APSA announces Guard and Supervisor of the Year for 2023

The Association of Professional Security Agencies (APSA) has announced the recipients of its annual Security Guard and Security Supervisor of the Year awards, acknowledging security professionals from GardaWorld and Commissionaires Ottawa.

According to APSA, the awards recognize outstanding performance and an exceptional work record for at least two years with a current employer.

Norman Clement, mobile security guard at GardaWorld’s Thunder Bay, Ont., branch was named Guard of the Year 2023 based on a solid track record of service and the ability to exemplify the best qualities of guards working in Canada today.

Clement’s duties include site and vehicle inspections, assistance during emergency situations, and training new guards that join the organization. Clement’s award nomination stressed his ability to meet all challenges that come his way, including interactions that call for de-escalation skills and empathy. Through it all, Clement is outgoing, friendly and helpful, and passes these values onto the new guards he trains.

“Norm genuinely and sincerely cares about people and that translates in everything he does,” said Max Warmuth, senior strategic advisor, GardaWorld, who introduced Clement at the award presentation in Toronto.

Lillian Roy is a security supervisor for Commissionaires Ottawa client, the Department of National Defence. She carries the rank of major within the Commissionaires organization, which is only assigned to Commissionaires supervisors who demonstrate exceptional leadership and whose job functions carry a high level of responsibility.

Roy was named Supervisor of the Year for her ability to consistently exceed the expectations placed on her. She received multiple letters of commendation in support of her nomination, many of which recognized the high level of skill she brings to her role and her ability to acquire new skills as a quick learner.

Roy was also acknowledged for her professionalism, resourcefulness, ability to mentor others and charity work in the community. In addition to the APSA award, she has received three awards from Commissionaires this year, including two that recognize supervisors.

Peter MacFarlane, manager of field operations, Commissionaires Ottawa, described Roy as “well versed in security and methodical. I knew that Lillian was definitely going places.”

Following the award presentations, APSA announced its new executive for 2024:

• President: Max Warmuth (GardaWorld)
• Vice-president and treasurer: Nicole Lentinello (GardaWorld)
• Director-at-large: Winston Stewart (Wincon Security)
• Secretary: Ana Estrada (Paragon Security)