Hello ASP team! I am excited to be writing about the training we recently held at YYC. The team at YYC has always met our contractual requirements concerning annually recertifying guards to continue working their posts. However, after careful thought, we were able to craft a program that reviewed the critical materials required while also allowing all classifications to see what each other is responsible to complete on shift.
With the help of our National Training Manager, Mr. David Ramlagan, we were able to inject some laughter and excitement with the Kahoot quizzes. The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests that it was a big hit, and as such, we will bring it into all future training — new hire, recurrent or specialized.
These mixed classes were also a terrific way for the ASP family to reconnect after a trying period where we had to isolate, distance, and delay in-person training.
Our participants were all smiles when they got to engage with the content alongside peers they have not seen in months or more. It was not just the value of the information that was taken away from the classes.
David also supplied our site with enough tablets to move the training paperwork, and paperwork of any sort, to a digital format. Over the coming weeks, we will be moving whatever we can online so that the company or client can access necessary information for any staff member in one place: audits, training records, etc.
It is going to be a colossal leap forward in the efficiency of our admin and audit processes. I know that our supervisor team are very excited to cut the time of the audits down by at least half with our new formats.
Lastly, I would like to give a shout out to some of our allstars from the past quarter:
Lakhveer Sandhu – you stood up against some lessthan-pleased employees at the access point and did not let them cause a breach. Keep up that great work!
To all of you who stepped up to take overtime shifts while we onboarded new hires – we are enormously proud of the teamwork we have seen over the past months!
Until next time ASP, take care out there!
By Kevin Hepburn, Acting Operations Manager
Unsung Heroes
Who is an unsung hero? “One who does great deeds but receives little or no recognition for them.” I’d like to recognize a few of our staff whose recent actions should be recognized in this category.
Recently, ASP Terminal Patroller Kanchan Sarin was assigned Security 3 near gate 52. Prior to a medical call being dispatched from Operations, Kanchan saw a Calgary Police Service (CPS) Officer assisting a passenger in medical distress. Kanchan was proactive and started to assist immediately by setting up a privacy screen, and she began redirecting pedestrian traffic prior to a request from SOC/AOC Operations. Good job and well-done Kanchan!
Being placed in a difficult situation is part of a patroller’s everyday routine. One of our Supervisors was recently placed in this situation and handled it with grace and poise. ASP Supervisor Taranjit Sidhu was on her airside/groundside patrol part of her shift when she was dispatched to the Terminal Arrivals area that was congested due to a high volume of vehicles awaiting arriving passengers and Taxi’s. Other agencies were dispatched to the scene, however, the problem worsened.
The arrivals level was blocked, and vehicles were no longer moving which resulted in a safety concern. Taranjit arrived on scene and took control by moving vehicles and clearing the entire area. Our operations team watched and applauded her for her efforts, acknowledging her with a job well done over the radio! Well done, Taranjit.
Post and Hiring Update
With the completion of a three-month trial by CATSA at NPS-B (Non-Passenger Screening – Post ‘Bravo’) and a reopening of NPS-A (Non-Passenger Screening – Post ‘Alpha’) these posts have now returned and are in operation with our ASP Guards. During the closure of these posts, we were able to complete an aggressive job fair and onboarding of new employees to increase our staffing requirements overall.
By Mary Christidis, Operations Manager
Jasneet Singh
“Please know that a few weeks ago I was in Terminal 1 of the Toronto Pearson International Airport, where I received excellent service from Jasneet Singh- ASP specialist. She went over and beyond the call of duty to provide me with information and guidance as it related to my travel questions and concerns. I was so impressed by her dedication to her career, and by her fine work ethic. She deserves to be recognized, and I hope that she is rewarded for her fine efforts!”
MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC
Supinder Khangura
“I attended the gates today and I was speaking to the guard at V313A she was very knowledgeable and knew her post order very well. She smiled and told me that she loved her job and it was very reassuring having her at this post. I think it’s good to recognize hard working individuals.”
APRIL MCCONKEY, OFFICER, CONSTRUCTION SECURITY PLANNING
Pirasanthy Kandavel
“Please commend Pirasanthy Kandavel for a job well done! I appreciate reading the reports filed and this helps with follow-up to stakeholders who need a letter to remind them of the advisory.”
AGAIN, JOB WELL DONE TO SANTHY!
