For his bravery, quick thinking, and calm under pressure, Darrian Hardy, a Securitas security officer in the U.S., received the Jorgen-Philipp Sorenson Award during the International Security Ligue’s 39th General Assembly this week in New York City. The award is given at the biennial event to individual(s) selected among nominees by member companies for Exceptional Leadership in the Security Industry.
In the early morning hours of a July day in Chicago, Officer Darrian Hardy, working his post at a downtown hotel, responded to a noise complaint about a woman screaming in the hallway. Arriving on the floor, a hotel guest directed Darrian to the room that was the source of the disturbance, and where he discovered a panicked woman being held against her will. The door, however, was quickly closed and locked.
Officer Hardy took immediate action. He notified the police and the hotel manager on duty. He assisted police to the scene, and when entry was impossible, he quickly obtained a key card. Ultimately, he helped them get inside the hotel room to rescue the woman and arrest the kidnapper. In the aftermath, Officer Hardy’s testimony was essential for bringing the human trafficker to justice—someone who was wanted for multiple kidnappings.
“It was due to Darrian’s heroism that she escaped and is with her family today,” said Chrissy Toskos, Chief Human Resources Officer for Securitas North America, in presenting the award and an accompanying financial gift at the Ligue General Assembly Sept 16. “His leadership exemplifies the highest standards and is representative of the collective work we all do to make the world a safer place.”
It was due to Darrian’s heroism that she escaped and is with her family today,” — Chrissy Toskos, Chief Human Resources Officer, Securitas North America
Ligue Chairman Magnus Ahlqvist and Ligue Secretary General Armin Berchtold accompanied Chrissy in presenting Mr. Hardy with the award, which is given in honor of the long-standing, former Chairman and President of the International Security Ligue, Jørgen Philipp-Sørensen. Ligue leaders said they were pleased to continue its tradition of honoring extraordinary work and the critical role security professionals play in the safety of societies by spotlighting the extraordinary achievements of Mr. Hardy.
While exceptional, Mr. Hardy's actions are only an example of the positive impact security professionals have around the world. Every day, around the world, security officers play a vital role in the safety of societies. They secure workplaces, schools, shopping malls, and public spaces—and integral to safe, secure, and prosperous communities.
