An article by President & CEO, Ashley Cooper highlighting his experience during our 24 Hours of Thanks.
Last week I had the opportunity to participate in a program that we implemented here at Paladin called “24 Hours of Thanks." Under this program, every member of our management team in Vancouver hit the road at staggered times over the course of a 24-hour period in an attempt to see as many of our Officers in the field as possible. The purpose, as evidenced by the name was to see our amazing people in action and to thank them for their extraordinary efforts and the great work that they do each and every day on behalf of Paladin and on behalf our clients.
As someone who started in Paladin as a janitor and then grew into the role of a Security Officer, I do understand how tough the job can be. I know what it is like to work the night shift and to feel the ‘eye burn’ that used to hit me at about 5:00am. I know what it is like to have someone get upset with me because I would not break the rules for them. I even know what it is like to have students at a dance try to goad me in to a fight for no other reason than the fact that I was wearing a uniform. In short, I have seen a lot in my time in security and it is for this very reason that I feel that I can never say “Thank You” enough to our dedicated team of security professionals.
At Paladin, our vision is to make the world a safer and friendlier place, and I know that we do that each and every day in thousands upon thousands of interactions with our clients and with members from the general public. What I have learned over the years, though, is that being in security isn’t just about protecting assets or people. While that might be one of our main functions, we also have the opportunity to make a big difference in people’s lives by helping them and performing acts of kindness wherever possible. And we do, and we do it well here at Paladin.
It is this kindred spirit that binds us together at Paladin. Our corporate culture is built upon people who truly care about people and who go out of their way to help others in need. I see this in our corporate giving to organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the Make a Wish Foundation among others, but where I see it the most is at our sites where our people consistently go above and beyond to help others in need.
Our company is full of absolutely amazing individuals who through their actions make the world a safer and better place, and it makes me unbelievably proud to be a small part of this group. With well over 10, 000 people in our company today, it is difficult for me to get out and see every member of our company, so I am hoping that some of you may be reading this and when you do, please accept my heartfelt thanks for all of the great service and the great deeds that you do every day. THANKS!
Ashley Cooper, President & CEO