By Mary Christidis, Operations Manager
The Eye on Safety Awards acknowledge and celebrate a culture of safety and security at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Indira Marwah
On Wednesday, June 8th, 2022, at approximately 23:47, ASP Access Control Guard, Indira Marwah was stationed at Terminal 3, Door G120.
Indira observed a male passenger attempting to backflow from the baggage hall and into the secure area. She remained calm and followed her Post Orders, advised SOC, and maintained a line of sight to the subject passenger.
She got the attention of an ASP Door Patrol guard nearby who was able to stop the breach. Indira’s immediate actions under the pressure of a security breach prevented a containment situation, which could have had a significant impact on operations during a high-volume period.
Well done, Indira!
Rushmika Nadan
Rushmika Nadan was nominated for an Eye on Safety Award for noticing that FA3022 was not correctly secured while in the area performing other duties.
Her keen observation resulted in SOC properly taking the reader offline again and, in turn, ensured no unauthorized access through the PSL would be possible.
Great work, Rushmika!
By Debbie Ciccotelli, VP, Strategic Innitiatives
At ASP, Diversity and Inclusion is a part of our culture and values. We are committed to fostering an environment that values, celebrates, supports, respects and embraces all forms of diversity. If we truly want to address and foster inclusion, we need to tackle hate and subtle forms of discrimination and collectively ensure our workplace is safe and inclusive for all.
It is not easy to accept that we may have biases, however, no matter how we feel about prejudiced behavior, we are all susceptible to biases based on cultural stereotypes that are embedded in our belief systems from a young age. Every day, each and every one of us can stand up against prejudice and intolerant attitudes. An important way to reduce disparities, therefore, is to address our own biases on both individual and interpersonal levels. A first step is acknowledging that we are all vulnerable to biases. Once we are confronted with this awareness, our first impulse may to be deny or avoid it. It is normal to feel uncomfortable, but the only way to change our thoughts and behavior is to acknowledge our biases, become curious about them, and practice ways to transform them. It all circles back to the classic golden rule principle, treat others the way you would want to be treated.
I was deeply saddened and disappointed to learn of the LGBTQ2s+ hate crimes which occurred in the U.S. during Pride month.
The two most significant incidents in which LGBTQ2s+ events were targeted by far-right extremist groups were as follows:
On June 11th, a library in Alameda County, California was hosting a Drag Queen Story Hour, where performers were reading children’s book when the event was crashed by alleged members of the far-right Proud Boys who disrupted the event and shouted profane, homophobic, and transphobic slurs to threaten and intimidate.
In Coeur D’Alene, Idaho a group of men with ties to the white nationalist Patriot Front planned to instigate a riot at a Pride in the Park event where families, children and supporters were gathered to celebrate the LGBTQ2s+ community. On June 12th Police arrested 31 members of the white supremacist group after they were found packed into the back of a U-Haul truck wearing balaclavas and bearing riot gear.
Also, on June 6th at a Washington state high school, a 16-year-old student was arrested for assault and charged with a hate crime after allegedly attacking two transgender students and using a homophobic slur. The altercation left a trans student with a concussion. At a June 13th rally at the school in support of the trans students, another student reportedly expressed his desire to aim an automatic machine gun in the direction of the demonstrators, forcing the school to go into lockdown.
These disruptions prompted LGBTQ2s+ event organizers and law enforcement to stay on high alert during Pride Month.
In June, many people across Canada recognize Pride Month. It is a time when we celebrate the diversity of LGBTQ2s+ communities, while acknowledging their history, the hardships and struggles they have endured and the progress that has been made.
Although the above events occurred south of the border, there have also been several disturbing incidents in Canada this year.
The following are some of the examples reported in the media:
The Miami Police Department received a report of a teenaged male on a social media chat line waving a gun and threatening to commit a mass shooting at a Florida Pride celebration. In total, seven law enforcement agencies — Miami Police Department, West Palm Beach Police, the local Sheriff ’s Department, the FBI, the RCMP, Toronto Police, and Peel Regional Police, worked together on this case. It ended with a teen being located at a Mississauga residence and arrested by Peel detectives. The teenager was charged with threatening to commit a mass shooting by Canadian authorities and will face similar charges and possible extradition to the United States.
In addition to this alleged heinous threat, a bisexual person was attacked in early June in Toronto and there has been other homophobic violence in the city.
