Home Article In brief: Pye-Barker acquires Union, i-PRO celebrates independence, SIA honors 25

In brief: Pye-Barker acquires Union, i-PRO celebrates independence, SIA honors 25

By SSN Staff

Updated 9:18 AM CDT, Wed October 7, 2026

ATLANTA—Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired Springfield, N.J.-based Union AlarmTronic, LLC, further expanding its security alarm and life safety operations in the Northeast.

Founded in 1989, Union AlarmTronic has completed more than 20,000 security installations and provides access control, video surveillance, intercom, integrated security and alarm systems throughout New Jersey. The company is led by owner Fred Rosenfeld, who entered the security industry through the family business founded by his father, Len Rosenfeld.

“We have proudly protected people and property and provided high-caliber service to customers in New Jersey for decades,” Rosenfeld said. “With Pye-Barker, we will continue our commitment to install and maintain security systems that protect customers while being able to offer expanded full-service fire protection.”

Pye-Barker said the acquisition strengthens its operational capabilities and local service presence in New Jersey while adding security expertise to its growing regional footprint.

“When we met with team members at Union AlarmTronic, their passion for customers and their community stood out,” said Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker Fire & Safety. “Incorporating their expertise, service and team approach into the Pye-Barker family enables us to protect even more people in the state.”

The Union AlarmTronic team will continue serving customers throughout New Jersey under Pye-Barker's ownership.

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP represented Pye-Barker in the transaction, while Mesirow Investment Banking served as exclusive advisor to Union AlarmTronic.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

i-PRO marks seven years of growth and innovation

TOKYO—i-PRO is marking seven years as an independent company, highlighting a period of transformation that has reshaped its operations, technology strategy and market approach since separating from Panasonic in 2019.

The company said the anniversary comes as it continues to build on investments in artificial intelligence (AI), manufacturing, cybersecurity, partnerships and workforce development, all aimed at positioning i-PRO for its next phase of growth in the global security market.

Building for agility

A major milestone this year was the completion of the transfer of wholesale and marketing responsibilities for i-PRO products in Japan from Panasonic Connect to i-PRO in March 2026. The move brings development, manufacturing, sales and marketing functions more directly under the i-PRO organization, allowing for greater alignment and faster decision-making.

“Seven years ago, i-PRO began its journey as an independent company with an opportunity to build a new kind of organization,” the company said, emphasizing its goal of operating with greater agility and responding more quickly to changing customer needs.

The company has also strengthened its manufacturing footprint. In October 2025, i-PRO began operations at its Saga Factory in Japan, which now serves as a key manufacturing hub producing Made-in-Japan products for global markets. The facility supports an integrated production model that includes component manufacturing, assembly and inspection, while leveraging automation and digitalization to improve efficiency. Together with i-PRO’s Suzhou manufacturing operation, the company said the facility enhances supply chain resilience and production flexibility.

Investing in AI, cybersecurity and talent

On the technology front, AI remains a central pillar of i-PRO’s strategy. Following the introduction of generative AI tools for forensic video analysis in 2025, the company expanded those capabilities into live operations in 2026 with its X-Series fisheye cameras featuring edge-based generative AI. Features such as AI On-Site Learning enable users to customize analytics for specific environments and operational requirements.

Rather than treating AI as a standalone capability, i-PRO said it has focused on helping customers deploy advanced analytics within existing infrastructure through an open-platform approach. The strategy has helped expand interoperability with technology partners and cloud providers while giving end users greater flexibility in system design.

That approach also earned industry recognition. Milestone Systems recently named i-PRO its Innovation & AI Solution Partner of the Year for the U.S. region, citing the company's work in edge AI and open technology ecosystems.

Cybersecurity has become another major area of investment as security requirements continue to evolve worldwide. Through programs such as its Security Update Initiative, i-PRO has focused on strengthening hardware, firmware and product architecture to address emerging cybersecurity regulations and standards across global markets.

The company has also focused on its workplace culture. i-PRO earned Great Place to Work certification for a second consecutive year across all operating regions, including Japan, the Americas, EMEA, Asia Pacific and China.

Sustainability has become a greater part of the company's long-term strategy as well. The appointment of Shohei Ozaki as chief sustainability officer elevated sustainability initiatives to the executive level, while i-PRO's membership in the United Nations Global Compact aligns the company with internationally recognized responsible business practices.

“As i-PRO marks its seventh anniversary, I would like to thank our customers, partners, and employees for their continued trust and support,” said Masato Nakao, president and CEO of i-PRO. “This milestone represents not only how far we have come, but also the beginning of our next stage of growth.”

