Article Originally Published Here
Paladin Security Officer Receives Lifesaver Award for Bravery in Life-Threatening Incident
Red Deer, Alberta — Security officer Cheryl Bowser of Paladin Security has been recognized with the prestigious Canadian Security Lifesaver Association (CSLA) Award for her extraordinary bravery and swift action following an explosion that rocked a local business earlier this year.
The incident occurred on January 9 at a mechanic shop on the Prairie Bus Lines property in the Railyards area of Red Deer. Bowser, who was stationed across the street at her regular post, heard a loud blast and then witnessed a horrifying sight: a man running from the building completely engulfed in flames.
Without hesitation, Bowser ran toward the chaos. On arrival, she encountered a correctional peace officer who informed her that 911 had already been called. Bowser quickly sprang into action.
Heroism in Action: Fire Suppression and First Aid
Using a fire suppression blanket, Bowser extinguished the flames consuming the injured man. She then provided first aid, doing everything she could to treat his burns and stabilize him until emergency responders arrived on scene.
Her calm under pressure and fast intervention likely saved the man’s life and demonstrated the critical importance of well-trained front-line personnel in emergency situations.
“Cheryl Bowser exhibited the true nature of Paladin’s culture, going above and beyond in her actions, assisting several individuals involved in this event,” said Lance Chalmers, Red Deer Branch Manager at Paladin Security. “Her training and years of service allowed her to remain calm in an emergency, which is not commonplace in everyday security work. I am proud to have her as part of our team.”
Explosion Injured Multiple People
The explosion injured five individuals, two of whom suffered serious injuries. Bowser’s intervention came at a crucial moment, helping one of the victims before paramedics arrived and later assisting RCMP officers with crowd control around the chaotic scene.
Her ability to quickly pivot from emergency medical aid to assisting law enforcement speaks to her preparedness, professionalism, and deep commitment to public safety.
A Well-Deserved Honor
In recognition of her heroic actions, Bowser will receive the Canadian Security Lifesaver Association (CSLA) Award at the ASIS Alberta Security Exchange (ASX) event in Red Deer on May 14, hosted by the Edmonton and Calgary ASIS Chapters.
The CSLA Award is given to private security personnel in Canada who go above and beyond in situations involving life-saving interventions. Bowser’s actions epitomize the intent of the award, highlighting the important role private security officers can play as first responders in emergencies.
Raising the Bar for the Industry
Bowser’s story is a powerful reminder of the critical role private security professionals play in safeguarding communities—not just through prevention and surveillance, but through direct, life-saving action when disaster strikes.
As the security industry continues to evolve, stories like Cheryl’s serve to elevate public perception and underscore the value of rigorous training, situational awareness, and human courage. For Bowser, this recognition is not just a career milestone, it’s a testament to her character and commitment to duty.