In Lethbridge, Alberta, someone put a black mark across the city’s permanent painted pedestrian crosswalks meant to represent the LGBTQ2s+ transgender flags.
Symbols of the LGBTQ2s+ community are being targeted by vandals in Southwestern, Ontario. The OPP have responded to and are investigating numerous reports of damaged flags meant to celebrate diversity and inclusion during Pride Month, many of which occurred at schools, e.g.
In Norwich, multiple Pride flags were stolen or vandalized
Both Wellington County and Perth County received a rash of mischief reports in Mapleton, North Perth and Pinto
Pride ribbons decorating a light standard on Main Street in Palmerston were damaged
Pride flags were damaged at three elementary schools in Moorefield, Drayton and Harriston
Pride flags were damaged at a business and at a Secondary School is Listowel
Paint was thrown on a Pride crosswalk in Ingersoll
The pride banner outside the Scarborough United Church was partially burned, ripped and defaced with the word ‘repent’.
Windsor police are investing possible hate crimes after Pride flags were stolen and burned at a Secondary School.
A young male spray-painted the newly installed Pride crosswalk in Waterdown.
I encourage you to open your mind and heart to eliminating discrimination in the workplace and in your community.
A 17-year-old male has been arrested by the Hamilton police hate-crime unit in connection to a Pride crosswalk being vandalized.
Two men ripped down a rainbow flag from a resident’s porch in an Ottawa neighbourhood.
In Victoria BC, organizers of a family-friendly drag show decided to cancel the event after receiving multiple threats and harassing calls.
These incidents clash with the celebration of Pride month and it is very disconcerting to see this kind of hostility, vandalism, and hatred being spewed during a month that is so significant to the LGBTQ2s+ community.
The Canadian Anti-Hate Network, a non-profit organization that monitors hate groups and crimes in Canada, said they are aware of a spike in anti-LGBTQ2s+ material online and in-person during this Pride month. I, like many of you, have family, friends and coworkers who identify as members of the LGBTQ2s+ community and these acts of hate and vandalism challenge an individual’s ability to feel like they belong and that they are valued, and they are safe in their community. Although Canada has made great progress over the past decade, we are now in the moment where we need to protect that progress and continue to move forward as a country, community, and as individuals.
By Sarah Jessop, HR Business Partner
At ASP, we value and recognize the diverse religious beliefs of our employees. The world’s rich diversity is reflected in the observances that are celebrated and recognized by our ASP employees. Knowledge of the following holidays and celebrations can enhance our workplace diversity and inclusion efforts. Throughout the months of July, August, and September a variety of religious holidays, festivals, observances, and spiritual commemorations took place.
These events were celebrated and observed by many of us, so it is important that we recognize and respect each one of them. We have compiled a list below of the many important religious events that took place throughout the last few months. We encourage you to review this list to learn more about some of the significant celebrations and observances that are meaningful to your colleagues and friends. Let’s celebrate diversity, together.
July 2022
July 6: Dalai Lama’s Birthday (Buddhist) His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan people. Born to a peasant family in northeastern Tibet, he was recognized as the 14th Dalai Lama (Mongolian for ‘Ocean of Wisdom’). In Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama is believed to be an incarnation of Avalokitesvara, the Buddha of Compassion.
July 8: Day of Hajj (Islam) Muslims perform the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The pilgrimage is one of the five Pillars of Islam. All Muslims are expected to perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime if they have the physical and financial capacity. About 6 million Muslims from over 70 countries journey to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. In one of the rites of the Hajj, pilgrims move in a circular, counterclockwise procession around the Ka’bah.
July 9: Martyrdom of The Báb (Bahá’í) The Báb was executed at the age of 31 by a firing squad in Tabriz in 1850 C.E. The event is observed at noon.
July 10: Eid al-Adha (Islam) It concludes the Hajj and is a three-day festival celebrating Abraham’s test of obedience to Allah when he was asked to sacrifice his son Ismael. At the last minute, Allah replaced Ismael with a lamb. Since Eid is determined by the first sighting of the new moon, the date varies by a day depending on whether the Saudi Arabian or North American sighting is being observed. This calendar follows the North American dates which is a day later.
July 11: Imamat Day (Islam Ismaili) Imamat Day is celebrated every year by Ismailis on the day that the Imamat or religious leader transferred from the past Imam to the present Aga Khan.