Nakao added that the company will continue investing in its manufacturing, sales and global business foundations while remaining focused on innovation, organizational agility and customer value as it pursues further expansion in the security marketplace.

SIA names 2026 class of 25 on the RISE award winners

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the recipients of its 2026 25 on the RISE Awards, recognizing 25 emerging security professionals for their contributions to the security industry.

Presented by SIA’s RISE community, the annual program honors young professionals and newcomers who are helping drive innovation, growth and leadership across the security sector. Honorees will receive funding to attend SIA’s Securing New Ground conference and be recognized during a special ceremony at the event.

The program was open to security professionals under age 40 or those with fewer than two years of industry experience. Winners were selected across six categories: Branding, Culture, Frontline, Growth, Innovation and Leadership.

“The 25 on the RISE program is the leading industry recognition program for young professionals, and we are proud to recognize the 2026 class of awardees,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Now in its fourth year, the program had an outstanding candidate pool for 2026, and this year’s awardees are making meaningful impacts across their organizations and the broader security industry in areas like consulting, marketing, sales, tech innovation and executive leadership.”

The 2026 honorees are:

Branding

Roslyn Barranca, founder, Aegis Stratos Consulting
Kristin Shockley, manager of segment marketing, North America, Genetec
Marissa Vacek, managing director, Swell Marketing Agency, PSA

Culture

Vivian Brown, lead agent, BOS Security
Joseline Farias, project manager, Convergint
Alicia Janowicz, HR business partner, Axis Communications
Josh Tucker, territory sales manager, ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions

Frontline

Sebastian Pérez, field engineer, professional services, Genetec

Growth

Jim Hamilton, enterprise customer success manager, March Networks
Tradd Kendrick, business development manager, System Surveyor
Colby Mulry, director of channel sales, Ambient.ai
Averie Oetjen, sales operations manager, Minuteman Security & Life Safety
Fatima Spata-Buzzone, operations manager, Grid Squared Systems
Steven Swavely, distribution account manager, Resideo

Innovation

Brittany Dupree, senior director of marketing, Everon
Alma Lundberg, AI product manager, HID
Rushi Mehta, software developer, ZKTeco USA
Nicole Swartwout, business development manager, body worn solutions, Axis Communications
Sarah Teskova, vice president, Americas, Sharry

Leadership

Austin Bormann, channel sales executive, Motorola Solutions
Cody Boyd, regional vice president, Tech Systems
Rachel Brosey, customer service representative, dormakaba Americas
Ligy George, program manager, security and electronic systems, M.C. Dean
Hannah Livergood, director of marketing, Defined Marketing
Maria Sturges, lead project coordinator, Northland Controls

The winners represent a broad range of industry segments, including manufacturing, integration, software development, consulting, marketing, human resources, customer success and field services.

The honorees will be recognized at Securing New Ground 2026, scheduled for Oct. 20-21 at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City.

COPS Monitoring promotes Dream Rovira to site manager of Florida operations

WILLIAMSTOWN, N.J.—COPS Monitoring has promoted Dream Rovira to site manager of Florida operations, elevating a company veteran who began her career as a dispatcher and most recently served in a leadership role at the company’s Lewisville, Texas, monitoring center. In her new role, she will oversee staffing, training, employee development, service quality and overall operational performance at the monitoring center. According to the company, she played a key role in helping re-establish its MPERS division and supported the operation’s growth during the first half of 2026. “I’ve watched Dream grow from someone learning the operation to someone other leaders rely on,” said Jim McMullen, president and COO of COPS Monitoring. “She’s willing to step into difficult situations, she follows through, and she cares about the people around her. We saw that in Lewisville, especially as the team took on MPERS and continued to grow.” McMullen said Rovira’s leadership, communication skills, accountability and operational knowledge were key factors in her selection for the Florida position. For Rovira, the move represents both a professional and personal milestone. “When I started at COPS as a dispatcher, I wasn’t thinking about someday running an entire site,” Rovira said. “I was focused on learning the job and doing it well. Every new role taught me something different, and I’ve been fortunate to work with people who challenged me and trusted me with more responsibility.” Rovira said one of her priorities will be building on the foundation established at the Florida monitoring center, which includes a number of long-tenured employees. She said she plans to focus on supporting that experienced workforce while helping develop future employees and leaders. “Dream’s path is one we’re especially proud of because it happens throughout COPS,” McMullen said. “Most of our managers started in entry-level roles, so they know what the job asks of people because they’ve done it themselves. Dream has grown with the company, learned the operation from the ground up, and now has the opportunity to do the same thing for the people she’ll lead in Florida.”

