Most distinguished award in the security guard industry presented at ASIS 2010 in Dallas on October 14, 2010
Bay Shore, N.Y.—October 25, 2010—Custom Protection Officer Igor Kovacevic of G4S Secure Solutions (USA), Inc. was honored with the 2010 W.H. Brownyard Meritorious Award on Oct. 14 at the ASIS International 56th Annual Seminar and Exhibits (ASIS 2010) for his heroic actions in the line of duty.
Kovacevic was recognized for his response to a fire on Dec.14, 2009, at the Studio 6 Hotel in Memphis that saved the lives of hotel occupants, as well as damage to the hotel. The hotel was at 60 percent occupancy at the time of the incident and all occupants—approximately 130 people— were safely evacuated.
“Upon discovering the fire, CPO Kovacevic went into action,” says Brendan Brownyard, CEO of Brownyard Group. “He grabbed a fire extinguisher, directed the desk clerk to call 911 and cut off electricity to the affected building. He then saved the lives of all occupants by evacuating the first and second floor of the hotel, and made his way through the thick smoke to begin fighting the fire until the Memphis Fire Department arrived.”
The Meritorious Award, the most distinguished award in the security guard industry, was this year presented in partnership with the ASIS Foundation at the venue where it was originally presented in 1987. The award is presented to an individual whose heroic or meritorious action in the face of adversity represents the best attributes of a security officer. It was created in 1987 by W.H. Brownyard, founder of the Brownyard Group (www.brownyard.com), an insurance program administrator providing specialized insurance coverage for select industry groups.
“When my father – Bill (William) Brownyard – proposed the idea for this award, it was because he saw that security guards didn’t receive the recognition they deserved,” Brownyard says. “There are many security guards who provide great protection, reduce losses and often thwart danger and tragedy by taking heroic action. We’re proud to recognize their service.”
Kovacevic received a commemorative award plaque and an all-expenses-paid trip to the ASIS conference.
About Brownyard Group
Brownyard Group is a program administrator that has developed and provided specialized insurance programs for selected industries for 60 years. These industries include security guards, pest control operators, cosmetic manufacturers, alarm systems, private investigators and security consultants, and the beauty industry. In 1993, Brownyard established Brownyard Claims Management, a loss prevention and full-service insurance claims facility. The company is based in Bay Shore, N.Y.
About the ASIS Foundation
The ASIS Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, advances the security profession worldwide by funding leading-edge research, education, and training. Foundation awards and scholarships ensure those pursuing a security management career are able to realize their academic and professional goals. Support for the Foundation is achieved through financial contributions from individuals, chapters, and companies with an interest in the security industry.