July 13: Guru Purnima ( Jain/Hindu) Is celebrated by disciples to revere and honour their Gurus (spiritual masters).
July 13: Wassana/Dhamma Day (Buddhist) This day marks the beginning of the 3-month ‘Rains Retreat’ for self-examination and peace-making for monks and nuns. It also celebrates Buddha’s first teaching.
July 24: Pioneer Day (Christian – Mormon) This day honours the U.S. pioneers led by Brigham Young, who first settled in Utah in 1847. This day is celebrated with parades to remember their pioneering ancestors.
July 30: Oh-Harai-Taisai (Shinto) During the Grand Purification Ceremony, Japanese worshippers walk through a large ring of woven grass and reeds that are placed at the entrance of the shrines as an act of inner purification for sins and offenses committed during the first half of the year. This sacred ritual is observed twice yearly.
July 30: 1st Muharram – Islamic New Year (Islam) Islamic New Year, 1443 AH. The first of Muharram marks the first day of the first month (Muharram) of the Islamic year. Muharam lasts for 29-30 days depending on the moon sighting. It begins at sundown the previous day. The dates vary by a day depending on whether the Saudi Arabia or the North American Calendar is being observed. This calendar follows the North American dates which is a day later.
July 31: Kamál (8th Month) (Bahá’í) The first day of the eighth Bahá’í month. The English translation of Kamál (Arabic) is Perfection.
August 2022
August 1: Lughnasadh (Wiccan) Its name is taken from the Celtic God Lugh, or Samildanach, which means ‘he of many gifts’. It celebrates the ancient festival of the first harvesting of grain in August.
August 7: Tisha B’Av ( Jewish) A Jewish holiday that remembers the destruction of the Jewish temple, once in 586 BCE and once in 70 CE in Jerusalem.
August 8: Ashura (Islam) The tenth day of the first Islamic month (Muharram). For Shi’ite Muslims, this day mourns the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Devout Shi’a commemorate this day of sadness with retelling the story of the battle fought in Kerbala.
August 8: Fravardeghan (Zoroastrian) Fravardeghan lasts ten days in preparation for Now Ruz for those who follow the Shenshai calendar. Ancestors are memorialized during this time.
August 11: Raksha Bandhan (Hindu) According to legend, God Indra was warring with demons. His wife tied a silk charm around his wrist to protect him and he was able to defeat his enemies. Hindu girls now tie a threaded amulet or ‘rakhi’ on their brothers for protection against evil.
August 15: Assumption (Christian) This refers to Mary’s death and ascent to heaven and is celebrated by Catholic and Orthodox Churchs. Special mentions: Sicilian-Canadians hold an outdoor procession for the Madonna del Assunta, Polish- Canadians celebrate the Feast of the Mother of God of the herbs, an early harvest festival, Armenian Orthodox bless the first grapes of the season, Ukranians take flowers to the church to be blessed.
August 19: Janmashtami (Hindu) Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna and his rescue from potential death by the demon Kasna. Lord Krishna was born in a prison, then carried by his father to another village where he was secretly exchanged with a cow herder’s daughter for his safety.
August 19: Asmá (9th Month) (Bahá’i) The first day of the ninth Bahá’í month. The English translation of Asmá (Arabic) is Names.
August 24: Birth of Prophet Zarathustra (Zoroastrian) Zarathushtra (Zoroaster in Greek; Zarthosht in India and Persia) is the founder of the Zoroastrian religion, dating back to sometime between 1500 and 1000 BCE. He lived in Persia, modern day Iran.
Zoroastrianism became the state religion of various Persian empires, until the 7th century CE. When Arabs, followers of Islam, invaded Persia in 650 CE, a small number of Zoroastrians fled to India where most are concentrated today.
August 25 – September 1: Paryushana-Parva ( Jain) Celebrated for eight days, Paryushana-Parva is the holiest time of the year and is marked by fasting and worship of the 24 realized teachers of the Jain faith known as Tirthankaras or Jinas.
August 31: Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu) It is in honour of one of Hindu’s major deity, Ganesh, the elephant-headed god. He is known as the ‘remover of all obstacles’ and is invoked at the beginning of all new undertakings.
