The 2024 Canada Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) proudly unveiled this year’s exceptional winners, celebrating their remarkable contributions to security management, innovation, and collaboration within the Canadian security industry. Held virtually on November 28, 2024, this prestigious event highlighted the dedication and achievements of individuals and organizations setting the benchmark in security excellence.
A distinguished panel of independent judges, consisting of leading figures in Canada’s security sector and nominated by supporting associations, rigorously evaluated this year’s nominees. The winners reflect the industry’s relentless commitment to excellence, resilience, and innovation in the face of today’s security challenges.
The 2024 Canada OSPAs Winners:
Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director
Michael Brzozowski – CIBC
Throughout his career, Michael has consistently demonstrated a commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. He has consistently invested in his professional development, earning an Executive MBA with a double major in Global Leadership and Artificial Intelligence Leadership. He is also a mentor to many aspiring security professionals, helping to shape the next generation of leaders in the field. His achievements reflect a career dedicated to elevating the role of security within organizations, driving innovation, and fostering a culture of diversity.
Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director
Sarah Miller – ASP Security
In her role as an Operations Manager at ASP Security Sarah has overseen a broad portfolio of accounts and managed contract security guards in municipal, corporate, residential, and commercial environments throughout the Greater Toronto Area. She has done so in a manner that is widely admired by her employees, colleagues, clients, industry peers, and the ASP leadership team, and as such she is also responsible for the onboarding of new management staff so that her knowledge and experience may be shared. Sarah has unfailingly demonstrated an exceptional ability to innovate, manage, and lead, particularly in scenarios that demand rapid, detailed, and effective solutions. Sarah’s efforts in her personal portfolio of business have been transformative and her support in other areas of the organization have also been monumental.
Outstanding Security Team
Corporate Security Team – City of Toronto
The Vision of the team is to provide professional and sustainable City-wide security
services that enable and enhance a safe and welcoming environment. Their mission is to support and enhance the safe delivery of City services. They do this by providing and maintaining an appropriate level of sustainable proactive and reactive security measures through highly qualified, knowledgeable, trained security professionals, contracted services, and current technology. The positive impact of the Corporate Security team can be displayed at many different levels including the safe delivery of services by employees, the security of City facilities ensuring critical infrastructure availability, the safety of facilities promoting usage by the public, and the safety of events encouraging public attendance.
Outstanding Security Training Initiative
Youth Engagement Program – Paladin Security
Paladin’s Youth Engagement Program aims to help guards successfully manage and mitigate any potential issues that may arise when dealing with youth. The program, which was created by Director James Blight, CPP, focuses on the modern approach of providing a low-key, friendly, and respectful interaction with youth. The program also encourages guards to proactively watch for activity that might lead to an incident and engage with youth before things escalate. It’s a vital program that has seen increased compliance amongst youth as well as a decrease in resistance in situations are that have been known to escalate in the past.
Outstanding Security Partnership
Paladin Security and BC Crown Corporation
A Partnership rooted in Safety, Innovation, and Resilience between Paladin Security and BC Crown Corporation is a model for collaboration in the utility sector. By combining expertise, innovation, and a shared commitment to safety, the two organizations have created a strong foundation for protecting critical infrastructure while reducing security incidents, enhancing operational efficiency and employee satisfaction, strengthening the community, setting industry best practices, and ensuring reliable energy delivery even in the most remote communities. As the partnership continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future of security and resilience in the energy industry.
Outstanding Security Officer
Kristina Wolfe – Heritage Park
Kristina Wolfe, Heritage Park’s Security Coordinator, has consistently exceeded expectations through proactive leadership, initiative, and stakeholder management. She led the implementation of advanced security systems in 2024, identified vulnerabilities, and enhanced emergency protocols. Kristina builds strong internal and external relationships, collaborating with departments and law enforcement to foster a security-conscious culture. Her leadership extends to mentoring new guards, raising the team’s professionalism and effectiveness. Kristina’s forward-thinking approach has positively impacted workplace morale, operations, and security, making her a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.
Outstanding Young Security Professional
Bhagyashri Wani – ZS Associates Canada
Bhagyashri has made significant contributions to her organization’s security landscape, showcasing exceptional skills, innovation, and leadership that have positively impacted multiple areas of their security activities. Starting her career as a SOC analyst, she demonstrated an innate ability to identify inefficiencies and implement effective solutions, making her a valuable asset to the team. Beyond her technical achievements, Bhagyashri exemplifies qualities of resilience, collaboration, and a strong commitment to professional growth. Her ability to inspire her colleagues and lead by example has not only advanced the company’s security initiatives but has also fostered a supportive and innovative work environment.
This year’s Canada OSPAs underscore the industry’s dedication to excellence and innovation, showcasing the resilience and commitment of security professionals across the nation. Each winner represents the pinnacle of achievement in their respective categories. The winners will go on to represent Canada at the first ever Global OSPAs, slated to take place in 2025. Learn more here.
The support of our partnering associations, judges, and media partners, has played a pivotal role in elevating the significance of the OSPAs. Their dedication to fostering excellence and innovation in security management has been instrumental in recognising and celebrating the best in the industry.
