ASP Staff, Author at ASP Security Services

By Debbie Ciccotelli, VP of Strategic Initiatives

The moment has come for me to turn the page to a new chapter in my life, as I announce my retirement effective May 31st. Reflecting on the journey we’ve traversed together in ASP fills my heart with both pride and gratitude.

Working with ASP is my third and final career. I began my career at the young age of 19 with Transport Canada at Toronto Pearson Airport and when the airport was privatized, I transitioned to the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. My last and final employer, ASP has been my all-time favorite.

I have known our CEO, Dean Lovric for over 25 years, and I think of him not only as a boss, but a friend as well. I am so thankful to have the chance to work alongside him. Dean’s enthusiasm, motivation, passion, and support has been inspirational to me. He is a caring and supportive leader, which is one of the many things I love about him.

To my incredible colleagues, working with all of you has been truly inspiring. I have learned, grown, and shared many moments with you. I owe a debt of gratitude to all of you for the experiences we’ve shared together and the unwavering support I have received. It’s not the projects or the deadlines that I’ll remember most fondly, but the everyday moments of unity and shared purpose. Together we have combined forces to hit targets, win new business, innovate like wizards, and create a vibe that’s nothing short of magical. I am proud of the excellent work we have accomplished together. You’re the best bunch of colleagues anyone could ask for and although I am moving on, I carry with me found memories of you all.

I would like to give a special shout-out to my amazing team, Jason White and more recently Sarah Miller. It has been an incredible roller coaster ride with the numerous projects, long and tiring workdays and tight deadlines, but I am so proud of what we have accomplished together. Jason, you have left an indelible mark on my heart, even when times were tough, you made me laugh a little louder, smile a little brighter and live a little better. Fate made us teammates, but time has made us friends and the memories and experiences we shared will stay with me forever.

To all the employees at ASP, I know that your work is not always easy, but always remember you are doing important work and each and every one of you makes a difference to the company, our clients and our customers.

In my time at ASP, I have had the pleasure to mentor a number of people in the company. I wanted to share a little bit about this experience. In writing this message, it got me thinking about why mentoring is one of the things I am extremely passionate about. I have been extremely fortunate to have been mentored by some amazing people throughout my life. And they all made a significant impact on me, and I recognize how fortunate I was to have them – they helped to form my character and ultimately made me the person I am today. It was important to me to “pay if forward’ and do for others what these individuals did for me. What I have come to realize after having been both a mentor and a mentee is that it doesn’t matter which side you are on, there are lessons to be learned. I have learned just as many lessons from those who I have mentored as from those who have mentored me, and I encourage you all to seek out a mentor and to pay it forward as your career progresses.

To all the employees at ASP, I know that your work is not always easy, but always remember you are doing important work and each and every one of you makes a difference to the company, our clients and our customers. It’s incredible how a group of people from such diverse backgrounds works so closely and well together. I am so proud of the excellent workforce we have at ASP.

I am writing this farewell message with deep emotions as I say goodbye to this incredible company. The memories and bonds we have formed mean the world to me. I look forward to watching the continued success of ASP from the sidelines with great admiration. I wish you all success in the future and I know you will rock the future.

Thank you and farewell!

By Fatema Pipalyawala, Talent Acquisition Lead

Firstly, the recruitment department wishes you a very happy & prosperous New Year! We take immense pleasure to inform you that we have successfully hired an additional 150+ personnel in the last quarter of 2023 with a limited timeline of 4 weeks for the City of Toronto contract for new respites sites!

We successfully received and paid out over 65 referral bonuses in 2023 which was about 25% higher than any other year! Not limited to this, we also held an annual lucky draw program for referrals and the lucky winner was awarded with a TV!

Recruitment has also focused on making candidate onboarding experience smooth & seamless. This included the introduction the software program JazzHR ATS, which not only covers the recruitment cycle but also allows a candidate to complete their onboarding online in a timely fashion. The paperless approach is the best one!

ASP is committed to a transparent and fair selection process, and our goal is to offer continued employment to qualified individuals in available posts or positions.

