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CHICAGO — Fortis Fire & Safety, a fire protection service company, announces it has acquired Corona, Calif.-based CJ Suppression. This acquisition expands the California presence of Fortis, anchored by the inaugural acquisition of VFS Fire & Security Services headquartered in Orange County, Calif. “Fortis is excited to welcome the CJ Suppression team into the Fortis family,” says Rich Ennis, CEO of Fortis. “CJ is a high-quality fire protection service company with operations in Southern California that will allow us to expand our foothold and significantly grow our business in California. We intend to continue to invest heavily in our brands across the nation, as we build a multi-regional fire protection service company. The culture at CJ is one of customer service and innovation, which fits right into the Fortis model.” The company says J Moyer has seen many successful years of growth under his ownership tenure of CJ. “Partnering with Fortis was a well thought out and deli...

November was shaping up to be a relatively quiet month in terms of major news stories in the security industry … until the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced an equipment ban the day after Thanksgiving. The ban prohibits communications equipment deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security from being authorized for importation or sale in the U.S. The equipment referenced is sold by those on the FCC’s “ covered list ,” which includes Hikvision and Dahua. The ban only applies to equipment that is for “the purpose of public safety, security of government facilities, physical surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes.” As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more widespread in security, and the world in general, it will be integral to employ proper oversight over the technology to help it grow responsibly. ADT Commercial has done just that by hiring its first-ever director of AI to lead its efforts in the development and de...

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Gallagher Security, a global manufacturer of security solutions, and Telaeris, a handheld solution provider for physical access control systems (PACS), have announced a newly formed business partnership. Gallagher Security and Telaeris state their newly formed alliance will include system integration that combines Gallagher’s Commander Centre with Telaeris’ XPressEntry to give security and safety professionals system control in the palm of their hands. The companies explain that Telaeris XPressEntry handheld readers will now natively integrate with Gallagher Security Command Centre access control systems to provide security and safety professionals a new world of seamless mobility, flexibility and functionality. “I am very pleased to partner with Gallagher Security and have XPressEntry handheld readers add value to Command Centre access control systems,” comments Dr. David Carta, CEO, Telaeris. “With the volume of employees, contractors and visitors going in-and...

EDMONTON — A Brinks Home customer in Canada recently discovered he had access to the account information of roughly 100 customers while attempting to troubleshoot his malfunctioning door sensors. Andrew Kopp signed into his system’s online portal and noticed he “had a drop-down [menu] to select a whole bunch of addresses,” he told the CBC . Kopp says he was able to see names, addresses, phone numbers, emergency contacts and account payment history. He reported the incident to Brinks in early 2022 but noticed that he still had access in April. By the time July rolled around, he still had access and reported the issue again, this time requesting to speak to a manager. He was promised a manager would call him back but he never received a call. Related: Ultra Affordable DIY Security Camera Maker Wyze Suffers Data Breach Ultimately, by mid-September, Kopp saw that the issue seemed to be fixed after sending the company an email. He estimates he was able to access other customers’ d...

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — NSCA, a not-for-profit association representing the  commercial integration industry, announces its third virtual celebration to raise funds for Ignite, an industry initiative focused on attracting and retaining next-generation workers in the commercial integration industry. “Be the Spark” is a completely online experience being held on Dec. 8, 2022, from 6pm to 7:30pm ET. Tim Albright, founder of AVNation, will host the upcoming event. Joining him live are NSCA CEO, Chuck Wilson; NSCA director of workforce development, Jeff Kindig; and other industry special guests. “Be the Spark” will kick off with a virtual happy hour. Here, attendees can prepare their beverage of choice and get ready to enjoy the evening, says NSCA. Fundraising Through Auctions Funds raised during “Be The Spark” will support scholarships, internships and resources to help the Ignite program continue to attract new talent to the commercial-integration industry. Live and silent auctions ...

LOS ANGELES — Access Networks, an enterprise-grade networking solutions provider and a Snap One brand, is making it easy for systems integrators to get the products they need to deploy networks quickly and efficiently. Now, Access Networks offers select Unleashed wireless access points through local brick-and-mortar Snap One Partner Stores. Available to integrators for same-day purchase and pickup are several Access Networks Wi-Fi 6 access points, the A350, A550, and A650. Also in stock is the Access Networks A510, an 802.11ac WAVE 2-compliant access point. This range of Unleashed enterprise-grade products provides Snap One partners a solution for networking projects of every size and scope, starting with the A350 for modest networking environments, to the A550 and A650 for mid-to large-size networking applications. “We want to make it easier for partners to deploy enterprise-grade networking systems and access products when they need them for projects,” says Bryce Nordstrand, vice...