Fortinet, Aramco partner on industrial cybersecurity initiatives in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—Fortinet and Aramco have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening industrial cybersecurity and supporting the development of secure operational technology (OT) environments across Saudi Arabia. Under the proposed collaboration, the companies will explore opportunities in cybersecurity research and development, including the exchange of knowledge, best practices and technologies to address emerging threats. The agreement also includes plans to examine the localization of cybersecurity solutions tailored to industrial environments and the potential deployment of Fortinet cloud services within Saudi Arabia. The MoU outlines a focus on cybersecurity workforce development as well, with the companies considering advanced training programs, boot camps and workshops designed to build local expertise. The partnership may also provide access to Fortinet educational platforms and foster ongoing collaboration around cybersecurity threats and best practices. “Securing critical infrastructure requires more than technology. It also depends on strong local expertise, continuous innovation, and collaboration,” said Joe Sarno, executive vice president of international sales at Fortinet. “Through this MoU with Aramco, we look forward to exploring how our cybersecurity expertise can support more secure and resilient industrial environments in Saudi Arabia, while contributing to the development of local cybersecurity skills and capabilities.” Abdul Aziz S. Al Shafi, Aramco vice president of cybersecurity and chief information security officer, said the agreement reflects the energy giant’s commitment to advancing industrial cybersecurity and supporting innovation in the sector. “This collaboration aims to support innovation in cybersecurity solutions while growing local expertise in this field,” Al Shafi said.

BAYCOM celebrates 70 years serving public safety agencies

GREEN BAY, Wis.—BAYCOM, a provider of public safety communications, security and technology solutions, is celebrating its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of supporting first responders, government agencies and commercial customers across the Midwest. Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., BAYCOM has grown into a 100% employee-owned company with approximately 100 employees and locations throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois. Over the last five years, the company has added nearly 3,000 customers spanning education, healthcare, manufacturing, construction and other sectors. Despite its expansion, public safety remains at the core of BAYCOM's business. The company provides integrated technologies including two-way radio communications, 911 dispatch systems, rugged mobile computing, evidence capture platforms, license plate recognition, video surveillance, access control, AI-powered analytics and weapons detection systems. Today, BAYCOM serves police departments, state patrol agencies, fire departments, EMTs and other public safety organizations throughout Wisconsin, including 256 police departments across 26 counties. “Public safety has been part of BAYCOM’s work from the very beginning,” said Katie Miner, president. “Our employees know that the technology we install and support is something police officers, firefighters, dispatchers and other first responders depend on every day, and we take that responsibility seriously.” That public safety heritage dates back to the company's first customer, the Green Bay Police Department, which continues to work with BAYCOM 70 years later. “For decades, BAYCOM has been a trusted partner for our emergency communications technology needs, which is a critical component of our operations,” Green Bay Police Chief Chris Davis said. “Having a relationship with the Green Bay Police Department that goes back to our first year in business is something we're especially proud of,” Miner said. To support customers evaluating new technologies, BAYCOM operates a Lifeline Technology Center and Systems Acceptance Lab in Madison, Wis. The facilities provide real-world testing, system validation and pre-deployment evaluation for integrated communications and security solutions. The company said its continued growth reflects increasing demand for integrated communications, security and public safety technologies across multiple markets.

uRISQ launches cybersecurity awareness campaign aimed at SMBs

JENSEN BEACH, Fla.—uRISQ is marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month with a new educational initiative designed to help small and medium-sized businesses better understand and address cybersecurity risks. The month-long campaign includes a series of articles, practical guidance and a new video demonstration focused on helping businesses recognize common threats and adopt stronger security practices. According to the company, the content will cover topics including the human element of cybersecurity, business email compromise, ransomware, multifactor authentication and other risks that can negatively impact business operations. uRISQ said the initiative is particularly geared toward SMBs that may lack dedicated cybersecurity personnel or extensive technical resources. The company pointed to findings from Verizon’s 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report, which found that 62% of breaches involved the human element, including deception and unintentional mistakes, while ransomware was involved in 48% of analyzed breaches. “These numbers are significant, but cybersecurity awareness isn’t about frightening businesses, it’s about helping them recognize that relatively simple actions can make a meaningful difference,” said Leigh A. McGuire, executive account manager at uRISQ. McGuire added that security dealers and integrators are well positioned to help educate SMB customers about cyber risk because of the trusted relationships they already have with businesses seeking to protect their people, property and operations. The educational series and video resources will be released throughout October as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Z-Wave Alliance highlights smart fire safety solutions during Fire Prevention Week

