I came across a news story on my feed today that definitely grabbed my attention. In San Diego, Security Officer Amin Abdullah lost his life protecting an Islamic school from the armed attack that was meant to take the lives of dozens of children and staff. This article is to honor him, and the thousands of Security Officers that protect the lives of the innocent daily.

Most of the populace see these officers only in respect of the movie Paul Blart Mall Cop or as men and women who are wannabe cops that failed in joining a police department. Here’s the facts. There are an estimated 1.2-1.7 million security professionals in the US. Of those, there are an estimated 15-30% that are ex military and law enforcement.

Yes, there are those in the ranks that are the buffoonish type. Yes, there are those that have a superiority complex. But those are the fringes of the industry. The majority are those that due their duty with honor and pride. I have worked with them. But I have also worked with officers that truly believe they can make a difference.

While most jobs in the field can be mundane, they are still needed positions. And then there are officers that are specialty trained. Those that patrol industrial complexes (petroleum facilities, military contracted manufacturing facilities, etc). There are those that do diplomatic and executive security. There are those that are SRT and Cert trained. They patrol banks, prisons, and housing complexes in some of the worst neighborhoods. And many do it for less than adequate pay, often having to get their gear on their own dime.

I have been in this industry for over a decade. I have worked for the top three known companies: Allied Universal (and a couple they acquired), G4S (best known internationally and now part of Allied Universal), and Securitas. But I have also worked for smaller firms. I currently hold certifications in most major industries, US Court Services, and a plethora of federal certificates like incident command and weapons of mass destruction training. I have secured banks (unarmed) and private military manufacturing. But I have also secured holding lots, factories, hospitals, and college campuses.

And one thing I have learned. Like emergency dispatch, security is a highly underrated profession. The majority of us in the field, do so because we hope we can make a small difference in a world gone mad. And yes, we get the typical reactions, until the person needs us. A good officer has not only the respect of the client and the staff, but also of those we protect.

Take this with you. While there is no national memorial for those that fall in the line of duty, and the majority of the populace look at Security Officers in jest, when you go to NYC and look at the memorials of 9/11, look for the memorial to the 39 Security Officers that died doing a duty that most make fun of. When you travel, look for local memorials to to fallen officers.

And remember this. When you are making fun of them at your local mall, that man or woman you joke about and call Paul Blart, is the first one that will pace it all on the line to protect those that make fun of them.