DES PLAINES, Ill. — Emergency24, a provider of alarm monitoring since 1967, announces it has hired Tom McNeil as its new vice president of sales and marketing. McNeil brings more than 20 years of experience and knowledge of the monitoring sector to Emergency24, the company says. With his depth and breadth of experience in various sales leadership roles with multiple central stations, Emergency24 says McNeil’s proven track record in sales and marketing and personal approach to helping alarm companies is anticipated to elevate its growth and awareness at a national level. He will be based in Chicago overseeing the national sales team launch new integrated marketing initiatives. Related: How Central Stations Assess Actual Alarms “I am truly excited to join this great team. I have known Emergency24 as the best kept secret in the industry for some time,” says McNeill. “They not only have incredible depth of knowledge and capability, their proprietary solutions enable unique RMR ...

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announces it has adopted new rules prohibiting communications equipment deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security from being authorized for importation or sale in the U.S. Hikvision and Dahua are among the China-based companies cited in the ban. The FCC calls this the latest step to protect the nation’s communications networks. In recent years, the FCC, Congress, and the Executive Branch have taken multiple actions to build a more secure and resilient supply chain for communications equipment and services within the U.S., according to the FCC’s announcement. “The FCC is committed to protecting our national security by ensuring that untrustworthy communications equipment is not authorized for use within our borders, and we are continuing that work here,” says FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “These new rules are an important part of our ongoing actions to protect the American people from national security threa...

PHILADELPHIA — ZeroEyes, a developer of an A.I.-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), have announced that SEPTA has selected ZeroEyes for a pilot program designed to reduce the likelihood of gun-related violence on train platforms. ZeroEyes was founded by a group of former Navy SEALs, and the company’s platform uses hundreds of thousands of proprietary images and videos to train its AI to provide high levels of gun detection. SEPTA is the first major transit system to deploy ZeroEyes’ solution, which is used by the U.S. Department of Defense, public school districts and universities, Fortune 500 corporate campuses, and many other organizations across more than 30 states. The SEPTA Board approved the pilot during its November meeting. Implementation will begin in approximately two months.  “We are committed to ensuring the safety...

Very few aspects of daily life have been left untouched by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even the seemingly simple and straightforward process of entering, exiting and navigating the workplace is no exception. Security dealers and integrators helped their customers navigate challenges they wouldn’t have imagined just a few short years ago, from how to manage new types of health and safety protocols in the physical workplace to defending against cyber threats in a rapidly expanding remote world. These changes are reflected in HID Global’s most recent installment of its annual State of Physical Access Control Report, for 2022 . Supporting New Organizational Practices HID conducted its last survey in 2020 and, in the intervening period, almost 10% fewer respondents felt that their current system at least met their requirements. The global pandemic significantly changed too many fundamental organizational practices for old approaches, alone, to suffice. Dealers and integrators have helped th...

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Security Industry Association ( SIA ) has named 14 young security professionals as the recipients of the 2023 SIA RISE Scholarship, a program offered through SIA’s RISE community, which supports the education and career development goals of young industry talent. Through this scholarship program — open to SIA student members and RISE members who are employees at SIA member companies — each awardee will receive a $3,000 scholarship to use toward continuing education and professional development courses, SIA program offerings and/or other academic or education programs. Scholarship funds can be used to expand knowledge in the areas of business, human resources (HR), information technology (IT), marketing, sales, project management, security engineering and/or risk management. “This year’s class of award recipients is an incredibly talented and driven group of individuals who each recognize the value of investing in their education,” says SIA CEO Don Ericks...

WiFi is ubiquitous in U.S. Internet households, and consumers rely now more than ever on reliable, high-performing connectivity at home. However, consumers continue to experience problems with range issues and loss of connectivity. At the same time, security dealers are increasingly integrating WiFi devices into security systems, responding to growing consumer demand for video doorbells, network cameras and many other WiFi smart home devices. Yet, dealers are not in full, end-to-end control of system performance, as they are with security and life-safety sensors and Z-Wave devices. Increased bandwidth usage, growth in the number of concurrent device connections, and the need to access the Internet in more areas of the home are driving Internet service providers and router manufacturers to offer WiFi 6 equipment. WiFi 6 offers various benefits such as supporting more connected devices, providing greater speeds, minimizing congestion and lowering energy consumption. WiFi 6, 6E and me...