SAN RAMON, Calif.—The Z-Wave Alliance is spotlighting a range of Z-Wave Certified fire safety products in recognition of Fire Prevention Week 2026, which runs under the National Fire Protection Association’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” The organization said the initiative comes as homeowners increasingly look to connected technologies to help reduce fire risks and improve emergency response. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, approximately 47,000 electrical fires occur in U.S. homes each year. The Alliance highlighted several Z-Wave-enabled products designed to help prevent or mitigate residential fires, including Climax Technology’s Power Switch Series for remote appliance shutoff; FireAvert’s automatic stove shutoff system; First Alert’s ZCOMBO-G-2 smoke and carbon monoxide detector; Heatit’s Z-Smoke Battery sensor; Siterwell’s Power Plug Sensor; and Vision’s Outdoor Siren 3. “These connected devices can help homeowners identify potential hazards earlier, monitor conditions remotely and receive timely alerts when abnormal electrical or environmental conditions are detected,” the Alliance said. The organization noted that all Z-Wave Certified products undergo testing for interoperability, security and reliability within the broader Z-Wave ecosystem. Additional information is available through the Z-Wave Certified Product Catalog.

Siemens, TD SYNNEX form global partnership to advance IT/OT convergence

MUNICH—Siemens and TD SYNNEX have entered into a global distribution partnership aimed at accelerating the convergence of information technology and operational technology while expanding adoption of physical artificial intelligence (AI) solutions across multiple industries. Under the agreement, Siemens will combine its technology expertise with TD SYNNEX’s global distribution network and IT partner ecosystem, which spans more than 100 countries. The companies said the partnership is designed to broaden access to Siemens technologies for enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses. The relationship will give channel partners access to a range of offerings spanning industrial automation, software and AI, cybersecurity, intelligent infrastructure and electrification. According to the companies, the partnership is intended to help organizations capitalize on growing demand for connected technologies as IT/OT convergence continues to reshape industrial and building environments. “With the incredible pace of change driven by AI, bringing IT and OT closer together has never been more important,” said Alastair Borissow, head of global distribution sales at Siemens. The companies said the alliance is intended to create new opportunities for technology providers, solution integrators and service providers as adoption of AI-enabled and software-defined industrial systems continues to grow. “IT and OT convergence is creating significant opportunities for partners to connect enterprise technology with the systems that power industries, infrastructure and buildings,” said Cheryl Day, senior vice president, new vendor acquisition & global solutions at TD SYNNEX. “By combining Siemens' industrial technology expertise with TD SYNNEX's global partner ecosystem, enablement capabilities and value-added services, we can help partners access new markets, develop new skills and address emerging opportunities in areas such as industrial AI, automation, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.”

Brinqa launches AI exploitability agent, speeds data processing

AUSTIN, Texas—Brinqa has introduced a redesigned data engine and a new AI Exploitability Agent aimed at helping enterprise security teams identify and prioritize cyber risks faster as vulnerability volumes continue to rise. The company said its updated data engine reduces exposure data processing times from hours to minutes, allowing organizations to reassess risk across their environments more quickly when new vulnerabilities, exploits or system changes emerge. In one customer deployment, Brinqa said the platform processed 150 million source records and more than 4 terabytes of data in just over 17 minutes. "AI is changing the math on both sides: Vendors are finding and disclosing vulnerabilities faster than ever, and attackers are turning patches into working exploits faster than most teams can deploy them," said Dan Pagel, CEO of Brinqa. The new AI Exploitability Agent is designed to move beyond traditional vulnerability severity scores by analyzing how attackers could realistically chain together vulnerabilities and misconfigurations within an environment. The technology maps potential attack paths and identifies remediation actions that can reduce multiple risks at once. "High-fidelity exposure data is the prerequisite for AI reasoning that holds up," said Brad Hibbert, Brinqa's chief strategy officer. Brinqa also announced enhancements to BrinqaIQ, its AI platform, enabling users to query exposure data in natural language, research vulnerabilities and manage workflow automations without building their own AI agents. The updates follow Brinqa's acquisition of PlexTrac earlier this year and are intended to give customers a more complete continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) workflow, from identifying and prioritizing risks to validating remediation efforts.

