By Asad Abbas, RES/CIC Operations Manager

We started the crossing guard contract in 2019 and since then, there are so many of crossing guard team members who work every day to ensure every child crossing the Crosswalk is safe.

Even in extreme cold weather and during this pandemic, our crossing guards made sure to show their dependability in keeping kids out of harm’s way in their communities.

I want to take this opportunity to recognize the crossing guard team. You all have made a big difference at our organization. You are not only active at your crosswalks, but also involved in providing your valuable feedback to your organization which led us to improve us immensely. Thank you for helping ASP reach its 2020 goals! Thanks for the hard work from all of you; we look forward to seeing what else we can accomplish together.

We usually know high performers when we see them, because their stars shine bright in the workplace. High performers know more than just the procedures their job requires. They know the reason their job exists, and that knowledge lets them suggest tweaks and innovations that let them work more effectively. We have so many high performers in our crossing guard team, but today, I want to acknowledge two of shining stars: Anastasia Maltezos and Amy Strachan.

Anastasia Maltezos, Crossing Guard at Alma Dr & Scarlett Rd

Anastasia Maltezosis currently working as crossing guard since 7th August 2019. She always gives 100 % in her job. Her desire for improvement and her commitment to provide excellent customer care led to a lot of praise from not only the crossing guard team, but also from the client and public. On multiple occassions, City of Toronto has shared compliments forwarded by the public for Anastasia. On 16th November, one of the members of public called the city and shared her admiring comments, which I want to share with all of you.

“Anastasia is an excellent crossing guard. She has done an excellent job, prompt, always smiles, always positive, even when others are rude to her”.

We are the best at what we do, because we have the best employees — like you, Anastasia. Thank you for your hard work, patience, and dedication. You are no doubt a very important member of our ASP family.  Keep up the great work!

Amy Strachan is one of our newest member of the crossing guard team. She joined ASP family in November, 2020. She came with over 10 years of experience.  In the first few weeks, she proved herself to be a valuable member of our team. Her positive attitude, welcoming smile, solution-oriented thought process and her energetic sense of humour always make her team members easy to work with.

She not only makes sure all her tasks get completed on time, but also makes herself available whenever any team members need help. She was instrumental in arranging holiday gift packages for crossing guards.

Amy, I appreciate the commitment and follow-through you’ve shown during your first month here. You’re a quick learner who always asks the right questions, which is leading to give our crossing guards the better experience. It is an absolute privilege to have you on my team. It’s hard to express just how much you’re valued at ASP

Thank You for Making Us Better Each Day!


Brian Joly, Training Manager, Res/CIC Division

Many exciting new things have been happening with the Residential Commercial Training Department.

As part of our Differentiated Learning Initiative, we have uploaded voice recordings to all our quiz questions.  Now learners can have the question read to them with the tap of a button through our tablets.  This is a game changer in allowing auditory learners the ability to truly understand what is being asked of them during quizzing.  It also helps learners where English is their second language, as more understand English better when hearing it, as opposed to reading it.  The training department has also recently launched “Stay Safe Instructional Programs” as their training module for Use of Force.  Stay Safe puts a huge emphasis on non-violent de-escalation techniques.  Guards learn about the different stages of a person in crisis and how to manage those stages.  The feedback from our learners has been phenomenal.


By Vasilis Androutsos, Manager, Operations, Residential and Commercial Division

Over the past number of months, the Security portfolio in our RES/CIC division has experienced an enormous amount of growth.

Our increase in the number of Respite Centres we provide security services for, as well as the screening guard requirements that we have added with our TTC clients, have all contributed to this expansion. Understanding and identifying the management and maintenance needed to meet the demands, A.S.P Security has always been at the forefront of heavily investing in the infrastructure of the company and utilizing various forms of operational support, which enables the team to cater to our guards and clients.

I have the absolute pleasure working daily with our two Service Delivery Managers, Rachel Raposo and Josh Holowatenko. With both being fairly new to their roles, they have taken on the challenges of providing high-quality and efficient services to be an integral part of our operations, as we meet the demands and challenges of our guards and clients. Both have extensive security experience, with a diverse range of knowledge and skill set that allow them to make significant contributions to the team. I thought this was a great opportunity for many of our readers to really get to know both individuals on a more personal level by spotlighting them in a Question & Answer feature. I hope many of you enjoy getting to know both Rachel and Josh; I anticipate many of you will really see why I am so proud to work alongside these two colleagues.

Rachel Raposo

What does your job entail?

My job entails consistent communication with all guards, day in and day out, resolving any issues that may arise, coordinating with multiple departments to find a corrective plan.

