Security Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Security Magazine logo
  • NEWS
    • Security Newswire
    • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
    • Leadership Management
    • Enterprise Services
    • Security Education & Training
    • Logical Security
    • Security & Business Resilience
    • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
    • Access Management
    • Fire & Life Safety
    • Identity Management
    • Physical Security
    • Video Surveillance
    • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
    • Cybersecurity News
    • More
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
    • Cyber Tactics
    • Leadership & Management
    • Security Talk
    • Career Intelligence
    • Leader to Leader
    • Cybersecurity Education & Training
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Annual Guarding Report
    • Most Influential People in Security
    • The Security Benchmark Report
    • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
    • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
    • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
    • Banking/Finance/Insurance
    • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
    • Education: K-12
    • Education: University
    • Government: Federal, State and Local
    • Hospitality & Casinos
    • Hospitals & Medical Centers
    • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
    • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
    • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
    • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • Solutions by Sector
    • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
    • Videos
      • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
      • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Photo Galleries
  • MORE
    • Call for Entries
    • Classifieds & Job Listings
    • Continuing Education
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • This Month's Content
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
ColumnsManagementPhysicalSecurity Talk ColumnSecurity Leadership and ManagementPhysical Security

Announcing the Winners of the Bill Zalud Memorial Award for Professional Excellence

By Diane Ritchey
Amalgamated Security Services Limited - Security Magazine
January 1, 2018
“It is not length of life, but depth of life”
– Emerson Ralph Waldo

A few months ago I shared some exciting news with you: the establishment of the first Bill Zalud Memorial Award for Professional Excellence by the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO). Now, I’m thrilled to announce the first two recipients of that award for professional excellence and/or outstanding service/acts in the contract security guard profession.

As you may know, after Bill Zalud passed away in the summer of 2016, Sandi Davies, Executive Director of the IFPO, and Tom Conley of The Conley Group, a past IFPO Chairman, approached our team about establishing an award in Bill’s name for the work that Bill did with the IFPO and the contract security guard industry.

Last fall, the IFPO received a number of outstanding nominations, and together with Security magazine, we are pleased to recognize Dr. Maurice Aboud of Amalgamated Security Services Limited (ASSL) from Trinidad and Tobago as the recipient of the award, and SecTek of Reston, Va. as honorable mention.

International Foundation for Protection Officers - Security Magazine

Established in 1983, ASSL is the premiere private security company in its region, with 5,000 private security officers working in many leading organizations in the Caribbean. It provides services to government agencies, financial institutions, retail and industrial, in addition to large corporate and private enterprises.

“It is known throughout the world that security officers have limited formal education,” said Dr. Maurice Aboud, upon receiving the award. “IFPO Programs allow for theoretical and practical development of persons and help to educate and motivate officers as they become certified in their respective fields. This affords them specialized training, recognition, motivation and a greater sense of worth and competence.

“The IFPO Program content is aptly suited and sufficiently detailed not only for technical competence, but also for behavioral traits that are essential for effective supervisors,” he added. “IFPO supervisory programs serve as a foundation for the development of Field Supervisors who are designated to oversee security officers on duty. In addition, the CPO and CPOI Instructor Programs serve as the foundation for persons desirous of or engaged in training of security officers. These have become minimum criteria for persons serving in various capacities at ASSL. Most of all, it is a proven motivational strategy that improves the quality of Officers and Supervisors, resulting in improved service delivery.”

Each year, ASSL enrolls employees to attend the IFPO educational and development programs. To date, ASSL has more than 160 security officers who are IFPO certified with certifications, to include SSMP, CSSM, CPO and CPOI.

Dr. Aboud is a strong believer of the work that IFPO does to benefit the contract guard industry, at large. “As an organization, we strongly believe that working with the IFPO and standing by its certifications is positively impacting the regional security landscape where our security officers aspire to acquire their credentials and become security professionals.”

SekTek Security Training Academy - Security Magazine

Award Honorary Mention went to SecTek, Inc. Ann Trinca, senior vice president of SecTek, is a member of the Professional Certification Board for ASIS, and currently an ASIS Board of Director. Trinca is also very committed to making available educational opportunities to its employees. At SecTek, Trinca kicked off her program initiative with the IFPO by enrolling and successfully passing the programs herself. Davies recalled a statement once made by Trinca who said, “It was clear from the beginning the IFPO certifications presented an excellent professional development opportunity for SecTek’s security officers.”

In its application for the award, SecTek’s described its philosophy to the security industry: “SecTek conveys to all its security officers, supervisors and managers that security is not a job, but an important career requiring individual commitment to learning and improving one’s knowledge and skills. SecTek is thus willing to pay 100 percent of the costs to support its security personnel in pursuing their CPO and CSSM certifications. Why? We want our officers to take pride in their work, which is greatly enhanced through the pride that results from achieving a well-known security certification. We encourage all our certified officers to put their certification designation after their signatures as a badge of honor.”

