09/25/2013 -During its meeting on Monday, the ASIS Security Services Council (SSC) presented the Ralph Day Security Officer of the Year Award to Myisha Pullen, security officer with AlliedBarton Security Services. ASIS President Geoff Craighead, CPP, and Council Chair Daniel Youngerman were on hand to make the presentation. Brownyard Programs, Ltd., the sponsor of the award, presented Pullen with a plaque commemorating her heroism along with a $1,000 check. Brownyard Programs also paid her travel expenses to Chicago.

Pullen is assigned to Coronado Shores, a residential high-rise community on the Pacific Ocean near San Diego’s Point Loma. Last July, Pullen was conducting rounds near the pool when she heard a commotion. She entered the pool area and saw a father shaking his unconscious child next to the pool. She immediately dialed 911, requesting police and EMS response.

Pullen placed the child in the proper position and immediately began CPR, with aid from a guest. After approximately five minutes, the child began to convulse and expel water from his lungs. Pullen rotated that child so the water could drain, and the child began breathing on his own.

When the paramedics and police arrived and took control of the scene, Pullen switched roles and began securing the area. She directed guests to leave and helped clear a safe path for the paramedics to transport the child by ambulance to the hospital, where he was treated and later released.

Both the responding police and the paramedics commended Pullen for her actions. The paramedics avowed that her actions likely saved the life of the child based on how long he had been in the water unattended.

In nominating Pullen for this award, AlliedBarton District Manager Mark Merideth, wrote: “Pullen’s attentive response, professional actions, and determination ensured the proper response to a critical situation where she was the difference between a positive outcome and a tragic event.”

Pullen’s timely actions, dedication to duty, and concern for the safety of the community she serves make her a most worthy recipient of the 2013 Ralph Day Award.

The award is named for Ralph Day, CPP, a lifetime ASIS member, who joined the SSC in 1985. During his storied career, Day was instrumental in fostering professionalism within the security services industry and has been a guiding force within the council.