September 2022
September 1: Dashalakshani-Parva ( Jain) Celebrated by the Digambara sect and lasts ten days, each day dedicated to a virtue: humility, honesty, purity, forgiveness, truthfulness, selfrestraint, asceticism, study, celibacy and detachment.
September 1: Samvatsari ( Jain) This day is dedicated to introspection, confession, and penance, especially for the Shvetambara sect.
September 7: Onam (Hindu) Onam is a Hindu festival celebrated by the people of Kerala in India. Lasting for four to ten days, it is a harvest festival commemorating the homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali from Patala (the underworld) who visits every Malayali home and during this time.
September 8: Ízzat (10th Month) (Bahá’í) The 10th month in the Baha’i calendar. “Ízzat” in Arabic means ‘Might’.
September 9: Ananta-Chaturdasi ( Jain) ‘Festival of Ten Virtues’ is a 10-day fast and meditation for the Jains.
September 10: Ksamavani ( Jain) Ksamavani is the ‘day of universal forgiveness’ for wrongs committed by them and to them.
September 12-16: Gahambar Paitishahem (Zoroastrian) This day celebrates the creation of earth.
September 23: Mabon (Wiccan) This day celebrates the fall equinox and the end of the harvest season. Apples are juiced for cider and grapes for wine.
September 26-27: Rosh Hashanah ( Jewish) Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is one of Judaism’s holiest days. Meaning “head of the year” or “first of the year,” the festival begins on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, which falls during September or October.
September 26: Navratri (Hindu) It means ‘nine nights’ beginning on the new moon and ending on Dussehra. It is dedicated to the goddess Durga who had nine incarnations and has the power of good to destroy demons.
September 27: Mashiyyat (11th Month) (Bahá’í) The first day of the eleventh Bahá’í month. The English translation of Mashiyyat (Arabic) is Will.
Do you feel we have missed anything? Let us know! Contact our Diversity and Inclusion committee at inclusive@security-asp.com
By Paul Parkinson, Director of Finance
We are living in times where there is stress around every corner. Even with the best efforts, stress cannot be avoided, so we all seek new and innovative ways of escape, or to simply handle this pressure.
It is often the case that we feel isolated when dealing with our problems, or complex situations as friends or family tend to be unavailable when needed. Mostly this is not through a lack of care or affection, but simply because their lives are busy too, or interrupted with similar dramas.
Everyone, at some point in life, needs inspiration if we are to keep on moving forward. Motivational quotes provide us with a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. Often a quote can offer inspiration for the week, and inspire us when our normal motivation has lapsed. A quote can act as an aide memoire to focus us on a specific goal or plan of action. ‘Keep it simple stupid’ is a great example at this point, as it sums up the magnitude of quotes to deliver in a succinct way.
Inspirational or motivational quotes capture and appeal to your subconscious mind, which indeed is the major portion of your entire mind. Creativity is found subtly embedded in the subconscious mind. Inspirational quotes may instantaneously change your entire thought process, directing your energies towards a positive path. It is clear that when the subconscious is constantly filled with a flow of positive commands, there is uplift in your general outlook and personality. Psychologists recognise that positivity is vital to recover from illness and that the demeanour of the body is adversely affected by negative thoughts.
One of the toughest things we all have to deal with is procrastination. Whilst taking the time to examine situations deeply, we can sometimes become entrenched by our own thoughts. The task of overcoming procrastination is not a very easy thing but reading a couple of inspirational quotes when our motivation levels are low is an easy way to instantly beat procrastination.
Smiles are contagious and quotes can often bring a huge, sparkling smile to your face. Sometimes, you can evoke that positivity via a smile hours later, as we reminisce and recall a poignant quote.
Some notable quotes:
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Walt Disney
“It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” Babe Ruth
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” Helen Keller
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” Helen Keller
“Impossible is just an opinion.” Paulo Coelho
“People who wonder if the glass is half empty or full miss the point. The glass is refillable.” Unknown
There is one consistent factor no matter how young or old you are, your successes and struggles, where you are from, or what you are facing right now, motivational quotes will spur you on, giving you the much-needed impetus to face whatever life throws at you. Quotes are priceless sources of wisdom and guidance when most needed. During times of trials, struggles and tribulations, they definitely motivate. Failure and success are never final in life; we can always do better, improve or even turn situations around. Inspirational quotes are not only timeless but are often timely in many situations. This is indeed the reason why motivational quotes are important for everyone! What motivational quotes inspire you?