What do you like most about your job? 

What I like most about my job is my constant interactions with the guards in the field, ensuring them they are taken care of

What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?

Make connecting with others a priority.

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?

I hate flying, but love to globetrot the world. I don’t like heights and any turbulence makes me think the plane is about to crash. Not a good flier at all. (Considering how often I fly)

If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Elvis Presley, because he had a major impact on pop culture during the mid-1950s with the younger generation. He knew his music could change America, which it did. His music still influences today’s music. Cool dude. And handsome.

What’s the best thing about ASP

Team dynamic.

Words of wisdom for your fellow professionals?

“If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.”

– Betty Reese

Josh Holowatenko

What does your job entail?

Working with colleagues to better service all accounts within ASP, by having direct conversations with both clients and security personnel, visiting sites, meeting a variety of people, working in a fast-paced environment, and coaching/counselling to provide room for growth and advancement.

What do you like most about your job?

Using my critical and creative thinking to solve issues that arise in a fast-paced and ever-growing environment. As an SDM, you have your hands in everything, so to speak, and quick thinking is crucial for success.

What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?

No one person can complete everything alone. Teamwork is extremely vital in any role you are being placed in and trusting the members you work with to assist you is imperative.

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?

I overcame a very serious injury several years ago. I was once an actor who attempted his own stunts and failed landing on a crash pad during one of these stunts. This left me hospital ridden with a broken back and shattered heel. Instead of being defeated and seeing this as a tragic incident, I liked to see this as a challenge to better myself.

This incident ultimately led me to where I am today, an SDM with ASP, a Team Canada dodgeball player, and a more patient person.

If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I would like to meet one of two people.

  1. “Myself in five years – I would like to see where my success has brought me and ask for advice from myself.

2. I would like to meet Vince Lombardi. Not only was he a very successful coach for my favourite NFL team (Green Bay Packers), but the Super Bowl trophy is named after him. He was clearly a very influential, smart, and great leader. This is a trait I would like to hone and better myself on; Vince would be the perfect person to have his brain picked regarding being a better leader.”

What’s the best thing about ASP?

“I enjoy coming to work in the morning. At the office, I feel like part of a family. It sounds cheesy, but it’s true. We joke around and have fun in our office, all while we buckle down and get our work done (all while keeping a safe distance). Any person in this office is willing to come in after hours to help; it may sound small, but to me that is a very big deal. I can rely on my “family” to help me at any time and they can rely on me.”

Words of wisdom for your fellow professionals?

“Find a workplace you enjoy coming to. Find colleagues who will fight just as hard as you will to complete not only their own tasks, but to help you complete yours. Create a work environment of both fun and hard work.”


By Sean Gallagher, HR Recruitment Manager

2020 has been a year in most cases the world would like to forget, except in ASP Recruiters’ cases. We have had over 70 employee referrals sent in over the past few months and they do not seem to be stopping any time soon!

I would like to thank all employees who have been sending their friends, family, and colleagues to our North York office for security and crossing guard positions. Without your help in these tough times, we might not have found the quality of guard you have sent us, so THANK YOU.

I would also like to mention that the referral bonus has been sent out to numerous ASP employees and will continue during the next couple of weeks left in 2020. This being said, we are still welcoming employee referrals for all open positions and we have made the process even easier.

If you contact your Recruiter for your division or any of the Operation Managers, they all have ASP Hiring cards on them that have a “Refer a Friend” area on the back of the card, like so.


By Dean Lovric, President and CEO

Thank you!  The preceding two words can never capture my true gratitude for the men and women at ASP Security Services and their journey over this past unimaginable year.

The strength of character so many of you showed in remaining on the front lines and continuing to provide the critical service our clients depend on, has been monumental. I have been touched by your wherewithal and mostly by the trust you showed towards your colleagues and your leadership teams.  Throughout this difficult time, a special bond has been created amongst us. That bond of camaraderie and devotion has resulted in highlighting all your dedication to ASP and to each other. This is one of the many reasons I am so very proud of all our committed professionals. So again, and I emphasize…

ASP has a rich tradition of support and flexibility towards its workforce and a deep dedication to our clients. For the past 20years, I have been constantly impressed with the impact our employees have on each other and our clients. Collectively, during 2020, I believe our entire team at ASP reached a miraculous accomplishment. Through your hard work and dedication, our business demonstrated its core values of integrity, honesty, transparency, accountability and support of diversity all through our response to the trials and tribulations of COVID and the effect it has had on our clients and company. We are one of the few organizations fortunate enough to experience this positive dynamic during these difficult times. For this, I am grateful.

