Back in 2015, the United States celebrated its first National Security Officer Appreciation Week, which takes place during the third week of September. After 9 years, the program is running strong. And we hear the stateside cheers loud and clear from WCS headquarters, here on southern Vancouver Island. Canada does not officially commemorate its appreciation for Security Officers, but we receive regular expressions of gratitude from clients and the public. That happens especially when our Guards, Patrollers, and Alarm-responders go above and beyond the call of duty.
This month, we reflect on the ways that our communities can share their gratitude for the challenging responsibilities that Security Guards take on.
One Meal Went a Long Way
Recently, one of our experienced Guards had a surprisingly personable encounter with a member of the public. Simran Sodhi was standing watch over the Market on Yates store, in downtown Victoria, when he was approached by a customer. This was an elderly man named Peter who asked where to find a particular product. That’s an unusual question for a Security Officer to hear, no doubt about it. But Simran had worked at the store for more than a year and became something of an expert.
While leading Peter down the right aisle, the two men chatted about Peter’s deep interest in Indian culture and politics. And Simran had some brief advice for Peter about his ongoing challenge with the Victoria housing market.
An invitation from Peter followed, and he ended up taking Simran and one of his colleagues out for a meal. Peter came with a map of India and many questions in hand. From all reports, their dinner out in Langford, at Authentic Indian Cuisine, was exceptional. And Simran appreciated the thoughtful invitation that led to an unexpected get-together.
A Smile Goes a Long Way, too
Most people enjoy a feeling of safety and gratitude when they see uniformed Guards and Patrollers on duty. Occasionally, however, citizens seem to resent their presence. This does not happen regularly, but sometimes does, especially when Officers have to explain new procedures or expectations on the premises where they’re posted. For someone holding heavy responsibility for public safety, enduring expressions of irritation or disrespect can be one of the harder aspects of the job.
Luckily, there’s a cure for those difficult moments, which are already few and far between. Every smile, kind word, and expression of gratitude helps lift up the Security Officers you meet. A little recognition goes a long way to make them feel like a welcome and important part of the community.
Uniformed Security Officers occupy a difficult public position: not law enforcement, but not just regular citizens, either. They operate as society’s early warning system, its watchful protector, and our front-line-of-defense against critical incidents or criminal activities. They often face hazards alone and unarmed, unlike the police officers whom they work so closely with. Going above what’s expected deserves special recognition. But even a “normal” day is a weighty responsibility in this profession.
For all that they do, and for the personal risks that they accept, Western Canada Security salutes every Officer in the field. We are proud of the work you do. It benefits everyone in our community. So, let’s all add our small contribution to the tens of thousands of thank yous that will express appreciation this week and throughout the year ahead.