The announcement of Security Officer of the Year is an exciting moment. We’re grateful to have so many incredible people doing extraordinary things across the county. For the Sunstates Security Officer of the Year, we had 22 nominations with stories of leadership, innovation and bravery. They are all amazing, hard-working team members; however, only one can receive the honor of being the 2024 Security Officer of the Year for their actions last year.
2024 Officer of the Year
Name: Shameaka Walters
Region: Charlotte
Nominated By: Operations Manager Wesley Putnam
The Charlotte branch is proud of Shameaka Walters for winning the Officer of The Year. She is an outstanding individual, dedicated, motivated, and well-rounded. She started her tenure with Sunstates on 11-21-2022 as a part-time weekend officer and has since moved into a full-time officer position. She plans to advance in her career with Sunstates even further when given the opportunity.
On May 18, 2023, when a client building in Charlotte, N.C., experienced a fatal five-alarm fire, and before 90 firefighters and 22 emergency vehicles could arrive, Officer Walters and Captain Nowotarski jumped into action. Both officers evacuated construction workers and personnel, and they helped the building engineer retrieve and use fire extinguishers to extinguish a secondary brush fire. The team also removed a vehicle from the parking garage. Unfortunately, life was lost, but it could have been a lot worse without Walters and the team’s fast reaction.
Officer Shameaka Walters is an outstanding security officer and should be recognized for her exceptional service to Sunstates Security.
Second Place
Name: Luis Castro-Rohena
Region: San Antonio
Nominated By: Operations Manager Will Brewer
On November 30, 2023, Officer Castro-Rohena was recognized by the AVP of Security Operations and issued a Challenge coin for his keen observation skills and prompt action in identifying a crime in progress.
While monitoring 8 screens with over 60 branches on a continuous rotation, Officer Castro noticed suspicious activity taking place at a singular branch and proceeded to contact local law enforcement and ensure timely dispatching to the location. In a short time, he witnessed these individuals placing an illegal card skimmer into an ATM. Officer Castro was able to obtain everything the local law enforcement officer would need to execute an effective arrest. Officer Castro provided a detailed physical description of all three suspects involved as well as the vehicle make, model, and license plate the suspects were driving. Due to his attention to detail and quick action, police were able to locate the vehicle and perform a traffic stop that led to the arrest of all 3 suspects.
Suspects were later identified as Romanian nationals on the FBI’s watch list since 2019. The suspects were transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation, highlighting the significance of his intervention in a matter of national and international concern.
Officer Castro-Rohena’s handling of this situation showed his ability to coordinate effectively with law enforcement. This collaboration not only ensured the immediate resolution of the incident but also upheld the integrity and professionalism of the client’s Security Operations and Sunstates Security. His actions have set a high standard for all members of the security team and serve as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through vigilance and dedication.
Third Place
Name: Nyshera Jenkins-Robinson
Region: Savannah
Nominated By: Account Manager Daniel Florin
Officer Jenkins-Robinson shows Sunstates’ commitment to our clients by leading by example every day. While on duty Officers Jenkins-Robinson was alerted by an individual that they had wished to harm themselves. Officer Jenkins-Robinson immediately sprang into action and contacted 911 to respond. She then contacted her Account leadership for a response as well.
During this time, she stayed with the individual, speaking with them and attempting to keep them calm. As the individual attempted to leave, Officer Jenkins-Robinson encouraged them to stay and speak with her until help could arrive. Due to her attention to detail, first responders and account leadership were able to find the individual and assist local law enforcement in preventing this person from harming themselves.
When the client was notified, they couldn’t express enough the sheer gratitude they had towards Officer Jenkins-Robinson. Her quick thinking and fast actions helped mitigate a stressful and potentially life-threatening situation. Officer Jenkins-Robinson epitomizes the Sunstates core values of Honesty, Integrity, and Trust every day through consistently excellent service.
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