Orange County Convention Center Security Division SOARs Above Expectations

The Orange County Convention Center’s (OCCC) Security Division performs a vital mission in overseeing the safety and security of the 7-million-square-foot venue, which hosts more than 1.5 million visitors annually. It may seem like a daunting task for many, but for them, it is all in a day’s work.

The OCCC’s security officers undergo rigorous training and preparation to respond to any and all potential situations that could jeopardize the safety of guests, attendees and staff at the convention center in Orlando, Florida. That includes the critical and prompt response needed for medical emergencies.

Earlier this year, that training was put to the test for five members of the OCCC Security Division when a contractor at the center had a medical emergency. Four dedicated security team members came together to answer the call: Charles Young, Jason Norfleet, Robert Estevez, and Gerry Nunez.

Young and Norfleet attended to the contractor. Norfleet activated the automated external defibrillator (AED) in an attempt to save her life. Meanwhile, Estevez and Nunez worked to divert crowds away from the treatment site. Collectively, their efforts, training, and commitment ensured they did everything they could until first responders arrived.

The patient’s life was saved—largely due to Caleb’s efforts.

Heroic team efforts like these earn the OCCC Security Division its strong reputation of excellence. Equally important, are the heroic actions of individual team members, and in this case, the life-saving actions of Urbane Caleb. A contracted decorator was on the job when he suffered a medical emergency. Caleb sprang into action, performing CPR until the paramedics arrived. The patient’s life was saved—largely due to Caleb’s efforts.

Each of these team member’s efforts were recognized at the ASIS International’s Greater Orlando Chapter’s 2022 Security Officer Awards and Recognition (SOAR) Awards. The SOAR Awards cover a wide range of accomplishments, including community service, life-saving/heroic actions, and outstanding service in the field, and are celebrated at a luncheon each spring.

While ensuring guest and employee safety is the gold standard for the OCCC’s Security team, members regularly go above and beyond the call of duty to provide a safe and friendly environment for all.

The commitment and selflessness exhibited by these five SOAR Award recipients, who have each dedicated more than five years of service to the OCCC, are a testament to the continuous success of the center’s Security Division.

The Orange County Convention Center (OCC) in Orlando, Florida, hosted GSX 2021. Revisit the OCCC and our coverage from the event here. 

Emily Eades is the public relations/information officer, marketing and communications, for the Orange County Convention Center.