan Sactor in the joint announcement. “College students rely on technology and many use micromobility devices every day.

“The batteries that power these devices can present safety hazards such as overheating, fire or even explosions “Campus Fire Safety Month is a year-round commitment and we will continue working to help educate all members of the college and university campus community on how to safely use, charge and store these devices to reduce the risk of fire,” he says.

NFPA and CCFS offer tips for safely using, storing, and charging lithium-ion batteries to help prevent fires:

• Review campus policies. Some dormitories have rules about charging micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters. Review your college/university’s policies before using these devices.
• Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark. This means it meets important safety standards.
• Charge devices safely. Only use the charging equipment provided with your device, stop charging once full, and never charge overnight or with damaged chargers/batteries.
• Store devices properly. Keep your batteries away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and flammable items, and never block an exit with charging or stored devices.

The post NFPA and Center for Campus Fire Safety Prioritize Fire and Life Safety appeared first on Security Sales & Integration.

Those two organizations are “dedicated to preserving the legacy of that day and remembering those affected by it,” the company announcement says.

“As we mark the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, we remember the lives lost, honor the heroes who responded and recognize the resilience that emerged from tragedy,” says Tony Byerly, global president and CEO of Securitas Technology, SSI’s 2025 Installer of the Year, in the company announcement.

“The lessons of that day continue to reinforce our purpose and the importance of creating a safer and more secure world,” he says. “Through our support of Friends of Flight 93 and the Tunnel to Towers, we are helping preserve these stories, support those who serve others and ensure future generations never forget. Helping make your world a safer place is more than our mission. It is our responsibility.”

Why is Securitas Supporting National Day of Learning?

Through its sponsorship of the 2026 National Day of Learning, Securitas Technology “is helping support educational programs that ensure future generations understand the events of Sept. 11, 2001 and the extraordinary courage demonstrated by the passengers and crew of Flight 93,” the announcement says.

The company has also selected Tunnel to Towers Foundation as its official charity partner for GSX 2026, supporting its mission to serve military members, first responders and their families. 

“For 25 years, the story of Flight 93 has stood as a powerful example of courage, sacrifice and unity,” says Donna Gibson, executive director of Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial, in the announcement. “Support from organizations like Securitas Technology helps us continue sharing these lessons with future generations.”

“Twenty-five years later, the impact of 9/11 continues to shape the security profession,” the Securitas Technology announcement says. “The attacks transformed the world of security, including the way organizations approach safety, preparedness and risk management while accelerating innovation across the electronic security industry.”

“As we honor the 25th anniversary of September 11, we remain committed to supporting the families of military service members and first responders while ensuring America never forgets,” says Frank Siller, chairman, CEO and president of Tunnel to Towers Foundation, in the Securitas Technology announcement.

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Based on responses from North American K-12 and higher education professionals, the data “shows schools are prioritizing improved situational awareness, faster incident response and unified security systems,” according to the company announcement.

“Education institutions are primarily using physical security data to monitor and respond to incidents across campus,” the announcement says. Monitoring and responding to incidents on campus was cited by 86% of higher education and 79% of K-12 respondents, making it the most common application overall.

Nearly 80% of higher education and 77% of K-12 respondents said they rely on security systems to manage and audit building access for students, staff and visitors. In addition, 76% of higher education and 80% of K-12 professionals use security data to investigate student or staff conduct issues.

Image courtesy of Genetec

What’s in the 2026 Genetec State of Physical Security Report?

Emergency preparedness also remains a priority, according to the Genetec report. More than half of higher education respondents (54%) and 59% of K-12 respondents said physical security data supports emergency response planning and drills, reinforcing “the need for real-time visibility and coordinated response during critical situations,” the announcement says.

Together, these findings “point to a need for more unified security operations, where video, access control and other security data can support faster understanding and response across classrooms, buildings, and campus grounds,” according to the Genetec announcement.

Despite increased reliance on security technology, budget limitations and funding constraints were identified as the top challenge facing education organizations, cited by 72% of higher education respondents and 74% of K-12 respondents.

When asked which metrics are used to justify physical security investments, improved visibility and situational awareness across campus ranked highest, cited by 77% of higher education respondents and 64% of K-12 respondents. Compliance with district, state, or federal regulations was also a key driver, particularly in K-12, where 62% said meeting safety mandates is a primary justification for security investments.

