Recognizing Blackbird Security’s Lifesaving & Award-Winning Team
At Blackbird Security, we stand for excellence in all areas. Our outstanding team protects our clients’ businesses and communities with professionalism and compassion, while promoting safety across Canada. We’re honoured and proud to have had several team members recognized by associations, including the Vancouver Police Department, the Canadian Security Lifesaver Association, the Retail Council of Canada, the Outstanding Security Performance Awards, and more.
Amir Anvarizadeh Wins In-Store Legend Award At Retail Secure Conference of Canada
Our outstanding Training and Development Manager, Amir Anvarizadeh, won the In-Store Legend award from the Retail Council of Canada at the 2024 Retail Secure Conference.
This award celebrates exceptional contributions to the retail security industry through the demonstration of dedication to safeguarding Canadian businesses. Amir has continually provided excellent leadership at Blackbird Security and led by example in customer-facing roles. His commitment to best-in-class retail security training fosters a culture of learning, teamwork, and responsibility within our company.
Blackbird Security at the 2024 Canada Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs)
Several Blackbird Security team members were named finalists in the 2024 Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs). These prestigious industry awards recognize exceptional performance within Canada's security industry, celebrating professionals who go above and beyond to protect businesses and communities nationwide.
Gurisimran Singh: Nominated for Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director
Gurisimran has demonstrated exceptional adaptability, resourcefulness, and work ethic throughout his career at Blackbird Security. He began as a Loss Prevention Operative (LPO) before becoming District Manager in Vancouver and is now the Regional Manager of Vancouver Island—one of our most operationally challenging regions.
Throughout his time with us at Blackbird, Gurisimran has made a tangible impact on the lives of the community members he protects. Most notably in 2023, Gurisimran saved lives by responding to a fire that threatened multiple staff members and shoppers.
Patience Alao: Nominated for Outstanding Security Officer
Patience, our security Team Lead at Chanel, has demonstrated commendable resourcefulness and professionalism throughout her career at Blackbird. As one of our Elite Suit and Tie Security clients, Chanel requires a delicate touch, strict professionalism, and outstanding customer service—all of which Patience excels in.
Customer service excellence is at the heart of Patience’s approach. She consistently goes above and beyond in her interactions with both customers and staff, maintaining the prestigious atmosphere that Chanel’s client base expects while providing top-quality security for the store.
Alex Van Ryke: Nominated for Outstanding Young Security Professional
Our youngest Operations Manager, Alex Van Ryke, oversees all of Blackbird Security’s operations in British Columbia and Quebec with expertise, skill, and professionalism. He demonstrates outstanding leadership, particularly in the operationally complex areas of Kelowna and Vancouver Island.
Alex joined the Blackbird Security team in 2020 as a uniformed security guard and quickly distinguished himself through his adaptability, integrity, and commitment to our core values. Within a remarkably short period of time, Alex grew his position to Site Supervisor, Field Supervisor, Distinct Manager, Regional Manager (Vancouver Island), and is now the acting Operations Manager, overseeing all security operations in British Columbia and Quebec.
Alex’s exceptional ability to problem-solve, troubleshoot, and forge strong connections with both teams and clients makes him an indispensable asset to the team.
Blackbird Security’s BC Indigenous Housing Society Security Team: Nominated for Outstanding Security Team
Our security team at the BC Indigenous Housing Society goes above and beyond traditional security services to create a safe, supportive environment for vulnerable community members. Our team members, Akash Sharma, Anu Chaudhary, and Anamika Anamika, have demonstrated exceptional dedication in this supportive role.
The team's comprehensive approach combines security protocols with compassionate resident care. Their duties include monitoring for overdose prevention in washrooms and shower rooms, performing regular wellness checks on tenants, managing guest access and enforcing visitor protocols, and ensuring the safety of a sister building. On top of detailed shift reports, the team regularly debriefs with Tenant Support Workers as well as Frontline Support Workers. Throughout their shift, the team monitors CCTV cameras and fire alarm systems, ensuring swift responses to any emergencies in coordination with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services.
Through professionalism and dedication, this team exemplifies our commitment at Blackbird Security to providing community-oriented security services that prioritize both safety and relationships.
Blackbird Security Guard, Rick Bunyan, Saves Baby's Life
We’re honoured to highlight the incredible actions of one of our security guards, Rick Bunyan, whose bravery and quick thinking make us immensely proud to have him on our team.
In 2023, while on duty at a site in Penticton, Rick encountered a distraught mother holding her unresponsive baby. He immediately called for assistance to dial 911 and began administering CPR to the infant. Thanks to his swift and decisive actions, the child was successfully revived and transported to the hospital by the arriving ambulance.