Sharpvue, Vorp Energy partner to scale mobile surveillance trailer production

CHAPIN, S.C.—Sharpvue and Vorp Energy have announced a strategic alliance aimed at expanding the production and deployment of mobile surveillance trailers equipped with advanced remote management and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Under the agreement, Vorp Energy will integrate Sharpvue OS, Sharpvue's cloud-based operating system for mobile surveillance trailers, as a standard feature across its product lineup. The companies will remain independently operated while collaborating on product development, software integration and manufacturing support. The alliance includes plans for a jointly developed product line in which Vorp Energy will manufacture trailers built to Sharpvue specifications, including Sharpvue's patent-pending 48-volt power architecture. All Vorp trailers will also feature Sharpvue OS, which includes cloud video management, fleet diagnostics and ODIN, Sharpvue's autonomous AI maintenance platform. The partnership significantly expands manufacturing capacity for both companies. Sharpvue's 15,000-square-foot facility in South Carolina is capable of producing up to five trailers per day, while Vorp Energy's 120,000-square-foot manufacturing operation in Idaho can produce up to 15 units daily. The companies said the facilities will help meet growing demand for mobile surveillance solutions. The two firms are also exploring the possibility of establishing a new production facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth market as part of their long-term growth plans. "This alliance lets us deliver intelligent, self-healing trailers at a scale the industry hasn't seen," said Andre Fontana, CEO and founder of Sharpvue. "Each company brings its own expertise, and this collaboration gives us an opportunity to meet growing demand together." Dan Arnold, CEO of Vorp Energy, said the integration of Sharpvue's software platform enhances the value proposition for customers. "By integrating Sharpvue OS into our trailers, we can deliver those capabilities alongside the manufacturing quality our customers expect from Vorp Energy," Arnold said.

Parks Associates: Managed connectivity now central to multifamily resident experience

DALLAS—A new white paper from Parks Associates, developed in partnership with Calix, argues that managed connectivity has evolved beyond basic internet access and is becoming critical infrastructure for modern multifamily communities, supporting everything from smart home technologies to cybersecurity and resident satisfaction. The report, “Beyond Connectivity: Securing the Modern Resident Experience,” examines how multifamily property owners can use managed connectivity platforms to support connected devices, bandwidth-intensive applications, building operations and future digital services while improving the overall resident experience. “Managed connectivity gives multifamily properties an opportunity to think beyond simply providing internet access,” said Elizabeth Parks, president and chief marketing officer of Parks Associates. “The network is the foundation for a broader resident experience, supporting work, entertainment, smart home devices, security and new digital services. Reliability, simplicity, and security are critical as these environments become more connected.” According to the research, resident expectations continue to rise as connected technology becomes more deeply integrated into everyday life. Residents increasingly expect internet service to be available immediately upon move-in, perform reliably across multiple devices, provide strong coverage throughout a property and help protect personal information and connected home systems.

The report identifies several trends driving investment in managed connectivity solutions:

The average U.S. household has approximately 17 connected devices.
Forty-nine percent of U.S. internet households own at least one smart home device.
Twenty-nine percent of consumers ages 65 to 74 and 25% of those 75 and older are interested in smart amenity packages, including video doorbells, smart locks, thermostats and safety monitoring devices.
Residents with in-unit routers or gateways report fewer technical issues and higher internet satisfaction scores than residents relying on shared gateways.
Users of whole-home cybersecurity services report a Net Promoter Score of 46 for their home internet provider.

The report suggests connectivity and cybersecurity are becoming increasingly important factors in resident satisfaction, retention and property value. “As digital experiences continue to be an essential part of everyday life, connectivity and cybersecurity will increasingly influence resident satisfaction, retention, and property value,” said Jess Parsons, area vice president of marketing at Calix. “The multifamily opportunity is no longer simply to connect residents. It's to help property owners create trusted, connected experiences for a more digital, AI-driven world while reducing operational friction and strengthening the value of their communities.” Researchers also pointed to operational benefits, particularly during the move-in process. Instant-on connectivity can eliminate installation appointments and equipment delays, allowing residents to connect devices immediately upon occupancy. The report recommends that multifamily operators focus on network reliability, prioritize the in-unit networking experience, simplify activation, provide visible support resources and build resident trust through transparency and cybersecurity measures. As smart home adoption and connected-device usage continue to grow, the authors conclude that managed connectivity is becoming a foundational element of next-generation multifamily communities and the future delivery of resident services.

