Who are guarding the guards at the 2010 games?

Commissionaires from across Canada travel to B.C. to meet unprecedented demand for security services

OTTAWA , Feb. 2 /CNW/ - In the face of unprecedented demand for security services triggered by the 2010 games, more than 350 commissionaires are answering the call to support the largest security operation in Canadian history. Nearly 60 employees of Commissionaires, a leading provider of security services, travelled to British Columbia from more than 40 different communities across the country, including Summerside, PEI, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Melocheville, Québec, Haneytown, New Brunswick , London , Ontario, and Medicine Hat, Alberta. Under contract to the Department of National Defence, the visiting commissionaires are securing the compounds housing the Olympic security forces. The contract began last summer and commissionaires have been on duty for the last four months and will continue until after the games. They are living on-site.

"We're proud to be supporting the men and women who are securing the Olympic venues," commented Paul Guindon, Chairman of Commissionaires. "The eyes of the world will be focused on Vancouver during the games and commissionaires from every region of the country will be there doing our part."

The contingent of commissionaires will provide access control at the various camps and compounds where members of the Canadian Forces and RCMP responsible for security at Olympic sites, will be staying for the duration of the games. The commissionaires' important support role will help the broader Olympic security operations run more smoothly.

"We won't be right at the Olympic venues, but I guess you could say we'll be securing the security for the games," observed Darrick Wheaton , a commissionaire from New Brunswick . "While this is the kind of work we do every day, it's a real thrill to be doing it as part of this huge international event in our own country."

About Commissionaires

Commissionaires was founded to provide meaningful employment for former Canadian Forces and RCMP personnel. The organization has long been recognized as Canada's premier security provider, protecting people and property for public and private sector clients from coast to coast. While employing leading-edge technology in delivering security services, Commissionaires has remained true to its roots by providing employment to those making the transition to civilian life after active service in the military and police forces. The organization also hires many reliable and responsible individuals without military or police experience. Commissionaires' services and security solutions include: security guarding, enforcement, identification services, training and security consulting. The integrity, strong work ethic, proven skills and discipline of Commissionaires give clients confidence and security everyday, everywhere.

For further information: Donna D'Arcy, Commissionaires, T [phone] x444, C [phone], [email protected]