In a strange way, I found that the COVID pandemic had a serendipitous effect on all of us during this muted 20th anniversary of A.S.P. Inc. It proved to us that we are doing the right things and behaving in a way that demonstrated the true character of this business, which incorporated in 2000. We may not have had an elaborate celebration to commemorate our 20th this year, but we did receive this special and intangible gift of proof of character we can all take pride in equally.

So, as we bring 2020 to a close, we can confidently say that the end to COVID is in sight. Airports, airlines and sports facilities will once again become busy and we will most certainly continue to provide exceptional service to these and all our clients.

For all our employees with whom we have not had the opportunity to celebrate our milestone with, I will commit a ‘ASP DAY’ at Canada’s Wonderland in late 2021, which will include a private dinner, full day at the park and a exclusive use of the rides to ASP employees and family once the park closes. This day will commemorate our 20th and celebrate those who are most important to the success of the business………you, our front-line workers.


By Petra Nash, Executive Assistant


ICTS Europe is the parent company of ASP

Virusight Diagnostic is a newly formed Joint Venture of Sheba Medical Center’s ARC Innovation Center & Newsight Imaging. The pilot is due to start at airports in the EU.

(Ramat Gan, Israel, September 22, 2020)– In a ground-breaking effort to keep international airports open and providing safe travel for both tourists and business executives in the COVID- 19 era, Virusight Diagnostic, a newly formed AI (Artificial Intelligence) healthcare venture between Sheba Medical Center’s ARC Innovation Center and Newsight Imaging, has signed a strategic LOI (letter of intent) for rapid screening of airline passengers with ICTS Europe, a leading security provider at major airports across the globe.

Virusight obtained the rights to use the SpectraLIT™, Newsight Imaging’s portable and accurate spectral analysis device, empowered by Virusight’s software solution combining Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. The method has been clinically proven at Sheba Medical Center, the largest hospital in Israel and the Middle East to identify viruses such as COVID-19 in seconds – using a simple oral mouth rinse. The company is now joining forces with ICTS Europe to implement the technology and screen thousands of passengers in airports worldwide.

ICTS Europe is an international group with over 30 years’ experience in providing security solutions to organisation within the Aviation, Public Transport, and Corporate sectors. ICTS operates in 23 countries, covering over 120 airports and 300 operation centers across Europe, North America, and the Far East.

The two companies agreed to start a set of supervised pilot programs at targeted airports in an attempt to release the world from the pandemic travel lockdown. Tests will be immediate, affordable and monitored, so that airports and airlines can optimize the level of safety by mitigating the risk of COVID-19 infection. Following the pilot’s completion and analysis, a wide deployment of the technology is expected in airports across ICTS Europe’s existing infrastructure, utilizing Virusight’s Imaging technology backed by ARC at Sheba Medical Center.

ARC (an acronym for Accelerate, Redesign and Collaborate) has made headlines around the world during the pandemic, by introducing a range of digital and tele-health solutions to deal with COVID-19.

Oren Sapir, ICTS Europe’s President & CEO, commented, “Since the outbreak of COVID-19, ICTS Europe has played an important role in supporting the aviation community, by assisting with recovery via our Back in the Air initiative – a package of innovative solutions aimed at boosting confidence amongst passengers and stakeholders.

As travel restrictions are gradually lifted, innovation and technology will continue to be central to the industry’s recovery, and so we are proud and extremely pleased to join forces with Virusight to unveil SpectraLIT™ – a groundbreaking COVID-19 screening solution, powered by unique machine-learning and AI capabilities.”

Sapir added, “Thanks to its flexibility, SpectraLIT™ can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual airport, airline or any other organization who may be looking to integrate screening capabilities into its operations. SpectraLIT™ not only complements our existing range of solutions, but also has all the required components to become a key feature in our Back in the Air initiative. We chose Virusight due to its proven diagnostic track record. Combined with ICTS operational expertise, SpectraLIT™ is set to become the industry’s benchmark for passenger screening against COVID-19.”

Eli Assoolin, CEO of Newsight and Board Chairman at Virusight Diagnostic said, “We are very pleased to sign this important LOI with ICTS Europe, just a few weeks after we have formed our joint venture with Sheba Medical Center. Our solution for COVID-19 is currently in the process of receiving regulation approval and is ready for deployment in COVID-19 hot-spots such as airports. Our strategy is to enable a return to a normal lifestyle by selecting the best-in-class partners in each domain. ICTS Europe is a leader in their field, with wide-spread proven success and brilliant solutions which are currently already deployed in many places. The two companies will strive to cope with the challenge of mass screening of airline passengers, and we are keen on seeing the world of travel getting back to a normal routine.”