ALDER launches AI-focused security business centered on monitored video

OREM, Utah—Signaling a major shift in strategy, ALDER has launched ALDER AI, a new business dedicated to monitored video surveillance and AI-driven threat detection, as the company moves beyond its legacy alarm business and embraces what it sees as the future of electronic security. The launch follows the sale of hundreds of thousands of legacy alarm accounts over the past several years and marks ALDER's latest effort to capitalize on growing demand for intelligent video solutions. The company said ALDER AI will focus on monitored video surveillance, combining artificial intelligence, video analytics, 24/7 monitoring, real-time notifications and integrated hardware and software platforms. "For years, the alarm system was at the center of the security industry, and cameras were an addition to it. We believe that relationship is changing," said Adam Schanz, founder and CEO of ALDER. "Video is increasingly becoming the center of the experience, and AI gives us the ability to make that video more intelligent, proactive and useful." Schanz said the company is positioning itself around the belief that customers are looking for security technologies capable of providing real-time awareness and actionable intelligence rather than simply capturing footage after an incident occurs. ALDER AI's offerings are expected to incorporate intelligent cameras, network video recorder technology, wireless 4G connectivity, solar-powered solutions and software designed to identify potential threats and deliver alerts in real time. As part of the launch, ALDER named Zac Whitworth managing director of ALDER AI. Whitworth will oversee sales, field operations, distribution, recruiting and expansion efforts as the company builds a national presence. "We have a unique opportunity to build with the energy and ambition of something new, while drawing on the experience, infrastructure and resources of an organization that has been doing this successfully for a long time," Whitworth said.

Brivo creates chief customer officer role, taps Hans Kahler

AUSTIN, Texas—Brivo has created a new executive leadership position focused on customer experience and has named Hans Kahler as the company’s chief customer officer (CCO). The appointment was announced by Brivo founder and CEO Dean Drako, who said the new role reflects the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction as it continues its global growth. “As Brivo reaches new levels of growth around the globe, we’re expanding our efforts to ensure Brivo is easy to do business with, listens to customer feedback, proactively solves customer challenges, and delivers exceptional support every step of the way,” Drako said. According to the company, Kahler will be responsible for driving customer experience initiatives and serving as a voice of the customer across the organization. Prior to rejoining Brivo as chief customer officer, Kahler served as chief operating officer of the combined Brivo and Eagle Eye Networks organization, overseeing operations following the merger of the two companies. He previously spent more than 12 years at Eagle Eye Networks, including stints as chief operations officer and vice president of operations. Kahler said he is eager to return to the company in the newly created position. “I’m passionate about solving customer challenges, creating value, and delivering innovative and reliable solutions, and I am honored to begin the next chapter in my journey at Brivo as CCO,” Kahler said.

Allied Universal hires former Chiefs security executive for event services leadership role

IRVINE, Calif.—Allied Universal has appointed Josh Ball as vice president of field operations, quality control and special events for its Allied Universal Event Services business unit. In the newly created leadership role, Ball will oversee operational quality assurance efforts, including event quality control inspections, internal audits and third-party audits. He will also lead special events operations and help expand Allied Universal’s event consulting and event risk intelligence capabilities. Ball brings more than 20 years of security leadership experience spanning professional sports, large-scale events and critical infrastructure. Most recently, he served as senior director of safety and security for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he managed security operations across home games, playoff contests, concerts and other major events. His responsibilities included serving as the primary security lead for World Cup matches and directing the team’s security operations during the 2024 Super Bowl. Before joining the Chiefs, Ball was senior director of security, safety and first aid at Churchill Downs, where he led security operations for Kentucky Derby Week, an event that attracts roughly 480,000 attendees annually. Earlier in his career, he served as chief of police and director of public safety for the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, overseeing law enforcement, emergency management and physical security at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. “As live events grow in scale and complexity, clients expect security that is consistent, disciplined and world-class at every venue,” said Ty Richmond, president of Allied Universal Event Services. “Josh is a proven operational leader, and his focus on field execution and quality will help us continue to raise the standard across our event services business and deliver even greater value to the clients and communities we serve.” Ball said his experience working with Allied Universal as a client influenced his decision to join the company. “As a former client, I saw the mission and vision of Allied Universal first-hand and I believed in it,” Ball said. “The opportunity to join Allied Universal has been an honor and I am excited to continue investing in the industry to enhance event security, operational readiness, and deliver the high-quality service our clients demand and expect.”

