In February of 2002 traveled to Salt Lake City and worked for a company providing security during the Winter Olympics. We provided uniformed & plain clothed, armed & unarmed private security services to designated critical infrastructure in and around Olympic venues. While I was away for 30 days my wife Kimberley ran Delta Protective Services, our California based private security & investigative business.
I arrived about a week before the Olympics began so I, along with a crew of about 50 other graduates from Executive Security International, could prepare. This week was spent receiving mandated Utah State security and firearm training and performing advance work on our assigned job sites. I also helped determine the best way to organized and deploy our team of agents.
Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT)
My first assignment was for the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and used about 28 of our personnel. During this assignment we worked in conjunction with the SLCPD, Utah Highway Patrol & FBI under the direction of the Secret Service. The UDOT detail was one of the largest deployments we had and provided much satisfaction for a job well done. This detail accounted for about 85% of the time that I spent in SLC.
The Grand America, NBC & Other Assignments
Another of our assignments was for downtown hotels. I got an opportunity to work at the Hilton & the Grand America. I also worked a detail for MacDonald’s Restaurants but my favorite assignment was working the NBC detail within the Grand America hotel. The hours were grueling but the job was rewarding.
During the course of my thirty days at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics I was only able to take two days off, the first of which was only after working twenty straight 12-hour shifts! During my first day off I had the privilege to attend an Olympic Medal awards ceremony! The other day off I took sight-seeing around the beautiful Salt Lake City area.
Executive Security International – A Team of Professionals
My coworkers were a top-notch team of security professionals! Most were, like myself, graduates of Executive Security International and had received the best training available. This coupled with their extensive experience in domestic and international protection created an outstanding working environment. The people of Salt Lake City were great hosts and the volunteer spirit of the community was unmatched. This is such a beautiful city! I was often awestruck at the sights around me, especially the stark contrast of a big American city at the base of the magnificent Rocky Mountains in the depths of winter.
Not On MY Watch
The learning opportunities for anyone working this event were phenomenal. The lessons learned on a daily basis and the relationships made last a lifetime. I am grateful for my involvement in this historic event and am proud that there were no significant security related incidents during the 2002 Winter Olympics. This was certainly do to the “Not on MY watch” attitude of all the security, protective and law enforcement personnel during this historic event.
Special Event Security
Your next event may not be the Olympics but if you want an “Olympic” level of service and protection then please contact me or any of the staff at Delta Protective Services. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you!