News
GardaWorld Security – U.S. Wins Three Awards at the 2026 Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs)
This marks the third consecutive year that GardaWorld Security – U.S. has won both the Outstanding Security Officer Award and the Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director Award.
ATLANTA, GA, September 14, 2026 – GardaWorld Security – United States, a global champion and leader in security services, is proud to announce it won three awards at the 2026 Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) held in Atlanta last night during the Global Security Exchange (GSX) tradeshow. This recognition reflects the professionalism, innovation and community impact demonstrated by the GardaWorld Security – U.S. Security team.
"I am incredibly proud to see our security professionals and teams recognized with three awards at the 2026 OSPAs," said Prentice Robertson, President, GardaWorld Security – U.S. “These awards reflect the extraordinary people behind our success, and spotlight the expertise, commitment and care that our teams bring to every client and community we have the honor of serving. Congratulations to all the winners for the positive impact they have made and thank you to everyone at GardaWorld Security – U.S. for championing excellence every day.”
The winners are:
- James 'Brian' Owens, Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) Manager of Technology at GardaWorld Security – U.S., received the Outstanding Security Officer Award in recognition of his exceptional technical leadership and operational innovation. Over his 24-year security career, Owens has earned seven internal Client Service Awards. His leadership in alarm reduction, emergency communications and operational planning has delivered measurable improvements to both security effectiveness and client operations, including reducing monthly nuisance alarms by 50%.
Ed Ketcham, Account Manager at GardaWorld Security – U.S., won the Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director Award. Leading one of downtown Minneapolis' most visible security programs, Ketcham has transformed operations through proactive leadership, a people-centric approach and intelligence-led security strategies. Overseeing nearly 100 security professionals supporting numerous downtown properties and major public events, he helped reduce vehicle theft incidents by almost 50% while significantly improving stakeholder trust. Recognized for his servant leadership style, Ketcham has built a high-performing operation focused on public safety, accountability and employee development.
GardaWorld Security – U.S. won the Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding) Award reflecting its position as a global champion and leader in security services, employing highly-skilled and dedicated professionals and offering sophisticated, tailored security and technology solutions through high-touch partnerships and consistently superior service delivery. In 2026 and for the fourth consecutive year, GardaWorld Security – U.S. remains the only national guarding company to earn Great Place To Work Certification™ with an approval score 23 points higher than the average U.S. company.
These winners will now be entered into the Global OSPAs, scheduled to take place in 2027.
Candidates looking to grow their career at a company that puts its people first can find more information about taking the first steps in their journey at garda.com/careers.
Visit us at GSX 2026 (September 14-16, Atlanta) at booth 2232 to learn more about GardaWorld Security's expertise and people-focused approach. To book a meeting, click here.
About GardaWorld Security – U.S.
GardaWorld Security is a global champion and leader in security services. Employing highly-skilled and dedicated professionals across the globe, GardaWorld Security offers sophisticated, tailored security and technology solutions through high-touch partnerships and consistently superior service delivery. With a deep understanding that security is critical to the organizational resilience of business operations and the safety of communities, GardaWorld Security is committed to impeccable governance, professional care and the well-being of everyone. Thanks to a well-earned reputation, GardaWorld Security is the long-standing security partner of choice to some of the most prominent brands and Fortune 500 corporations. In 2026, GardaWorld Security – U.S. remains the only national guarding company to receive the Great Place To Work Certification™ with an approval score 23 points higher than the average U.S. company. For more information, visit garda.com.
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