We hire for personality & train for the job!

By Shine Mathew, Service Delivery Manager

A big thanks to Operations Manager Kat Szumacher for leading the holiday gifts and good cheer initiative! Our CEO Dean Lovric, CFO Rob Aldina, VP Humberto Pimentel, and Operations Manager Sarah Miller came together to recognize RES/CIC supervisors for their hard work.

Thank you Kat and team for this kind gesture.

By Annisah Dia, Site Manager

Mahmoud Ghadi

Mahmoud Ghadi joined us in September 2023. He has quickly become an integral part of our ASP team. His punctuality and commitment to his role are commendable, and his positive attitude is infectious.

We’re thrilled to have Mahmoud on board and look forward to his continued positive work ethic that make him a valuable member of our Ottawa Airport team.

Thank you Mahmoud for the enthusiasm and care you bring to our team every day!

By Noman Butt, Acting Operations Manager and Ramakrishna Malkapuram, Service Delivery Manager

As the festive season unfolded, our workplace transformed into a hub of joy, laughter, and camaraderie. In the spirit of giving and gratitude, we extend our deepest thanks to each member of our exceptional staff. Whether you joined us for the Christmas and New Year’s lunch, worked diligently on those special holidays, or contributed to our Food Bank drive, your efforts have truly made this season brighter and more meaningful.

We are immensely grateful to those of you who dedicated your time and efforts to work on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Your commitment and willingness to be on duty during these special days did not go unnoticed. Your hard work ensured that our operations continued smoothly, and for that, we express our heartfelt appreciation. This holiday season, our staff once again demonstrated their incredible generosity by contributing to our Food Bank drive. Your donations will go a long way in supporting those in our community who are facing challenges during this time. It’s inspiring to see our team come together to make a positive impact beyond the walls of our workplace.

As we bid farewell to the holiday season and step into a new year, we carry with us the warmth of the memories created by our remarkable staff. Thank you for your dedication, your presence, and your generosity. The spirit of giving and gratitude you’ve displayed this season sets a beautiful tone for the year ahead. Here’s to another year of collaboration, kindness, and shared moments that make our workplace a truly special community.

By Noman Butt, Acting Operations Manager and Ramakrishna Malkapuram, Service Delivery Manager

The ASP BBQ event was a great way to end the summer – It is always a wonderful feeling to meet all our staff at the airport with a get together! We would like to thank all of you profoundly for making it a big success. It was a memorable day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and high spirits.

We would like to thank each employee for participating and making it successful. We’re extremely lucky to have staff like you on our team and it could have not been possible without you. We sincerely appreciate all your hard work and dedication. Thank you once again for your commitment and invaluable contributions toward helping this business reach its full potential. Keep up the good work!

Congratulations to the Winners:

In the midst of the festivities, we had the pleasure of announcing the winners of our gift card giveaway. A big congratulations to the ten individuals who were fortunate enough to walk away with these special prizes, including 2$100 gift cards, 4 $50 gift cards and 4 $25 gift cards. Your enthusiasm and participation did not go unnoticed, and we are delighted to celebrate your success. As we reflect on the success of the BBQ, we are reminded of the incredible team we have and the positive energy that fills our workplace. Thank you once again to all the employees who attended, making it a day to remember. Here’s to many more moments of shared success and joy in the future.

Rama, Ranjit Bhatti & Noman

Noman , Skender Gacaj & Rama

Rama, Vivian Khoshaba & Noman

Noman & Jagmail Gill

Rama, Sandeep Sidhu & Noel Misquitta

Osmond Coutinho & Rustem Nazarov

Shweta Gaur & Rusmika Nadan

Issa Hassan & Rama

Arshad Naila, Noman & Kalsi Sarabjeet

By Garinder Grewal

It is with great excitement that I share the news of ASP being awarded the Provision of Customer Services at the Winnipeg International Airport(YWG) with the Winnipeg Airport Authority(WAA). This is a big win for us at a new airport. Our responsibility will be to provide Operational Support Representatives (OSR) based at the Air Terminal Building. The WAA prides itself on their Prairie hospitality, and I know we can meet their expectations with hard work and the ASP partnership approach. We will be providing active customer care and continuous presence in public spaces on both groundside and airside areas. This position will be responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and efficient operating environment for the airport community, passengers, and visiting public at WAA. Stay tuned for more updates.

By Noman Butt, Operations Manager and Ramakrishna Malkapuram, Service Delivery Manager

Nadesha Warren

Nadesha became the unsung hero of the day by helping find a lost cell phone. Instead of simply noting the lost item or directing the passenger to Lost and found, Nadesha took it upon herself to go above and beyond her duties to retrieve the forgotten phone. This act of kindness and resourcefulness didn’t just save the day; it saved the week, month, and perhaps even the entire travel experience for the grateful individual. Please see the comments below from the passenger.

“Nadesha at security went above and beyond to retrieve it. She saved my day, week, month ….!!! Kudos for being kind and resourceful! Thank you Nadesha”.

JASWINDER SODHI & MARSELA MECAJ

Jaswinder Sodhi

On November 24th, our dedicated guard on duty, Sodhi Jaswinder, demonstrated exceptional knowledge and alertness, preventing a potentially serious incident during her shift. Her quick thinking and decisive actions thwarted a situation involving a domestic flight passenger attempting to enter the Transborder area.

As a witness to the event, Shift manager Marsela observed Sodhi Jaswinder’s swift response. Jaswinder maintained her position to ensure that no passengers would inadvertently pass through. Her commitment to duty and unwavering vigilance played a crucial role in averting a potential breach.

She was rightfully recognized with a star for her exemplary service. Her actions not only prevented a potential security breach but also showcased the importance of well-trained and attentive security personnel in ensuring the safety of all stakeholders. A job well done, indeed!

Lovleen Kaur

In every workplace, there are individuals who make a difference through their dedication and commitment. Lovleen Kaur, the Shift Manager at Terminal 3, is one such individual. Her proactive response to a challenging incident and ongoing assistance to the team have not only left a positive impression but have also earned her heartfelt appreciation from the clients. This recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the hard work of individuals like Lovleen, who contribute to the smooth operation and safety of their workplace. Please see client’s comments below.

“On Dec 3, we had a hectic incident in T3. Lovleen was there ready to assist and even attempted to stop a trespasser. She was on scene until the end to provide any assistance – whatever was required in that moment. Lovleen is always assisting our team with any requests. So, I just wanted to reach out and say thank you for all the hard work! “

By Sarah Jessop, Human Resources Business Partner

Aabha Deshpande

We are excited to share the news of Aabha Deshpande’s transition from the position of Security Guard in our Commercial division to the role of Front Desk Coordinator at our North York Office. After working as a Security Guard for ASP for over a year, Aabha was selected for the Front Desk Coordinator position after applying through an internal job posting. This move took place in January 2024, marking her permanent appointment after a successful temporary assignment. In her position, Aabha takes care of receptionist and office administration duties. Her excellent customer service skills and friendly, positive demeanor when dealing with others make her a perfect fit for the position.

Trinh Thai

In 2023, our Finance department happily welcomed Trinh Thai to the team as our Accountant. With a rich background in the accounting field, Trinh seamlessly integrated into ASP and excelled during a particularly busy onboarding phase. Holding a diploma in Business Administration Accountant/Programmer Analyst and a certification as a Payroll Compliance Practitioner, Trinh brings a valuable combination of education and practical expertise to her role. We wish Trinh ongoing success throughout 2024.

Komal Sidhu

We would like to officially introduce and welcome Komal Sidhu, who joined the Finance team in 2023 as our Accounting Supervisor. Komal reports directly to Paul Parkinson, Director of Finance.

As the Accounting Supervisor, Komal’s main responsibility includes the corporate accounting and financial reporting functions. She also works with accounts payable and oversees receivable processing and payroll, while providing support and direction to the team. Komal brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of accounting, and she has made a great contribution to the team since joining us in October. We look forward to witnessing Komal’s positive impact on our organization and appreciate your cooperation in making her feel welcome.

Prayag Vyas

We are delighted to announce the newest addition to our training team at the North York office– Commercial Trainer Prayag Vyas. As a key player in the development of our workforce, Prayag is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, coordinating, and facilitating a comprehensive training and development program tailored to meet the unique needs of ASP. With a strong background in training, he is well-equipped to empower our employees with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Prayag. We are excited to have him on board, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact he will make in enhancing the capabilities of our team members.

Jasmeen Chalal

Jasmeen Chahal joined ASP in 2023 as a Resource Planner, and she has quickly proven to be an invaluable asset to our organization. Holding a diploma in Community and Justice Services from Mohawk College, she brings a unique set of skills and perspectives to the team. Furthermore, her background in security and administration enhances her ability to navigate complex challenges with poise and efficiency. We are confident that her expertise and commitment will continue to contribute significantly to the success of our scheduling and planning functions.

Rushmika Nadan

After years of dedicated service, we are proud to announce the 2023 promotion of Rushmika Nadan from Security Supervisor to Operations Coordinator. Rushmika has been an integral part of our team for an impressive amount of time, and her commitment, dedication, and hard work have not gone unnoticed. As Security Supervisor, she demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and an unwavering commitment to the safety and security of others.

In her new role as Operations Coordinator, Rushmika takes on a broader scope of responsibilities, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of various administrative and coordination tasks. Her role is instrumental in supporting attendance and performance management objectives, health and safety initiatives, as well as maintaining effective stakeholder communications. Please join us in congratulating Rushmika on this well-deserved promotion.

Satveer Brar

We are delighted to announce the well-deserved appointment of Satveer Brar to the position of Resource Planner within ASP’s Resource Planning team. Prior to joining the Resource Planning team, Satveer spent six months working as a Security Guard in our Commercial division. With a postgraduate Diploma in Business from Cambrian College, she skillfully anticipates operational needs in her role as a planner. We are confident that Satveer will significantly contribute to the success of our Resource Planning team as we continue to evolve.

Muskaan Muskaan

Muskaan Muskaan became an integral part of the ASP team in 2023, bringing her previous expertise as a Resource Planner to our Resource Planning Department. Prior to joining the team at ASP, she had gained valuable experience in both security and scheduling during her tenure at Titan Security.

Muskaan’s background equipped her with a unique skill set, facilitating a seamless transition into her current role. Her wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in coordinating schedules make her an asset to the resource planning team, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the department.

By Debbie Ciccotelli, VP of Strategic Initiatives

Security Awareness Week is an annual event held during the second week of February to promote and share good security practices. Security Awareness week is also an excellent opportunity to extend our appreciation to our ASP security employees.

Every day, ASP security personnel help maintain safe and secure workplaces, airports, respite centres, sporting events, cargo facilities, condominiums and communities and provide our clients and their customers with peace of mind. They keep the public safe on a daily basis and are often the first line of defence when it comes to violence, criminal activities, emergency response and public safety threats.

For ASP, security guards, specialists, and canine handlers, situational awareness is paramount, enabling them to assess their environment, identify potential security threats, and swiftly take preventative actions. Staying vigilant and perceptive allows them to respond effectively to security concerns, minimizing risks and maintaining a secure environment for all, including themselves and those they protect. This heightened awareness empowers them to detect unusual activities, potential hazards, or suspicious individuals in real-time, aiding in swift and informed decision-making to prevent security breaches and minimize harm to people and property.

In a world where security is paramount, their role is invaluable, and I want to personally thank all our security officers for their hard work and dedication. It is not always easy, but it is vitally important and appreciated.

In addition, as International Security Officer Day is celebrated on July 24th (07/24), a date which reflects the 24/7 nature of security work, I would like to encourage all ASP team members to recognize the contributions of their colleagues in security by sharing some stories and/or photos for our summer newsletter.