DigiFlight taps Berry to lead cybersecurity, CMMC readiness efforts

COLUMBIA, Md.—DigiFlight has named Melody Berry manager of cybersecurity and compliance, tasking the cybersecurity veteran with supporting the company's internal security programs and leading Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) readiness engagements for customers. In the role, Berry will support the cybersecurity, assessment and compliance programs of DigiFlight and its affiliated cybersecurity company, Camelot Secure, helping manage requirements across multiple industry frameworks, NIST standards and Department of Defense contract requirements. A key part of her responsibilities will involve leading CMMC readiness engagements, including providing support for C3PAO audits and conducting mock assessments designed to help organizations prepare for CMMC self-attestations and third-party assessments. “CMMC and cybersecurity compliance have become increasingly important requirements for organizations supporting the Department of Defense, and our customers need experienced professionals who understand both the technical requirements and the realities of preparing for an assessment,” said Stan Oliver, CEO of DigiFlight and Camelot Secure. Berry joins DigiFlight from CyberRx, where she served as a lead CMMC assessor for the certified third-party assessment organization. In that role, she managed and conducted CMMC 2.0 mock and Level 2 assessments, coordinated assessment activities with customers and assessment teams, and prepared documentation for Department of Defense submissions. Her experience also includes serving as deputy chief information security officer for Alion Science & Technology, where she helped oversee cybersecurity strategy, risk management and regulatory compliance. Earlier roles included positions at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Booz Allen Hamilton, where she supported a range of federal agencies. “DigiFlight has a strong understanding of the cybersecurity and compliance challenges facing organizations supporting the defense industrial base,” Berry said. “I’m excited to work directly with customers to make CMMC readiness more manageable, strengthen their cybersecurity programs, and help them move into assessments with greater confidence.”

NASCAR driver Joey Gase races again for Fire Prevention Week campaign

QUINCY, Mass.—The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is partnering with NASCAR driver Joey Gase for two race appearances and a community outreach effort aimed at promoting Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 4-10. This year's Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower,” focuses on educating consumers about the safe charging and use of devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. “Race weekends bring together hundreds of thousands of NASCAR fans and families who use rechargeable batteries every day,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA's vice president of outreach and advocacy. “These races give us a chance to share a simple reminder: The way you charge your devices can help prevent a fire.” As part of the campaign, Gase will drive the No. 55 car featuring a Fire Prevention Week-themed paint scheme in the Focused Health 302 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 3. He will also compete in the Blue Cross NC 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 10 with Fire Prevention Week branding. NFPA said the initiative is designed to bring fire and life safety messages to NASCAR audiences while highlighting practical steps consumers can take to reduce the risk of fires associated with lithium-ion battery-powered devices. Gase and NFPA have partnered since 2023 to promote fire and life safety awareness through NASCAR events across the United States.

OneTrust launches CORIE to govern AI agent activity across enterprises

LAS VEGAS—OneTrust has introduced OneTrust CORIE (Contextual Orchestration for Reasoning, Intelligence, and Evidence), a new intelligence layer within the OneTrust Platform designed to govern artificial intelligence (AI) agents in real time while maintaining human oversight. Announced during TrustWeek 2026, CORIE is intended to help organizations manage the growing use of AI agents by applying governance policies, enforcing rules and documenting decisions as agents interact with enterprise systems. According to OneTrust's 2026 AI-Ready Governance Report, while 87% of organizations encourage employees to use AI agents, only 47% report having clear governance, oversight and control mechanisms in place. The company said the challenge is expected to intensify as AI agent adoption accelerates. “AI is putting capabilities once reserved for engineering teams into the hands of every employee. The result is a growing network of agents acting across company systems at a speed and scale no governance team can oversee through human effort alone,” said Blake Brannon, chief innovation officer at OneTrust. Brannon said CORIE uses an organization's existing governance framework, including privacy, consent, risk, data and AI policies, to determine what actions agents are permitted to take, enforce those decisions and provide evidence of what occurred. “OneTrust CORIE is our answer to this challenge,” he said. “It uses your organization's context and judgment to decide what an agent is permitted to do, enforce that decision where you can't be, and prove what happened.” According to OneTrust, CORIE combines an organization's governance data with regulatory intelligence accumulated by the company over the past decade. The platform can be used to govern OneTrust-native agents, customer-built agents and third-party agents.

Key capabilities include:

Translating organizational policies and governance decisions into rules that can be applied to agent requests.
Enforcing those rules at runtime by allowing, blocking or escalating actions for human review.
Creating an independent audit trail that records the agent, request, purpose, outcome and governing policy behind each decision.

OneTrust said the technology operates separately from the agents it governs, providing an independent layer of control and accountability. As enterprises continue expanding their use of AI agents, the company said CORIE is designed to help organizations balance automation with governance, auditability and human oversight.

