Published on 01 May 2017
David Porter, a security support assistant at our University, has been named as the ‘Security Officer of the Year’ by The Association of University Security Officers (AUCSO). David received the award in Belgium at AUCSO’s annual conference, which celebrates the achievements of universities staff in the UK and across Europe.
David was nominated for the 2017 award by his Sunderland colleagues, not only for his exemplary and professional service to the University, but for his invaluable actions during two life-threatening incidents.
Last August, David during a routine patrol at 4am, reported to the University Control Room seeing a woman on the wrong side of the railings on Wearmouth Bridge and contacted police. However, while waiting for officers to arrive the woman made a move to jump, so David immediately caught her arm to stop her falling. A member of public also came to David’s assistance and the pair held onto her hanging from the bridge for more than five minutes until the police arrived on the scene. But during those critical minutes another member of the public, under the influence of alcohol, climbed over the railings in a bid to help the women, causing more of a hindrance than a help. When police arrived the woman was eventually persuaded back to safety.
David received a letter of thanks from Northumbria Police for his involvement.
This incident came just months after David had evacuated students and co-ordinated emergency services from one of the halls of residence after a student incident which resulted in a fire. The quick response by David and other security staff contributed to the survival of the student.
And in May 2016 David was completing a routine patrol when he heard glass breaking and came across four youths breaking into a vehicle in a nearby street. He provided information and descriptions to the University Control Room, who collected evidential images via CCTV and alerted police.
Commenting on his award, David said: “In all honesty I did not expect to win the award but was happy to accept it on behalf of all the team in security, facilities and of course the University as a whole.
“I realise that one individual cannot accomplish anything, it is a team effort and that includes management as well, so a lot of the credit goes out to those who provide training and guidance to enable staff to handle difficult situations when they occur.”
Andrea Dobson, University Security manager, said: “These incidents are just a snapshot of David’s contribution to the University and wider city. The University plays a key role within the city of Sunderland and David understands the civic responsibility that comes with this. The incident from the bridge was not University related, but David still went out of his way to assist. It is the dedication of staff like David that allows the University to positively contribute to safety within the city and ultimately the wellbeing of students.”
Vice Chancellor Shirley Atkinson said: “Our facilities staff work tirelessly to keep our University community safe and I’m very pleased that this has been recognised by such a prestigious organisation. David deserves this recognition for his swift and courageous actions and should be very proud of this honour. On behalf of the University and the city I thank him and congratulate him for his selfless approach and diligence.”
AUCSO
The Association of University Chief Security Officers, AUCSO, is the primary association for Security Professionals working in Universities, Colleges and Institutions of Higher and Further Education in the UK and Europe. Membership is available by institution, with each afforded the opportunity to nominate three representatives to the Association.
The Association provides a forum for its members to exchange knowledge, information and best practice relating to security management within the sector. Each year the Association holds a conference, exhibition and AGM for its members. Conferences are held at a different member University each year.
Members are linked through nine geographic regions, each of which hold their own local meetings and appoint a representative who sits on the Association Executive Committee.