Dr. Eyal Zimlichman, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Innovation Officer at Sheba Medical Center stated, “This agreement, is an important milestone for the company, digital health will transform healthcare and this is yet another example of leveraging AI technology to mitigate COVID-19. We formed ARC, our innovation model with the aim to accelerate innovation through redesign healthcare by collaborating with partners. This is an active example of the model at work.”

Referral Bonus

ICTS Europe, owned by the French holding company Sofinord, is a leading supplier of security and passenger processing solutions, providing a broad range of services and technologies across a variety of industries. Leveraging its global network of operational hubs, in-depth industry knowledge, and technological capabilities, ICTS Europe protects organisations’ most valuable assets end-to-end. Combining extensive experience and specialised skills, ICTS offers a comprehensive portfolio of targeted solutions that span across its clients’ value chain – from flow facilitation, explosives detection and X-ray screening, through to risk resilience, compliance and process optimisation.

With more than 16,000 employees worldwide, working in more than 120 airports in 23 countries, ICTS continues to work closely with its airport, airline, and high-end corporate clients, developing the next generation of responses to evolving security needs, emerging threats and changes in the operational landscape – a company committed to continuous innovation.

Contact via Udi.bechor@ictseurope.com.

About Virusight

Virusight is an AI software company, using unique spectral acquisition and analysis technology, for pathogenic diagnosis.

The company is developing revolutionary COVID-19 rapid tests, based on Newsight Imaging’s spectral technology while using a noninvasive oral rinse. The technology allows for an immediate, affordable, and portable solution, which will be able to identify other viruses in the near future.

Founded in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Virusight was created to develop an accurate, real-time virus diagnosis solution. The company is a result of mutual collaboration between Newsight Imaging and ARC at Sheba Medical Center, the largest hospital in Israel and the Middle East and recognized by Newsweek Magazine as one of the Top 10 Best Hospitals in the World.

Contact via –Michal.Cooper@nstimg.com.


By Angus Wilson, Director, Aviation Services

I would like to thank and commend everyone for all their hard work and continued dedication as we work our way through the ever-changing environment that we find ourselves in.

There has been so much activity in the Aviation Security world that I am only going to highlight a few items for each of our airport security contracts at YYZ, YYC and YSB.

Security Services at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

With the constant evolving challenges and requirements presented to us due to COVID-19. ASP has continued to provide excellent service to the GTAA. Not only in the service we provide to our clients, but also how we train employees. We are now doing a combination of online and classroom training to ensure all of our valued employees are kept up to date with their training.

We at ASP have supported the GTAA with a number of trials over the last few months, by providing this vital support to the GTAA it has enabled the GTAA to operate at an optimal level, giving the travelling passengers through GTAA the confidence that every step is being taken to ensure their safety and wellbeing is of paramount importance.

An example of this is our Specialist team who are ensuring that every passenger, employee and contractor comply with safety regulations and wear masks within the Terminals. Below we have an email from Bryan Scott, Associate Director – Security Operations commending the ASP Specialist team on their efforts in carrying out this vital function.

Good afternoon Garinder, sending a quick note of thanks and appreciation to you and your team for the continued professional and positive service being provided. With the current and unprecedented environment, we find ourselves in, you and your team have maintained and exceeded the service level needed at Toronto Pearson.

As we, together in partnership, work in keeping everyone safe and secure at Pearson, we added a new level of health conditions. The additional health conditions are a vital part in keeping the airport operational and is the base for future rebuilding of the aviation industry. It is appreciated that when asked there was no hesitation in providing the necessary resources to assist in this endeavour. It was an unknown area, with unknown scenarios, and with the support of your organization we were able to implement appropriate and unprecedented measures to limit the health exposure to passengers and employees. The work to set the health practices in place has been recognized, most recently with Toronto Pearson Airport being the first Canadian airport to be accredited under the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Health Accreditation programme.

I have heard of reports and been part of many incidents of good and unfortunately not so good behaviour from the general public and our airport employee colleagues. It is appreciated of the continued professional and respectful manner that you and your team take when interacting with the sometimes-inappropriate behaviour of the few. It is also appreciated of the dedicated and consistent approach to advising and educating everyone on the needed health direction, as we continue to try and protect people, the airport and the industry.

Please pass along my thanks and appreciation to all who have and continue to help us through this time.