Rick's courage and prompt response are a testament to the exceptional individuals we are privileged to have as part of our team. His quick thinking and life-saving skills transformed a potential tragedy into a moment of hope and relief. His heroism under pressure perfectly embodies the values we uphold in our security services.
Rick, we commend you for your heroic actions and are deeply grateful to have you as a member of our team. Your bravery and professionalism inspire us all and exemplify the best of what Blackbird Security stands for. Thank you for representing our company with such distinction and for making a profound impact on the lives of others.
Gursimran Singh's Rapid Response to a Fire Prevents Catastrophic Event
Blackbird Security Tactical Security Guard, Gursimran Singh, demonstrated exceptional bravery when he swiftly responded to a fire in 2023, averting potential harm to multiple staff and shoppers in Vancouver.
Upon spotting the blaze, Security Guard Singh immediately took action by grabbing a fire extinguisher and safely putting out the flames. His quick thinking, coupled with his extensive training and experience, played a critical role in preventing what could have been a catastrophic event.
The fire investigator later confirmed that without Singh’s prompt actions, the fire could have caused serious injuries and extensive damage to the old wooden structure, exacerbated by the accelerant used and the rapid spread of the flames.
For this act of bravery, Gursiimran was awarded the Unwavering Heroism Award by the Canadian Security Lifesaver Association. Our team is incredibly proud that Gurisimran followed his training, remained vigilant, and located emergency response equipment within seconds, saving lives as a result.
Heroic Actions of Gulab Singh Lead to Canadian Life Saver Award
On September 16, 2023, Tactical Security Guard, Gulab Singh, displayed extraordinary bravery during a fire at the Samesun Hostel in Vancouver. Gulab, stationed at the hostel, was preparing for his break around 2:00 AM when he noticed smoke on the CCTV cameras.
Upon investigating, Gulab discovered a massive fire engulfing the rear of the building. Reacting swiftly, he pulled the fire alarm and instructed a bystander to call 911. Gulab then began the critical task of evacuating over 200 sleeping residents from the hostel. His quick thinking and decisive actions undoubtedly saved numerous lives that night.
This incident underscores the vital role of on-site security guards in responding to emergencies in hotels and residential buildings. The outcome could have been catastrophic without Gulab’s presence and prompt response.
To honour his life-saving efforts, Gulab was awarded the prestigious Lifesaver Medal and a Certificate of Honour at a ceremony held at Blackbird Security’s head office. Read more about Gulab’s story.
VPD Recognizes LPO Arunjit Butalia For Outstanding Retail Security
As Vancouver’s best security company, Blackbird is proud to employ a diverse and talented team that provides a large variety of professional security services. When it comes to essential duties like loss prevention, our highly trained security guards are truly second-to-none. That’s why we’re proud that our Loss Prevention Officer (LPO), Arunjit Butalia, was personally recognized by the Vancouver Police Department for his outstanding contributions in retail security in 2022:
“...A quick [message] concerning Mr. Butalia’s fine work as an LPO at the Mountain Equipment Co-op store located [in] Vancouver. We had a shoplifter a week ago and found that Mr. Butalia was very cordial and professional in dealing with both us and that shoplifter. Mr. Butalia has been excellent in providing us the evidence we need to proceed. Thanks to Mr. Butalia and the hard work that he does night in and night out.”
Blackbird Security Guard Recognized for Lifesaving Emergency Response
In 2022, at one of the Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction offices on Vancouver Island, a Blackbird Security guard, Jeff, noticed an individual in medical distress due to an overdose. He immediately jumped to the person’s aid, calling emergency authorities and assisting the first aiders.
This message from the Vancouver Island Regional Manager highlights the quality of training our security staff receive, their professionalism, and their absolute dedication to their roles:
“… I am writing to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of one of your guards, Jeff. Jeff has been assigned to our office recently, and today he was instrumental in saving the life of a citizen who was overdosing. Jeff jumped right into action, locating the citizen and assisting first aiders by calling 911 and relaying information as we performed CPR on the citizen. Jeff’s quick response most likely saved that citizen’s life.”
Blackbird is proud that one of our own acted so promptly and professionally in response to witnessing someone in crisis. This event demonstrates how crucial it is to provide thorough and specialized training in occupational first aid, incident de-escalation, and mental health training to security staff. As Jeff demonstrated through his heroic actions, equipping security guards with the tools and authority to respond effectively in emergency scenarios pays off in lives saved.
Partner With an Award-Winning Security Company
We’re immensely proud of our team of skilled security guards, who exemplify our standards and values in every industry across Canada on a daily basis. Thank you to the guards and staff mentioned above, and to our entire team, for making Blackbird the success it is today.
Interested to learn more about what makes our services exceptional? Get in touch with us through the form at the bottom of this page, and explore our services below.
