Rick Ward and Chris Perkins join Universal Protection Service

Dec. 10, 2008
Industry veterans appointed to leadership roles at private security firm

SANTA ANA, Calif., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Protection Service (UPS), the largest provider of security services to the commercial real estate market in California, Arizona, Colorado and Washington, and a division of Universal Services of America (USA), is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Ward as Director of Training & Development. Ward will be responsible for overseeing all day to day training and development efforts companywide, including fire life safety and floor warden training, property and threat specific training, and the development of new employee training programs with an emphasis on specific vertical markets. Ward brings to this new role extensive training experience in both the military and private sectors, including overseeing all air base ground defense and security police training at the Air Force Academy, as well as overseeing security operations at numerous Class A high profile assets in Los Angeles and Colorado.

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UPS is also pleased to announce that Chris Perkins will assume the role of General Manager overseeing our West LA office. Perkins recently joined Universal's team and comes with over 25 years of security experience. A licensed Private Investigator and member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Perkins' previous leadership roles and superior security knowledge will greatly benefit clientele as UPS expands their operations.

"Enhancing the leadership of our Training & Development Department shows UPS' commitment to providing unmatched service to our clients, while also offering advanced career opportunities for our security professionals," said Steve Claton, President of UPS. "We strongly believe that exceptional training is the foundation for outstanding security service."

UPS is the largest regional security company in the U.S. and currently employs 7,500 security professionals. Universal Protection Service is a division of Universal Services of America, which includes Universal Building Maintenance, UPS Security Systems and UPS Fire/Life Safety Services.