“Education institutions are under pressure to strengthen campus safety while managing limited budgets,” says Stephen Homrighaus, vertical sales director of education at Genetec Inc., in the company announcement.

“By unifying video, access control and other security data into a single platform, schools can improve visibility, respond more quickly to incidents, and meet compliance requirements, all while making the most of their existing investments,” he says.

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Acadian was named SAMMY Installer of the Year in 2019 (Midsize Company), 2021 (Large Company), 2022 and for the fourth time this year, an honor Acadian Total Security vice president Brandon Niles doesn’t take for granted or take lightly.

“This is one of the biggest things that our team puts a lot of energy into every year,” he says. “We love just being nominated. There are so many great companies that are affiliated with this program, with this award. So, to win it four times in eight years is pretty amazing, to be quite honest.”

“We take a lot of pride in winning this award. When we don’t win, we get very disappointed. I guess it’s not reasonable to expect to win every year, but our team puts so much work in and we care so much about what we do, that maybe it’s not unreasonable to think we should win every year,” says Niles.

Juggling Different Models

Niles describes Lafayette, La.-based Acadian Total Security as “a little bit of a hybrid company,” noting it takes on both large projects that span the entire country and regional alarm installations more commonly associated with small security integrators.

Acadian Total Security is a division of Acadian Ambulance Service, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2021. They started primarily with medical alert-related installations, expanded into monitoring and then moved into retail security in 2014. The company also has a fleet tracking division.

“We definitely have our hands in a lot of different aspects of the physical security industry,” says Niles, noting the company has shifted from about 70 percent residential work five years ago to closer to a 50-50 residential/commercial split these days.

“It’s a lot of work, to be quite honest with you,” says Niles. “I don’t know that we quite have it completely figured out yet, but we are continually evolving.”

Despite its track record of racking up hardware, Acadian knows there is always room for improvement. The company is in the process of unifying its support team and technicians, a strategic move that brings together the best elements of its previous structure.

Niles notes that this year-long transition includes comprehensive training to establish a tiered setup, resulting in enhanced service for Acadian clients.

By breaking down internal silos, the company is unlocking greater collaborative efficiency and intentionally building clearer, more robust career growth pathways to retain and empower its top talent.

What Makes Acadian Total Security Stand Out?

As much of a cliché as it might be to say Acadian Total Security stands out from the crowd because of its culture, Niles truly believes that is the company’s differentiator.

“When evaluating our team, we look closely at our core values and have hired exceptionally high-caliber people,” he says. “I think the fact that we are owned by Acadian Ambulance Service, there’s a mindset and a mission that comes with being affiliated with them that’s really been pushed down to our company.”

“When you look at what we do differently, the professionalism and the number of checks and balances that we build into everything we do, we go above and beyond to make sure we’re delivering a great customer experience and keeping them ultimately safe with whatever product they’re choosing from us,” says Niles.

Niles credits some of Acadian Total Security’s success with its willingness to listen to some of the people and companies that have paved the way for them in the security industry. That includes membership in both the Electronic Security Association and The Monitoring Association, he says.

“Much of our success comes from our willingness to listen and learn from other companies,” says Niles.

Why Employee Ownership Matters

Acadian Total Security recently became 100 percent employee-owned, another way in which it distinguishes itself from other security industry peers and competitors. That extra level of connection shows up in many ways, says Niles.

“You definitely see a lot of that, where you’re getting ideas from the front line a little bit more freely than what you probably would at other companies because they’re invested in what they’re doing,” he says.

Niles also notes that Acadian employees, who become fully vested as owners at their six-year anniversary, are significantly less likely to look for employment elsewhere.

“We all know in the security industry, finding experienced techs and sales reps is incredibly difficult to do,” he says. But being able to keep those experienced employees allows us to continue to really separate ourselves from some of the competitors.”

Acadian is still looking for new and unique ways to ensure younger, less experienced employees stick around during those first six years, says Niles. Some recent initiatives include a training program and promotional track that has them looking forward.

“We focus on helping employees hone their skills and identifying candidates who match our company culture from the start—a lesson we’ve learned the hard way over the last decade,” says Niles.