Thank you,
Bryan

Congratulations to Toronto Pearson Airport on being the first Canadian airport to be accredited under the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Health Accreditation program. All ASP employees at Pearson Airport can feel proud for your contribution in this program.

Security Services at Calgary International Airport (YYC)

Firstly, I would like to congratulate our client Sherry Beard on being promoted to YYC’s Director of Security, Safety and Environment. We look forward to having a continued partnership with you for many years to come.

Secondly, congratulations to ASP’s Daniel McCormack on his promotion to Quality Assurance Manager. Since taking over the role, Daniel has made a number of excellent improvements to the service we are delivering to YYC. One of these is modifying ASP reports to replace YYC Incident Reports enabling YYC to receive regular occurrence updates that are identified by our security team at YYC.

There has been a number of client commendations for the ASP Security Team at YYC over the summer. Samantha Johnson, Cam Schulte, Shannon Jacobson, Jaspreet Badesha and Derek Steman are a few I would like to mention. Thank you for your fantastic work and great service you are providing.

Security Services at Sudbury Regional Airport (YSB)

There has been a number of changes with the Service we are providing at Sudbury Airport.

Welcome to Dawn Larsen – Manager, Marketing, Communications & Customer Experience who has taken over as our client for the Greater Sudbury Airport.

In addition, ASP’s Noman Butt, Client Support Manager, has taken over the management of the Security contract for ASP

Protection of health, safety and well-being of employees and passengers is of utmost importance not only to the Greater Sudbury Airport, but is crucial to the service ASP delivers to our clients. As such we have run a course on Security Operations and Customer Service with the ASP team at GSA. It was a great training session with our client Dawn attending and providing some valuable insight. The focus and contribution from the team was over-whelming and is evident that the ASP Security team are passionate about the work they undertake at GSA.


By Cliff Sampogna, Director of Operations, Residential/Commercial Division

Over the last few years, the Residential and Commercial division has experienced a lot of change. This change has created a unique and special environment throughout the organization.

As I reflect on how we have grown and adapted to the change, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on our successes and learning opportunities. When I first started with ASP Security (more than five years ago) the RES/CIC division was in a position of creating an identity and working towards creating a brand that would allow us to provide the specialized services that we wanted to our clients and our ASP family members.

The last few years have seen immense growth and brand recognition. This is usually something that is looked at as success at a senior level, but I can truly say that this is not because of anything I have done, but is because of everything our ASP family in the field and support team has done. Our team in the field is second to none and as I continue meeting new and veteran employees I am continually amazed by the passion, drive, and love for the organization you all have for making ASP successful. Because of you, we have been able to have the success we have had.

During these tough and unprecedented times, I have seen people sacrifice so much and dedicate themselves to their positions to make sure that we continue serving our clients at the level they expect from ASP This is a true testament to your character and work ethic.

2020 has been a very challenging year for the world and ASP has not been isolated from these challenges; because of the work our ASP family has done, we have been able to become even stronger and have been able to use our strength to get through these tough times.

We have a lot of projects on the go currently and I look at these as new positive challenges that I get to pursue with confidence, because of the concrete foundation that our team has built in the field and in the office. Our growth is truly because of the reputation that all of you have created for our organization and I cannot be any more humbled to be the person that gets to lead this amazing team into the next phase.

Some of the projects that you will see in the near future will be new vertical markets within the division, as well as technological updates and processes. Another great initiative our management team is doing is to create a strong succession planning with our ASP family. This will allow us to continue identifying and growing our team members within for future growth and opportunities. If you have an interest in opportunities within the company, I encourage you to reach out to us and let us know.

Over the next several news articles, I will continue providing you with new and exciting things that are happening within the division. I look forward to the next phase of our evolution.


By Vince Bozzo, Director of Operations, Aviation Division

What an extraordinary team! On August 9, 2020, we received a wonderful note from our partners at Toronto Pearson International Airport, expressing their gratitude for an OSR team that truly went above and beyond!

A passenger arrived from Greece and collapsed at the bottom of the escalator leading into Terminal 1 Customs Hall. Without hesitation, Emirates crew jumped into action. After finding no vital signs, they started CPR compressions, while switching teams and supporting each other in counts and procedures.

At the same time, OSR Manager Harprit Kaur grabbed a defibrillator from the PIL (Primary Inspection Line), which was used to administer a shock. Once the EMS team arrived, they took over the situation. The passenger was revived and transported to the hospital with vital signs. Thanks to amazing teamwork and quick reaction, this passenger’s life was saved!

Thank you to Harprit and our fantastic OSR team members who supported her that day.

Harprit Kaur, OSR Manager