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The Southern California chapter of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) recently honored 38 hospital security officers for their bravery and outstanding service. These officers, representing hospitals across Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties, were recognized for their vital roles in handling emergencies that rarely receive public attention.
Security Officers Honored for Bravery and Service, Recognizing Unsung Heroes in Healthcare Security
On Wednesday, the IAHSS hosted its 11th annual Security Officer of the Year Awards at the Sheraton Cerritos Hotel. This ceremony highlighted the critical yet often unseen contributions of hospital security personnel who respond to emergencies that endanger both patients and staff. The honored security officers handled various high-stakes incidents, including workplace violence, medical emergencies, and security threats.
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Among the awardees were seven team members from Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center—Sgt. Matthew Watford, Cpl. Jarret Rodriguez, Officer Jonathan Liera, Officer Andres Perez, Officer Noel Baza, Officer Miguel Rodriguez, and Dispatcher Cynthia Cahill. They received the Security Officer of the Year Award for their courageous actions in rescuing two individuals from a vehicle that caught fire after crashing on the hospital campus. Their quick response, which included extinguishing the flames with fire extinguishers before the fire department arrived, saved the victims’ lives.
Diverse Emergencies Handled by Honored Officers
The award recipients demonstrated exceptional courage in handling a wide range of critical incidents over the past year. Some of these included:
- Responding to a person who fired into a security vehicle
- Assisting an individual experiencing a fentanyl overdose
- Aiding a stroke victim
- Addressing antisemitic threats
- Protecting a nurse from an assault by a patient
- Intervening in a suicide attempt
- Containing an active police pursuit that entered hospital grounds
- Identifying and detaining a suspect wanted by local authorities
- Providing assistance to an employee suffering heat exhaustion
- Managing a major water leak
- Responding to threats of self-harm from a patient with a knife
These incidents reflect the daily risks faced by hospital security officers who are dedicated to protecting healthcare environments. The award ceremony was a meaningful acknowledgment of their courage, resilience, and commitment to service.