Acadian has continued to tweak its hiring process to ensure the employees it brings in are fits for the company culture, but obviously that process isn’t foolproof, says Niles.

“There’s a lot of people that can perform well in an interview, but you get them in and they don’t necessarily fit those core values or fit your corporate culture,” he says. “And as you know, as much as they bring to the table, if they’re creating other issues, you have to be willing to step away from some of that talent.”

“We’ve sort of honed in on what that employee profile looks like from a hiring perspective and taken some other steps to make that experience a little bit better for them,” says Niles.

Embracing New Technology

Acadian Total Security is “sometimes too fast” in embracing new technology, says Niles, an attribute company leadership continues to tweak. They don’t want to become passive or turn into followers, but they need to be more deliberate at times, he says.

“The hardest part is ensuring you can provide the same customer experience with newer technology when everyone learns and trains differently,” says Niles. “Getting your employees to that same level is a very, very time-intensive process.”

“There seems like there’s been so much new technology coming into the security space, especially the last three to five years, that you could almost be training non-stop to the point where they’re not in the field producing,” he says.

One of the biggest challenges is “trying to find that right technology for what we’re trying to do without taking on too much,” says Niles, pointing the finger at himself for sometimes being a bit too eager to implement the newest technology at Acadian.

“I get a little excited when I find something and with AI this, AI that, AI everywhere, it’s easy to find the new shiny object and want to chase that,” he says. “But we’ve created a process in our leadership team where we vet new products out pretty thoroughly.”

“It came from me probably pushing a little too hard in past experiences and the team learning from that and holding me more accountable to making sure we’re being smart about what we’re bringing to the table,” says Niles.

Acadian Total Security typically looks for new products in the third quarter of the year, implements them in the fourth quarter and rolls them out by the first quarter, he says.

“We don’t want it to be where we’re always implementing new technology all year-round,” says Niles.

Acadian Total Security vice president Brandon Niles has responded to employee feedback by making sure to be more visible. (Photo courtesy of Acadian Total Security)

Culture Reigns Supreme at Acadian Total Security

Acadian Total Security boasts an employee count of about 200 people, a small slice of its parent company’s 6,000 head count.

“We get the resources of being part of a big company but because we’re still sort of small or mid-sized, we can still be nimble and cut through the red tape to deliver for our customer,” says Niles.

“We always want to maintain this tight-knit family type of culture, but as you get bigger, as you expand into multiple markets, ensuring that you can do that at those branch levels becomes a lot more difficult to do,” he says. “We do our best and I think we do a pretty good job.”

Acadian Total Security has an employee engagement committee that hosts bonding events and also sends out pulse surveys to employees every two weeks, says Niles. The survey talks about employee engagement and satisfaction and leaves room for comments.

“We consistently hear from about 30 to 35 percent of our employees,” says Niles. “While you mostly hear from those who are either highly satisfied or deeply frustrated, balancing that feedback is challenging. Ultimately, gathering more input has been an excellent process for us.”

Acadian also hosts quarterly town hall meetings to go with the company’s quarterly updates, says Niles, and that’s been generating “a lot of great feedback.

“We hear that they want to maintain a family-oriented culture while understanding that things must change,” he says. “We are trying to find innovative ways to balance both needs.”

“I wish I could tell you we had the secret sauce for that right now,” says Niles. I think that’s just going to be one of those things that’s constantly evolving as we continue to grow, and our employment force continues to grow with it.”

Among the things Niles has learned from the surveys and town halls is that it was time to replace employees’ chairs.

“You hear from four or five people and you realize, ‘okay, we need to go get new chairs,’” he says with a laugh. “That was a nice win.”

Some employees also mentioned that they weren’t seeing the leadership team enough so Niles and other Acadian executives have made a point to walk around their offices more often and talk to employees more regularly.

“We’ve made a more of a conscious effort,” says Niles, noting he sets aside 30 minutes a day to call remote employees or walking around the office “having fun conversations” with those who are in the office.

To improve employee engagement, Acadian introduced small perks like a break room cornhole set, weekly coffee outings for small groups, and occasional catered lunches. “Greater availability, frequent conversation, and connecting with our employees on a personal level help bridge the gap,” Niles says.

