Every day, our incredible security officers protect, assist and guide us towards a safer future. On International Security Officers’ Day, we recognise the incredible work of our frontline staff around the country and across the world, and the sacrifices they make.
International Security Officers’ Day is held every year on July 24th, to highlight the 24/7 work these heroes do for us. Today, and every day, we thank them for their tireless support and protection, often behind the scenes. The pandemic has been a difficult time for all members of the Certis family, but our staff on the frontlines have faced more challenges than most. It is thanks to their sterling efforts that so many people have remained safe and secure through restrictions, including lockdowns across the country. Their dedication and determination to continue delivering the exemplary services they are known for is to be commended.
A global security industry initiative, International Security Officers’ Day is now celebrated in a wide variety of countries across the world including Australia, Canada, China, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Macau, India, Singapore, United Kingdom and Thailand.
The Australian Security Industry Association (ASIAL) is the peak body for security professionals and a key supporter of International Security Officers’ Day. Their aim is to build enough global support to petition the United Nations to officially declare the date in recognition of the contributions made by the often nameless and unseen professionals who keep us safe.
This year, we’d like to highlight some of the officers who have been part of the Certis Security Australia family for longer than most and thank them for their years of service. Many of these officers have worked with Certis for over 30 years across Aviation and Protective Services, including our longest-serving employees, David Strizhevsky and Elica Dimovska.
Aviation Security
· David Strizhevsky – 33 Years
· Elica Dimovska – 33 Years
· Joe Rodrigues – 30 Years
· Leonie Lewis – 28 Years
· Vinca Galati – 26 Years
Protective Services
· Samir Mawas – 31 Years
· Debra Smith – 29 Years
· Angelo Ottogalli – 28 Years
· Raymond Morgan – 26 Years
· Andrew Parlby – 25 Years
One of our longest-serving security officers is Samir Mawas, who has been part of the Certis family, formerly SNP Security, for over 30 years. After attaining his security license in 1990, Mawas became interested in SNP after spotting the distinctive uniforms while dropping off a friend at Sydney airport.
“I looked at them and thought, ‘I want that! I want to work at the airport!’”
After hunting them down through the Yellowpages, Mawas contacted SNP and was asked to come in and apply. By the time he returned home, he’d got the job, with his first shift that same night. Mawas soon became known as a go-to officer, always ready to assist, even keeping a spare uniform in his car when not on call, just in case.
With his lively personality and dedication to his role, Mawas unsurprisingly secured multiple long-term postings, spending 12 years in pharmaceutical security positions before securing his current posting, which he has held for 15 years.
Mawas’ experiences taught him that the most important part of any posting is getting to know the people first. From the moment he arrives onsite, Mawas sets out to know the names of all staff members and visitors, so he is always prepared. He considers his site colleagues to be part of his extended family, and credits Certis Australia CEO Tom Roche with maintaining a company that is more than just a business. One of his prized possessions? A copy of SNP’s history, gifted to him by Roche himself.
“I’ve always looked after Certis,” said Mawas, “and they’ve always looked after me.”
Join us and ASIAL in supporting International Security Officers’ Day and saying #ThankYouSecurityOfficers. Certis security officers across the country will receive cupcakes, commemorative lapel pins and personalised Thank You cards in recognition of their incredible work.