Founded in 1998 and based in Suwanee, Ga., EMC Security is owned by member-owned electric service providers Jackson EMC, Walton EMC and Grey-Stone Power. Having grown 85% organically from one to more than 60,000 monitored customers, the 125-person company’s projected $30 million in 2022 revenues will be derived from a mix of approximately 63% residential and 37% commercial accounts throughout Georgia. In recent years, EMC Security’s broad portfolio has further expanded into commercial integrated services. EMC differentiates itself from other professional security integrators by not requiring customers to sign long-term contracts. It also doesn’t shy away from offering DIY products. It instead puts an emphasis on top-notch customer service to retain its subscribers. “We have always operated with the premise that we would earn our customer’s business every day. Since our first customer in 1998, we have never required our customers commit to a long-term contract for service,” says EMC...

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. —  Security Sales & Integration announces the 2023 Supplier Stellar Service Awards is now open. This program celebrates those companies that deliver the highest levels of service and support to the installing dealer and integrator community. “The objective of the Suppler Stellar Service Awards is twofold,” says SSI Editor-in-Chief and Associate Publisher Scott Goldfine. “We wanted to establish a vehicle to both allow suppliers that go above and beyond to deliver premium support and service to be rightly recognized for those efforts, and to create a valuable feedback mechanism that facilitates security dealers and integrators communicating voice-of-the-customer opinions. I urge SSI ‘s dealer/integrator audience to take advantage of the opportunity to participate.” ENTER:   Click here to salute your suppliers. The Supplier Stellar Service Awards will honor manufacturers, distributors and wholesale monitoring firms for outstanding customer support an...

WESTMINSTER, Colo. — PSA, the world’s largest consortium of professional systems integrators, announces the addition of LandSkyAI to its lineup of technology partners. LandSkyAI provides innovative and reimagined solutions with autonomous robotics to optimize safety, security and inspection processes, according to the announcement. “LandSkyAI brings a new, cutting edge offering to the PSA portfolio,” says Matt Barnette, CEO of PSA. “Solutions designed to leverage technology with minimal human intervention are critical to the future of the expanding security industry.” LandSkyAI’s solutions add another layer of security and surveillance for businesses while acting as a force multiplier for their operations. It will expand the capabilities of standard video systems by providing a new stream of data that can be fully integrated into their video platforms. Related: Security Robots: How Parking Lots Are Helping Drive the Market LandSkyAI is said to be able to integrate with exist...

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. — There could not have been a more apropos theme for Resideo CONNECT 2022, which was held Nov. 10-12 in the hurricane-ravaged Fort Myers, Fla.-area. The gathering was entitled “Making a Difference” with attendees from security and HVAC community rallying to help the local residents, while at the same time knowing the security and HVAC services they provide makes a difference in their daily lives of their clients. The 33 rd annual event, held here, had nearly 500 attendees, making it one of the largest events ever in the over-three-decade-old gathering held under the previous brand names of Ademco and Honeywell before adopting the new Resideo brand name a few years ago. “The perception of the security industry has changed over the years. People now realize that technology makes a difference in people’s lives. Most times, you arrive because the client is having a bad day, due to a burglary, fire or failed furnace,” says Scott Harkins, vice president of sales for...

In this week’s Top Surveillance Videos… You know what they say, diamonds are a thief’s best friend. Wait, is that not right? It sure seems that way with the amount of smash and grabs we’ve seen caught on surveillance video over the years. The latest high-value theft occurred at a jewelry store in the Bronx. Surveillance footage shows a man buzz the entrance of Rocco’s Jewelry. He is let in but holds the door open for his three accomplices who are wielding hammers and mallets. They begin smashing display cases and in less than a minute, make off with more than $2 million in jewelry. Also this week… Security guards often have a thankless job, however, they are integral in securing high-value or potentially dangerous areas. Just look in Buffalo, N.Y. where one guard saved multiple lives. Surveillance video shows a man walk into a methadone clinic armed with an assault riffle. He fires a shot into the wall and that’s when security guard Reynaldo Beckford jumps into action. Beckford ...