*With credit to Elle Smith (Elle Blog)
By Humberto Pimentel, VP, Operations
My name is Humberto Pimentel and I’m the Vice President of Operations for ASP Security. As the Vice President, I plan to build relationships with our stakeholders and delegate operational efficiencies based on your strengths. I look forward to working closely with Dean and the entire ASP team on finding creative ways to deliver outstanding customer services, grow our business and reduce our spending so we can use our budget effectively. With the creative abilities and dedication of all whom I have met thus far, I can see us doing great work. One of the reasons I accepted this position is the welcoming company culture, which made me eager to join the team. I hope I get to meet all our employees in person over the next few weeks when I visit our clients. Prior to working with ASP Security, I held senior general management roles in the security and financial industries. My personal interests include listening to all genres of music and catching a live show when a great band is in town. I’m happy to share more about my role here at ASP Security, and want to learn how I can best support you.
Sarah Jessop, Human Resources Business Partner
The following new hires joined our head office in Q2 and Q3 of 2022. Please join us in welcoming them to the ASP family!
Sarah McCutcheon – Real-Time Resource Agent
Sarah McCutcheon joined ASP’s Resource Planning team as a Real-Time Resource Agent on April 5, 2022. Sarah is experienced in workforce management and analytics, having previously worked with several well-known organizations in both Ontario, Canada and Edinburgh, Scotland. ASP is thrilled that Sarah chose to bring her customer service and analytical skills to our organization.
Antoniette Freeman – HR Business Partner
We are happy to announce that Antoniette Freeman joined our Residential/ Commercial division in the role of HR Business Partner on May 9, 2022.
Antoniette leads the Residential/Commercial division HR team and provides professional and administrative support to the Human Resource Department, along with HR advisory services to department managers and all employees.
Antoniette is a HR Management Diploma holder from Sheridan College and is currently pursuing a course on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from George Brown College. She has over five years of rich, progressive Human Resources experience in the unionized retail and industrial products and services industry.
Lucy Nguyen – Front Office Coordinator
Having joined ASP as our Front Office Coordinator on May 30, 2022, Lucy is the friendly face that will greet you when you enter our North York Office. She plays a key role in ensuring that our operations run efficiently, and she supports our team with administrative expertise.
Lucy holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Global Management Studies, with a Minor in HR Management from Ryerson University.
Balqisa Mohamed – HR Administrator
If you currently work for ASP at Pearson Airport, you may have seen Balqisa in the office or walking the floor. Balqisa joined our HR Department as our HR Administrator at Pearson on June 6, 2022, and she is the first HR point of contact for our frontline employees at this location. Her friendly and approachable demeanor is well-suited to her position. Balqisa holds a Bachelor of Human Resources Management from York University and has previous experience in Security, Recruitment, and HR.
Humberto Pimentel – VP of Operations
We are pleased to announce that Humberto Pimentel joined us as VP of Operations on July 11, 2022. Humberto has over 25 years of management and operations experience in multiple sectors of the security industry. He is proficient at managing client SLAs and KPIs as well as leading and coaching the teams responsible for the management of service contracts. Humberto is responsible for executing on strategic plans and improving the fiscal performance of teams across ASP. We look forward to his support in recruitment, labour management, client retention, increasing share of wallet, and developing new business opportunities.
Most recently, Humberto was VP of Operations at Logixx Security where he focused on mentoring Operations Managers, improving recruitment, and managing the resolution of escalated issues. He has experience in implementing overtime accountability to reduce labour costs and developing LEAN SOPs to reduce operational costs.
Humberto has Operations Management & Business Foundations Certifications from the Project Management Institute. He is a Certified Process Manager (York University Schulich School of Business) and has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management.
Michael Smith
Our Human Resources team is happy to announce that Michael Smith joined ASP on July 4, 2022, as an Onboarding Specialist. In his role, Michael is responsible for ensuring that our aviation new hires are seamlessly welcomed into our organization.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Human Resources Management from York University and has previous experience in recruitment and administration. His knowledge and skills, along with his positive attitude, are very well suited to the Onboarding Specialist position.