SecTek has incorporated the IFPO certifications into its own professional development program, noting that the IFPO CPO program is an excellent introduction to the broad roles of the security officer. Similarly, the CSSM program is an excellent way to develop the skills of both new and experienced supervisors and managers, Trinca said. “The reality is that the round-the-clock schedules of security operations make attending fixed classes a challenge to the majority of the workforce,” Trinca said. “Because the CPO and CSSM programs can be accomplished according to individual work, scheduling and family demands, the IFPO programs are a convenient and effective way to reach audiences who would otherwise not have the opportunity to pursue their continuing education. Earning the CPO is a milestone event for most officers; it is tangible proof that hard work and study pay off. More important than earning the certification, however, is the change experienced by our certified officers: they now see themselves as truly professional security officers.”

Trinca also paid homage to award namesake Bill Zalud, noting, “Bill Zalud sought professional excellence in the industry throughout his life. SecTek’s commitment to improving the career and life opportunities of its workforce embodies the spirit of the Memorial Award for Professional Excellence named in Mr. Zalud’s honor.”

Congratulations to Amalgamated Security Services Limited and to SecTek on this recognition. I am sure that Bill would be thrilled for both organizations. And thank you once again to Sandi Davies, Tom Conley and the IFPO Board for establishing this award in honor of Bill. His long and outstanding service to IFPO made a significant difference. As he did with Security magazine, Bill dedicated much time and effort to the IFPO. As an industry insider, his leadership was instrumental in making the Foundation the success it is today.

Plans are already underway for the 2nd Annual Bill Zalud Memorial Award for Professional Excellence. Nomination applications will be available on the IFPO website by March 1, 2018. The deadline for all submissions is October 31, 2018.

KEYWORDS: Bill Zalud Memorial Award security career security officer

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Diane 2016 200

Diane Ritchey was former Editor, Communications and Content for Security magazine beginning in 2009. She has an experienced background in publishing, public relations, content creation and management, internal and external communications. Within her role at Security, Ritchey organized and executed the annual Security 500 conference, researched and wrote exclusive cover stories, managed social media, and authored the monthly Security Talk column.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Security's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024

    Security's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024

    Security magazine's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024 award...
    Security Leadership and Management
    By: Security Staff
  • cyber brain

    The intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is a valuable cybersecurity...
    Cybersecurity
    By: Pam Nigro
  • artificial intelligence AI graphic

    Assessing the pros and cons of AI for cybersecurity

    Artificial intelligence (AI) has significant implications...
    Cybersecurity Education & Training
    By: Charles Denyer
Manage My Account
  • Security eNewsletter & Other eNews Alerts
  • eMagazine Subscriptions
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Online Registration
  • Mobile App
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Security audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Security or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Sureview screen
    Sponsored bySureView Systems

    The Evolution of Automation in the Command Center

  • Crisis Response Team
    Sponsored byEverbridge

    Automate or Fall Behind – Crisis Response at the Speed of Risk

  • Perimeter security
    Sponsored byAMAROK

    Why Property Security is the New Competitive Advantage

Popular Stories

Rendered computer with keyboard

16B Login Credentials Exposed in World’s Largest Data Breach

Verizon on phone screen

61M Records Listed for Sale Online, Allegedly Belong to Verizon

Security’s 2025 Women in Security

Security’s 2025 Women in Security

Red spiderweb

From Retail to Insurance, Scattered Spider Changes Targets

blurry multicolored text on black screen

PowerSchool Education Technology Company Announces Data Breach

Events

August 7, 2025

Threats to the Energy Sector: Implications for Corporate and National Security

The energy sector has found itself in the crosshairs of virtually every bad actor on the global stage.

August 27, 2025

Risk Mitigation as a Competitive Edge

In today’s volatile environment, a robust risk management strategy isn’t just a requirement—it’s a foundation for organizational resilience. From cyber threats to climate disruptions, the ability to anticipate, withstand, and adapt to disruption is becoming a hallmark of industry leaders.

View All Submit An Event

Products

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

See More Products

Related Articles

  • Bill Zalud

    The Bill Zalud Memorial Award for Professional Excellence

    See More
  • Security newswire default

    Announcing The Bill Zalud Memorial Award for Professional Excellence

    See More
  • 2022 Bill Zalud Memorial Award for Professional Excellence

    Bill Zalud Memorial Award for Professional Excellence 2022 winners announced

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • Physical-Security-and-Safet.gif

    Physical Security and Safety: A Field Guide for the Practitioner

  • 150 things.jpg

    The Handbook for School Safety and Security

  • security book.jpg

    Security Investigations: A Professional’s Guide

See More Products
×

Sign-up to receive top management & result-driven techniques in the industry.

Join over 20,000+ industry leaders who receive our premium content.

SIGN UP TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing