Security guards often work in the shadows, ensuring communities and clients’ safety, and maintaining this without much recognition. The media will mostly highlight any negative incident involving them; however, many of these first responders have been involved in critical moments when their bravery and quick thinking saved lives and prevented disasters.
This article is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating some of the extraordinary cases where security guards emerged as heroes.
Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics
Thirty-three-year-old Richard Jewell had been more than seven hours into his shift as a security guard when he noticed something odd: a green military-style bag left unattended with no one claiming it. Jewell raised the alarm, and minutes later, 911 received a call from a phone booth near the park stating, “There is a bomb in Centennial Park. You have 30 minutes.” Jewell began moving people away, but at 1:20 am, the 40-pound pipe bomb exploded, killing one woman, and injuring over 100 others. This security guard’s observation and quick actions saved many lives that day by spotting the bag and initiating evacuations.
The Aurora Theater Shooting in 2012
During the tragic Aurora theater shooting in 2012, off duty security guard and Navy veteran Jon Blunk died saving the life of Jansen Young as he pushed her down to the floor and under a seat and then covered her with his own body.
Samesun Hostel fire in 2023
Security Guard Gulab Singh was stationed at the Samesun Hostel in Vancouver on September 16, 2023, when a fire broke out. At around 2:00 AM, just before his break, he noticed smoke on the CCTV cameras coming from the back of the building. Upon immediate investigation, he saw a huge fire engulfing the rear of the building. Acting quickly, he ran inside, pulled the fire alarm, and arranged for someone nearby to call 911. He then assisted in evacuating over 200 sleeping residents. Gulab’s quick thinking and diligence saved hundreds of lives that night.
The 9/11 World Trade Center Attacks
On September 11, 2001, security guards at the World Trade Center displayed incredible heroism. As the towers were struck, many security personnel, like Rick Rescorla, the head of security at Morgan Stanley, executed evacuation plans they had rigorously practiced. Rescorla’s foresight and leadership are credited with saving thousands of lives. Tragically, Rescorla lost his life while continuing to help others evacuate, exemplifying the ultimate sacrifice in service to others.
Beverly Hills security guards save baby
Two Beverly Hills security guards, Niko Nesbeth and Joey Madrigal, were hailed as heroes for saving a choking baby’s life at a gas station pump. On May 26, 2023, at around 11:30 am, while working at the 76-gas station on the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Crescent Drive in Los Angeles, they were alerted by a distressed mother pleading for help. “She starts screaming, ‘Is there a doctor? Is there a doctor?'” Mr. Madrigal told Fox 11 News. Surveillance footage showed Mr. Nesbeth rushing to assist the mother, who handed her child over to the Marine veteran before collapsing to the ground.
Security guard saves 14-year-old boy from the train tracks
On February 12, 2024, a security guard named Jamie saved a 14-year-old boy with special educational needs and disabilities who had left his wheelchair and fallen onto the tracks at Liverpool Central train station, in downtown Liverpool.
Riverhead Middle School security guard saves a student
Acting on instinct and years of training, Riverhead Middle School security guard David Lopez saved a student’s life. On June 1, 2023, around 12:45 p.m., eighth-grader Randy Ortega Perez was enjoying lunch with friends when he began to choke on a large bite of his hamburger. Running out of the cafeteria in distress, Randy encountered Mr. Lopez in the hall. Recognizing the severity of the situation as Randy gasped for air and attempted to drink water to no avail, Mr. Lopez immediately administered the Heimlich maneuver. After several thrusts and striking Randy’s back, he successfully dislodged the blockage. Mr. Lopez’s quick and decisive actions on that day were instrumental in saving Randy’s life.
Security guard severely burned while trying to save protester’s life
A security guard got severely burned while trying to save someone’s life. Michael Harris was working security near the Israeli Consulate Building on Spring Street when he received reports of a protester dousing herself with gasoline. When Harris rushed to intervene, the protester set herself on fire, and the flames engulfed Harris, leaving him with second and third-degree burns.
Female security guard saves man in critical condition
In October 2022, Deborah Oyewole, a female security guard trained in basic life support certified program at RAK Hospital, saved a man who was in critical condition. She was among 100 security guards who learned how to perform CPR through the hospital’s initiative to create first-aid heroes equipped to handle health emergencies. Oyewole expressed that saving someone’s life was an overwhelming experience. The training not only taught the guards CPR but also instilled courage and confidence to act swiftly during emergencies.
These cases, though just a few among many, shine a light on the critical and often underappreciated role that security guards play in our communities. Being the first responder, their actions in times of crisis not only can prevent tragedies but also can save lives, demonstrating courage and commitment to public safety. As we go about our daily lives, it is important to recognize and honor these unsung heroes who stand ready to protect and serve, often at great personal risk.
The next time you pass a security guard, take a moment to appreciate their presence—they just might be the hero you never knew you needed.