Jashandeep Singh
ASP had the pleasure of welcoming Jashandeep Singh to our Resource Planning team as a Real-Time Resource Agent on July 17, 2022. Jashandeep is both an experienced security professional and scheduler, having worked for another well-known security company previously. Impressively, Jashandeep can speak three languages – English, Punjabi, and Hindi. This is just one of the many skills Jashandeep brings to his position as Real-Time Resource Agent.
Shanti Froud
On July 20, 2022, Shanti Froud joined ASP’s Resource Planning team as a Real-Time Resource Agent. Shanti is incredibly knowledgeable about our industry, as she has a Diploma from Humber College in Protection, Security, and Investigation.
Shanti has dynamic experience in customer service, having worked in media, retail, and technology. We are pleased she chose to join our fantastic team here at ASP.
Meredith Dougherty
Meredith Dougherty joined our Resource Planning team on August 17, 2022, as a Real-Time Resource Agent. She has an outgoing and pleasant demeanor and brings great energy and enthusiasm to her role.
Meredith is experienced in dispatch, scheduling, customer service, and administration. She is no stranger to taking on a challenge, having previously been responsible for scheduling Personal Support Workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. We have every confidence that Meredith will make a great addition to our team.
Rob Alidina
We would like to share with you all the appointment of Rob Alidina to the ASP/ ICTS family. As of August 29, 2022, Rob joined us in the capacity of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and holds all accompanying responsibilities with a specific focus on immediate, short- and long-term fiscal guidance and planning, acquisitions, monetization of proprietary technologies, and finance.
Rob Alidina is an accomplished strategic finance executive with extensive financial and operational experience in a multitude of industries including telecommunications, industrial and consumer goods, retail, and pharmaceuticals. In addition, he has been exposed to ownership structures that include large and small-cap publicly traded organizations (including multinationals domiciled in the United States), along with privately-owned firms. His diverse skills transverse across the finance and accounting realm that span financial reporting, planning and analysis, audit, treasury and risk management, supply chain and operational finance, capital budgeting, as well as tax planning. His passion and business acumen has translated in sustainable profitable growth in various organizations including manufacturing, serviced based industries, as well as the wholesale and distribution segments of the markets. Rob’s leadership skills have allowed for the opportunity to facilitate strategy and business transformation, change management, and ensured finance is a valued business partner to the business’s he’s operated.
Rob has held senior finance roles and his advancement led to being a Chief Financial Officer at two division at United Technologies including Carrier as well as Chubb Fire and Security. His most recent role was the CFO for Olon Industries. Rob graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in accounting and a minor in finance. He subsequently completed his Master of Business Administration from McGill University in finance and international business with honors. In addition, Rob holds his professional license from the order of the Certified Professional Accountant of Canada.
Sarah Miller, Operations Manager, School Crossing Guard Division
Acritical part of our role as security professionals is to conduct patrols. Depending on where we work, those patrols could be conducted on foot, by vehicle, with a bicycle, or even remotely through security cameras!
Each method is meant to achieve the same purpose – to keep us aware of what is happening at our sites, make us available for responses to incidents, and act as a deterrent to crime and disorder.
When we are doing patrols, it is important to apply our training, experience, and senses to meaningfully observe our environments. Some key things to consider include but are not limited to:
What Do You See?
Flooding or spills
Doors propped open
Property damage
Burnt out lights
Trip and fall risks
Trespassers
Fire or fire hazards
Suspicious activity
Video recording in unauthorized areas
Confidential information in plain sight
What Do You Smell?
Smoke
Chemicals
Cigarettes or marijuana in non-smoking areas
Gas leak
Urine
What Do You Hear?
Yelling
Crying
Activity in areas that are closed
Hot work (construction) without a permit
Alarms
What Do You Feel?
Cold (heating failure)
Air (broken window)
Dampness (leak)
Hot (air conditioning failure)
When we encounter these concerns while on patrol, we should report them promptly based on the escalation procedures at our assigned sites and respond according to our post orders. Reports should be accurate, timely, and include all relevant details. A great tip to remember is the 4 W’s – who, what, when, and where. Another helpful tip is to describe the problem and share what the resolution was.
Do you have any other suggestions about what to look out for while on patrol or how to patrol with purpose? Please send an email to Operations Manager Sarah Miller at smiller@security-asp.com
The best tips will be included in the next issue of ASP’s quarterly newsletter with a special shout-out to the contributor. We look forward to receiving your submissions!
