National recognition for an 'unsung hero'

December 18, 2007

Jason Richey, Site Supervisor of security services at the University of New England for the national company SNP Security, has been named the company's "Unsung Hero of Protective Services".

SNP Security, which holds the security contract at UNE, is Australia's largest privately-owned security company. Mr Richey (pictured here with his award) leads a team of 13 SNP staff who maintain safety and security on the UNE campus – including the residential colleges. He received the accolade – in front of 400 of his SNP colleagues – at the company's annual awards ceremony in Sydney last month. "It was a real honour," he said. "It means a lot to me to be recognised by my peers on a national level."

He was nominated by a colleague, and a selection committee then looked at what he had dealt with on the job.

"The award recognised the diversity and weight of the responsibilities we bear without the support that similar operations would have in the city," he explained. "Our role goes far beyond security: for example, we provide the first response for emergencies such as medical and fire." Mr Richey recently received commendations from the local ambulance service applauding his efforts and assistance under extreme pressure.

"We are also responsible for parking, mail room operations and student ID logistics, as well as providing audio-visual support for halls and theatres on the campus – and much more," he said.

The security company relies on Mr Richey, as supervisor of a relatively remote site, to perform local-level administrative and managerial duties. These including recruitment, rostering, staff management and training, vehicle maintenance, and account management.

"Here at UNE we do have a different work environment from that of our city counterparts in SNP Security," he said. "We are isolated from support here, but we are also a familiar, friendly face to many people at the University. In providing the services that we do, that relationship is very important."

Col McCallum, Campus Services Manager at UNE, said the "Unsung Hero" award was "a fitting reward" for Mr Richey, who had demonstrated "an ability to perform his job to a very high level".

Posted by Jim Scanlan at December 18, 2007 03:27 PM