News
And the winner is…

Spector started on the CANASA executive in the early-to-mid 90’s while serving as Quebec vice-president with Marc Mineau as Quebec president. After serving as national vice-president under David Currie, Spector was elected national president and served for a one-year term and then a subsequent two-year term.

Spector has been a dedicated contributor to the industry and a friendly face on many a CANASA show floor. In reflecting on his time with the association Spector said, “I am fortunate to have a very understanding wife and family, as well as an excellent team at Sentinel to allow me to put in so much time with CANASA.”

That same week, together with Anixter, we honoured Security Integrator of the Year Bulldog Fire and Security and Security Director of the Year Ric Handren of RBC at a dinner Oct. 21.

And earlier in October I had the privilege of attending the ASIS Toronto Chapter Law Enforcement and Security Practitioner awards dinner in which both police agencies and front line security personnel are honoured for their work.  It is the second year ASIS Toronto has included security practitioner awards as part of the awards dinner.

In the category of Security Technology, Vinny Persaud, CISSP, director of security technical services with Harry Winston Diamond Corp., was the winner for his work leading the technical development of a state of the art global enterprise system for the protection of the company’s 24 diamond and retail locations in 15 countries. Persaud has 12 years experience in data base administration, security systems design and research. He was the designer of the technology behind the Operation Support Centre, which provides global security protections for Harry Winston Diamond Corp.

Susan Munn, vice-president, security and loss prevention with Harry Winston Diamond Corp, nominated Persaud. It was a thorough and enthusiastic endorsement of Persaud’s work.

Other awards presented that night were handed out to those in frontline security including the Dufferin Mall Security department, Sherri Ireland of ADT/Intercon in the Women in Security category and Kirk Macdonald of G4S Cash Services for investigation work.

What’s great about these events is that it celebrates the expertise that exists in the industry and it brings together those who work in the field to come together for one evening and share in all of the hard work done throughout the year.

What needs to happen is for the industry to get behind these awards to a greater degree and think about nominating someone next year. It would also be great if the other association chapters in the industry across the country would consider launching similar awards programs and for the alarm industry and for sales professionals.

After all, the winner in an awards program isn’t just the person who collects the trophy or plaque — it’s the industry for acknowledging that the work being done is exceptional and worth recognition.