It’s that time of the year again. Time to take a moment and think of what techs would like this Christmas from Santa. This year, I have selected some different exciting items. The items could be easily given to a personal techie friend or relative. They could also be given to those dedicated techs within your company.     I have put together a listing of some gift items that I thought would be of interest to tech minded personnel. These could be items for work or leisure.  Most are reasonably priced so as to not break anyone’s wallet.  As a manager it is a good time to show your appreciation for the hard work of your staff. Fortunately, Black Friday deals have started earlier than ever, so with a little luck you might find a great deal or two. Happy shopping and happy holidays! View the 2022 Holiday Gift Guide The post 2022 Holiday Gift Guide: Ideas for Techie-Minded Employees appeared first on Security Sales & Integration . from News Archives - Sec...

CHELMSFORD, Mass. — Axis Communications celebrated the opening of its newest Axis Experience Center (AEC) in Vancouver, British Columbia on Wednesday, Nov. 16. Located in the heart of the city, this new facility is Axis’ third AEC opening in the second half of 2022 and its second location established in Canada. Axis says Vancouver was a natural choice to support its vision for strategic growth and innovation. The city is home to two million residents, including many Axis customers across key industries, including retail, transportation, critical infrastructure and technology. Recently nicknamed “Techouver,” Vancouver has seen an explosion of jobs and development for the technology sectors, welcoming Axis into the community including Amazon, Accenture, JP Morgan and more, according to the company. “Axis remains committed to our integrators, partners, end customers, and the communities that they serve. By expanding our geographic footprint across Canada, we’re able to offer them hand...

BOCA RATON, Fla. — ADT Commercial, a provider of commercial security, fire, life-safety and risk consulting services in the U.S., announces Philippe Sawaya was recently selected as its first-ever director of artificial intelligence (AI). In his new role, ADT Commercial says Sawaya is leading company efforts in the development and deployment of AI with exceptional analytical capabilities to support the specialized needs of commercial customers across industries. Sawaya leads the newly formed Artificial Intelligence team to help mobilize ADT Commercial’s purposeful innovation efforts by building the tools necessary to automate and streamline commercial customers’ security programs to encourage adoption of future technologies, according to the company. He first joined the organization when ADT Commercial acquired Percepta , a technology company that he co-founded with the mission to develop ethical computer vision-based analytics by utilizing anonymized data — addressing the issue of i...

TOLEDO, Ohio — Habitec Security announces it is celebrating 50 years of providing state-of-the-art security solutions for homes and businesses. In 1972, Jim Smythe founded Habitec Security on his mother’s dining room table in Toledo. With his vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and incredibly loyal and experienced team members, Habitec says it grew into a nationally recognized security company. John Smythe took over the reins in 2006 and further grew Habitec into the company it is today. It is headquartered here, with two full-service branches in Columbus, Ohio and Northern Michigan, and employs 90 highly-trained, experienced team members, who have helped Habitec be a six-time and counting The Blade Top Workplace. The amazing team, state-of-the art products and services, and locally owned and operated, award-winning central station sets Habitec apart from its competitors, the company states. “Habitec’s top priority is the security and peace of mind of our customers. We are honored to ...

VANCOUVER, B.C., Canada — Active Witness is thrilled to announce its partnership with industry-leading distributor IDN-Canada (IDN). Active Witness is a manufacturer of Cloud-based access control solutions. The partnership will allow Active Witness to leverage IDN-Canada’s extensive network of locksmiths and security dealers across the country, according to the company. IDN-Canada is a leading door hardware and electronic security distributor with offices in nine Canadian cities from Vancouver to Halifax. The strategic partnership will allow Canadian locksmiths and integrators to be able to procure Active Witness products directly from IDN. By offering its hardware through IDN’s distribution hubs, Active Witness says dealers from across Canada will be able to expediently receive products and rapidly deploy its solutions to its customers. CEO & Founder of Active Witness, Rob Bakshi, has experience in growing security brands through distribution partners like IDN with his previou...

WESTMINSTER, Colo. — PSA, the world’s largest consortium of professional systems integrators, announces the addition of Integrated Control Technology (ICT) to its lineup of technology partners. ICT is an international manufacturer of unified and intelligent electronic access control and security solutions that enable organizations to protect their people, operations and information. “It’s imperative to PSA that we have partners who collaborate and work alongside our integrators,” says Matt Barnette, CEO of PSA Network. “ICT is a partner with the experience to work with our members to plan, deploy, integrate and manage their access control systems.” ICT was founded in 2003 in Auckland, New Zealand, and began with a focused vision to provide innovative and easy-to-use electronic access control and security solutions, according to the company. Related: PSA Rebrands A/V Division USAV to EDGE Almost 20 years later, now with offices in New Zealand, the U.S., Canada, Australia, Den...