The Perfect Acadian Employee

Acadian Total Security has added a cultural piece to its interview guides, says Niles, in the hopes of making it easier to find the right fit for its job openings more quickly and more consistently.

“It differs depending on the position, but for the most part, they are centered around identifying this person’s level of caring,” he says. “With everything we do, we’re caring about people at the end of the day.”

“You might be a great salesperson, but if you don’t care about what we deliver and how it benefits the client, then A, I don’t know if you can truly be great at sales, and B, you’re just not a fit for our mission,” says Niles.

“I want to hire the smartest and most talented people, but ultimately, the most important qualities are a true passion for the work and an ability to collaborate,” he says. “We cannot win on an individual level; we must win as a team and maintaining that dynamic is challenging.” Niles says he can usually tell pretty quickly if a new employee isn’t the right fit.

“I generally think you can identify within the first week,” he says.

What’s Next for Acadian Total Security?

Aside from clearing room on the mantel for another SAMMY Award as Installer of the Year, what else can we expect from Acadian Total Security in the future? Niles offers a cagey answer to that one to avoid giving too much of a heads-up to the competition.

“I think it’s safe to say CCTV has been booming here the last couple of years,” he says. “We’ve got a very large presence in the video monitoring space and it’s really been one of our main ways of driving a lot of RMR.”

Another area where you can expect Acadian to make inroads is with artificial intelligence-related security solutions, says Niles.

“A system that keeps you safe and secure at night but helps you run your business better during the day is a no-brainer when you’re selling it to a client based on the ROI side,” he says.

“I think we’re just scratching the surface with both,” says Niles. “We have great systems for keeping you secure but upcoming advancements will drastically improve business, safety and operational analytics to help owners run their businesses more effectively.

“Everything is very centered around cameras and analytics and what that can drive,” he says.

Finding the Right Partners

As with most awards, Acadian Total Security didn’t earn the 2026 Installer of the Year award without some help, of course.

Jac Schmidt, the district manager at Wesco International, has seen the distributor’s relationship with Acadian Total Security grow over more than 15 years as a client, dating back well before Wesco acquired Anixter in 2020.

“They are just an amazing organization to work with because, even prior to Brandon, everything they based their business on was ethics, morals and fairness,” says Schmidt.

“It made it real simple for us to conduct business with them because we had the same concept, the same philosophy,” he says.

Wesco’s relationship with Acadian Total Security goes beyond being a business “alliance,” says Schmidt.

“We actually want to be of value to them because we value their business,” he says. “We try to bring them opportunities. We try to help them be more profitable in other ways where we can help.”

Wesco has helped Acadian continue to achieve its vision of growing nationally over the years by bringing new product sets to them that appeal to enterprise customers, says Schmidt.

“They already had the vision of expanding,” he says. “We just partnered with them to help that vision come to reality.”

The post 2026 SSI Installer of the Year: Acadian Total Security appeared first on Security Sales & Integration.

These initiatives “offer funds to security industry professionals, as well as students, to help them further their professional development and educational goals,” according to the association announcement.

“SIA’s RISE, Veterans in Security and Women in Security Forum scholarships—presented by three vibrant SIA member communities—are excellent opportunities to support your professional development, learning and growth,” says SIA chief executive officer Don Erickson in the association announcement.

“SIA is proud to build on our commitment to fostering the next-generation security workforce and, with more scholarships this year than ever before, we look forward to helping our industry’s emerging leaders, young professionals, women and military veterans achieve their professional and educational goals,” he says.

What Are the Security Industry Association Scholarships?

The SIA RISE Scholarship, presented by SIA’s RISE community, offers $3,000 scholarships to create the education and career development goals of young security professionals, student members and those new to the industry.

The scholarship—open to SIA student members and RISE members who are employees of SIA member companies worldwide— is intended to expand recipients’ professional knowledge in the areas of business, human resources, information technology, marketing/sales, project management, security engineering and risk management.

Scholarship funds can be used toward continuing education, student loan repayment and professional development programs such as training and certifications.

In 2026, select honorees will receive three special RISE Scholarships: the Joey Comunale Scholarship, the Dalal Family Scholarship and the Pierre Trapanese Scholarship.

New in 2026, the SIA Veterans Security Scholarship program is “dedicated to advancing the education and careers of military veterans,” the association announcement says.