Verisure partners with Ting Labs to bring electrical fire prevention technology to Europe

GENEVA—Verisure has entered into an exclusive partnership with U.S.-based Ting Labs to bring electrical fire prevention technology to customers across Europe, expanding the company's home protection offerings beyond traditional security and fire detection services. Under the agreement, Verisure will commercialize Ting's electrical fire prevention solution in Europe, marking Ting Labs' first expansion outside the U.S. The companies said the service will be integrated into Verisure's home alarm ecosystem and monitored through the company's Alarm Receiving Centres. Ting's plug-in sensor analyzes electrical activity within a home to detect dangerous arcing, which can be an early indicator of electrical faults that may lead to a fire. According to the companies, the technology currently helps protect more than 1.4 million homes in the United States. The partnership comes as electrical fires remain a significant safety concern across Europe. Verisure cited data indicating that electrical faults account for between 25% and 30% of domestic fires in Europe, with an estimated 273,000 fires of electrical origin occurring annually across the European Union. The new service will complement Verisure's existing fire protection portfolio, which includes connected smoke alarms and AI-powered WiFi Vision technology. “This exclusive partnership represents another step forward in our ambition to expand Verisure's protection beyond traditional security and safety solutions,” said Austin Lally, CEO of Verisure. “By combining Ting Labs' proven electrical fire prevention technology with Verisure's monitoring expertise, operational scale and customer relationships, we are creating a differentiated, subscription-based proposition that addresses an important and growing consumer need against the rising threat of domestic fires.” Bob Marshall, co-founder and CEO of Ting Labs, said the partnership will enable the company to bring its technology to a new market while leveraging Verisure's customer base and service infrastructure. Under a co-development and licensing model, Ting Labs will provide the underlying technology, firmware, cloud platform and fire safety tools, while Verisure will manufacture the sensor and manage sales, installation, monitoring and customer support. The companies expect the new service to launch commercially in Europe in early 2027.

Netwatch taps Kris Slimmer to lead sales growth

LAKE FOREST, Calif.—Netwatch has named Kris Slimmer senior vice president of sales, tasking the security industry veteran with leading the company’s North American sales organization as it looks to expand adoption of its AI-enabled proactive video monitoring services. Slimmer brings nearly 30 years of experience in sales, business development and operations within the security industry. He joins Netwatch after serving as division vice president at Admiral Security Services, where he oversaw the company’s $100 million National Capital Region business. Prior to that, Slimmer spent 13 years with Allied Universal, holding a series of leadership positions across sales and operations and ultimately managing a region valued at approximately $400 million. “Kris has run a $400 million P&L and built sales organizations that scale through both channel partners and direct enterprise relationships,” said Netwatch CEO Justin Nagy. “What sets him apart is his focus on developing people and his discipline as an operator. He is the right leader to take our commercial organization into its next stage.” Netwatch said Slimmer’s appointment comes as the company continues to grow and expand its proactive security offerings across markets including retail, banking, critical infrastructure and commercial real estate. In his new role, Slimmer will focus on strengthening customer and partner relationships while pursuing new business opportunities in the company’s core verticals. “Netwatch has built something the rest of the industry is still trying to catch up to: a proven model where AI and skilled operators work together to stop incidents in real time, at scale,” Slimmer said. “The channel relationships, the enterprise footprint and the technology are already in place. My job is to help more organizations experience what proactive security means.”

Comelit-PAC promotes Chris Carroll to sales director

MANCHESTER, UK—Comelit-PAC has appointed Chris Carroll as sales director. Carroll joined Comelit in January 2008 and has progressed through several positions during his tenure, gaining experience across multiple areas of the organization. In his new role, he will work closely with the sales team and customers, focusing on strengthening existing relationships and identifying new business opportunities. “I’m proud to be taking on the sales director role,” Carroll said. “I’ve learnt a lot from the people I’ve worked with over the years, both within Comelit and among our customers. Having held roles across different parts of the business, I understand the challenges our team faces and what customers need from us.” Carroll said his experience throughout the business will help him support both customers and colleagues while contributing to the company’s continued growth. As sales director, he plans to emphasize customer engagement and collaboration across the organization. “I want to make sure we continue to work together effectively, with a consistent approach where it can benefit the business,” Carroll said. “By continuing to listen to our customers and responding to their needs, we can identify opportunities to grow while maintaining the high levels of service and support they expect from us.” Carroll also highlighted the importance of leveraging the organization’s internal expertise and encouraging employees to contribute their own ideas and perspectives. “I want to make the role my own, while building on the way we already work and creating an environment where people enjoy their roles,” he said. “I have been fortunate to have had great support from Francesca (Boeris) throughout my career, and I am grateful for the opportunities she has given me to develop and take on such new responsibilities.” Boeris, managing director of Comelit-PAC, said Carroll’s long tenure has given him a strong understanding of both the business and its customers. “Chris has gained a deep understanding of our business and our customers over almost two decades with us,” Boeris said. “He has always been willing to share what he knows and support those around him, so it is great to see him take this next step and bring that approach to the sales director role.”

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