2008 WILLIAM N. MOODY AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Industry professionals honored for excellence at the Electronic Security Expo
FRISCO, Texas (July 9, 2008) – The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) announced the winners of the 2008 William N. Moody Award for outstanding excellence in the security alarm industry on June 25, 2008, at the Electronic Security Expo in Nashville, TN. Industry professionals Dave Simon, Bill Cooper, Jon Sargent, and Larry Dischert were all honored for their contributions in dealing with alarm management issues nationwide. Created in 2004 by the SIAC Board of Directors, the William N. Moody Award shines a light on those who reflect the personal attributes of Bill Moody, including integrity, fairness and perseverance in the face of adversity.
“No one will ever be able to fully match the standard of excellence set forth by Bill Moody in the security alarm industry, but each of this year’s recipients display the same unique qualities that made Bill a very special person,” said Stan Martin, Executive Director of SIAC. “Looking at the overall qualifications of this year’s honorees, I am grateful to be working in an industry that is exemplified by the hard work and dedication shown by each. Their tireless efforts to ensure the safety of alarm users through the effective creation and implementation of successful alarm ordinances have been nothing short of amazing.”
Senior Manager of Communications, Government and Industry Relations for Brink’s Home Security, Dave Simon has successfully undertaken key initiatives which have included the oversight of the Salt Lake City survey by Bisconti Research and acted as liaison with the North Texas Alarm Association to keep alarm issues alive before the Dallas City Council, leading to the repeal of Verified Response. Mr. Simon has also traveled extensively to various states, representing the alarm industry interests when onerous ordinances or policies have been proposed. He is the President of North Texas Alarm Association and a board member of Texas Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.
“Bill Moody was an inspiration and driving force in the alarm industry for many years,” said Simon. “To be associated with this award is a great honor and one that I do not take lightly. I am grateful to SIAC for recognizing my hard work, but I am even more grateful to Bill for showing us all how the work should be done.”
ADT Industry Liaison Manager, Bill Cooper is a past president of the Kentucky Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, a past recipient of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) Chapter President of the Year Award and currently chairs the SIAC “CARE Committee,” coordinating field activities. Mr. Cooper is ADT’s primary liaison to all law enforcement, fire and industry trade
associations and is considered a respected bridge builder. He has held numerous positions within the state and national organizations for over twenty years and has traveled throughout North America representing the industry at crucial times.
“I have worked for many years with Bill Moody and can say first-hand that he meant a great deal to many people in the industry,” stated Cooper. “I am also thankful and honored to be included in the company of the other awardees and thank SIAC for acknowledgment of our efforts. I know that we all have given numerous hours away from home for the betterment of our industry, and we do so not because we search for accolades, but largely because of the inspiration and mentoring we have received from Bill Moody. He is truly a man among men”
Jon Sargent, Industry Relations for ADT in the West is recognized as one of the strongest leaders on alarm response issues in the United States and is currently President of the California Alarm Association. His 35 years in the security industry include active participation in alarm management and law enforcement organizations. He is a voting member and serves on the Board of Directors of the NBFAA and is the 2007 recipient of the NBFAA’s Chapter President of the Year Award. Mr. Sargent is an Advisory Board member of the California Department of Consumer Affairs in its Bureau of Security and Investigative Services Division. He is also a past-President of the Golden Gate Alarm Association and is a member of the False Alarm Reduction Association, California Peace Officers Association and California State Sheriff’s Association.
“I too had the great pleasure to work alongside Bill Moody,” added Sargent. “As I watched him work, I could see a fire that was driving him to find the best possible solution for all situations. I have tried my best to carry on those qualities and am honored to be included in this award.”
Prior to his recent retirement, Larry Dischert served as Director of Industry and Regulator Liaison for ADT. With over 30 years in the security industry, he has chaired the Security Industry Association (SIA) False Alarm Committee, was involved in numerous standards committees and was one of the founding members of the SIAC Board of Directors. Mr. Dischert was instrumental in the development of the Police Dispatch Quality Award program, and has served on the NBFAA Board of Directors as the National Company Representative. His eye for details and vast knowledge of standards, codes and policies made him the natural “go to” person for review and approval whenever a change was proposed.
“Alarm ordinances are never a cut and paste solution for any municipality, and no one knew that better than Bill Moody,” said Dischert. “His ‘never give up’ attitude allowed him to succeed where others thought failure was imminent. Being recognized for my contributions with the William N. Moody Award is an honor that words can never fully capture, but one that my heart will never forget.”
ABOUT SIAC
SIAC is comprised of four major North American security associations--Canadian Security Association (CANASA), Security Industry Association (SIA), Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), and the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA)--representing one voice for the alarm industry on alarm management issues. SIAC’s primary charter is to significantly reduce calls for service while strengthening the lines of communication with law enforcement professionals and end users. For more information, contact www.SIACinc.org.