This program, presented by the SIA Veterans in Security community, will award multiple scholarships of up to $5,000 each to support awardees in scholarly and vocational pursuits, including college degrees, certificate programs and professional learning and development, related to security, as well as student loan repayment for programs related to the industry.

The Veterans in Security Scholarship is open to U.S. military veterans who are currently associated with SIA member companies and/or currently serving members of the U.S. military who are planning to transition to private-sector careers in security.

The SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship was “created to further educational opportunities for the widest spectrum of people and empower all to join the SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF) and thrive in the security industry,” according to the SIA announcement.

Through this scholarship—open to all SIA members and student members—each recipient will be awarded $7,500 to use toward approved degree programs, continuing education, repayment of student loans and professional development programs (e.g. training courses, certifications and conferences).

Each year, SIA awards the top-scoring WISF scholarship applicant with the Sandy Jones Award, a special scholarship distinction named for industry veteran and longtime SIA member Sandra (Sandy) Jones.

Applications for the 2026 SIA scholarship programs are due Friday, Sept. 11.

Learn more about SIA’s scholarship programs and apply here!

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The acquisition “enhances RapidFire’s ability to support fire departments, government agencies, building owners and commercial customers by ensuring the reliability of critical in-building life-safety communications infrastructure, enabling first responders to communicate effectively during emergencies,” according to the joint announcement.

Based in the Los Angeles area, Comsec has specialized in public safety communications since 1991. Comsec is “recognized for its expertise in design, implementation, testing, inspection and ongoing support of public safety radio communications infrastructure,” the announcement says.

Comsec’s technical capabilities “complement RapidFire’s existing fire alarm, life safety and electronic security offerings while adding a specialized service line that continues to see growing demand throughout the industry,” according to the joint announcement.

Why Did RapidFire Safety & Security Acquire Comsec?

“We are excited to welcome the Comsec team to RapidFire,” says Brian Modglin, chief operating officer of RapidFire, in the joint announcement. “Their specialized knowledge of ERRCS and strong reputation for supporting public safety compliance make them an excellent addition to our California team.

“Together, we will continue building a best-in-class life safety organization focused on technical excellence, customer service and ensuring first responders have reliable communications when it matters most,” he says.

“Comsec provides us with a unique service capability that expands our design, test and inspection service offerings for our customers,” says Mike McLeod, chief executive officer of RapidFire, in the joint announcement. “The talented people at Comsec are experts at First Responder Radio Systems, known as ERRCS, which operate in support of our Fire and Life Safety systems and services.

“We are excited to provide this new life safety service to our clients, expanding our Total Solutions,” he says.

Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney and Mitchell, Barlow & Mansfield served as legal counsel for the transaction.

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Vital Installs, with an office in Columbus, Ohio, provides security system solutions, structured cabling and network installation services “designed for performance, reliability and growth.” SudoVision Consulting LLC, of Charlotte, N.C., is an SDVOSB-certified firm “focused on delivering advanced technologies and services to commercial and government clients,” according to the joint announcement.

“We are thrilled to join the SAGE family,” says Omid Jaafari, founder/owner of SudoVision, in the joint announcement. “Since day one, our mission has been to deliver exceptional service and trusted solutions to every customer we support.

“As part of SAGE, we’re excited to expand that commitment, bringing our expertise, innovation and customer-first approach to an even broader community. The future is bright and we’re just getting started,” he says.

Why Did SAGE Integration Acquire Vital and sudoVision?

Together, these acquisition “strengthen SAGE’s national delivery platform and add complementary expertise in low-voltage systems, future-ready infrastructure and technology applications,” according to the joint announcement. The additions “also enhance SAGE’s ability to support complex customer environments where physical security, resilient networks and emerging technologies increasingly intersect.”

“Adding Vital Installs and sudoVision Consulting is an important step in our continued growth,” says John Nemorofsky, chief operating officer of SAGE Integration, in the joint announcement. “Their teams bring specialized capabilities that align directly with where our clients’ needs are headed: secure facilities, dependable infrastructure and smarter technology solutions delivered with speed and precision.”

With these additions, SAGE Integration “continues to build a broader national security and technology services organization capable of helping clients protect people, facilities, operations and critical assets across a wide range of industries,” according to the joint announcement.

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