devteam, Author at ASP Security Services

By Laurel Woodhouse, H&S Manager

The Canadian Labour Congress established April 28th as the National Day of Mourning in Canada in 1984. The day is to remember and honour those who have had workplace injuries or illnesses, or died while on the job.

The date was chosen in 1984 because it coincided with the 70th anniversary of the day the first Ontario Worker’s Compensation Act was approved by the government (1914). An Act of Parliament enshrined The Day of Mourning on February 1, 1991.

Also known as Workers’ Memorial Day, The Day of Mourning, is officially recognized in about 100 countries worldwide.

Marsela Mecaj, Rama Malkapuram, Rushmika Nadan, Lovleen Kaur, Parneet Kaur, Noman Butt Laurel Woodhouse and Karim Khamisa

By Human Resources Department

Please join us in welcoming two new office and management team members that joined ASP in Q1 of 2024!

Mitali Rajput

We are delighted to introduce our new HR Administrator, Mitali Rajput. Mitali joined the HR team in February 2024 to provide invaluable support to our Residential and Commercial division.

Mitali brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to ASP. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management – Human Resources from Lambton College and a Bachelor’s in Management Studies from The University of Mumbai.

Her recent role as an HR and Recruitment Intern at a well-known recruitment agency has equipped her with a diverse skill set. In her experience, Mitali successfully managed employee records, ensuring accuracy and timely updates. She played a key role in supporting the recruitment process, showcasing her expertise in onboarding new team members seamlessly.

In her role at ASP, Mitali is responsible for processing HR data and acting as the first point of contact for general HR queries.

Dalel Mharbi

We are thrilled to announce that Dalel Mharbi joined ASP in March 2024 in the pivotal role of Customer Service Manager for Winnipeg International Airport.

Dalel comes to us with a wealth of experience in airport operations, particularly in client relationship management and team leadership. She brings with her a strong track record of delivering exceptional service and fostering positive team dynamics.

In her role at ASP, Dalel will be responsible for overseeing our ASP 24/7 Customer Service Operations. This includes Roving Customer Care, Passenger Processing, Baggage Drop Attendant, and Information Booth functions. Her strategic leadership, operational expertise, and commitment to customer satisfaction will be instrumental in elevating our customer service experience and enhancing stakeholder relationships.

Dalel’s accomplishments in cultivating client relationships, developing operational systems, and fostering a collaborative team culture make her an invaluable addition to our team. We are confident that her contributions will play a significant role in driving the success of our Customer Service Operation.

Please join us in welcoming Dalel to our team. Let’s wish her all the very best and give her a warm ASP welcome.

Karim Khamisa

We are delighted to share that Karim Khamisa has rejoined ASP as the Senior Client Support Manager at Toronto Pearson International Airport. In his previous roles at ASP, Karim played an important role in supporting various security contracts across both the Aviation and Commercial sectors, such as Sudbury Airport, TTC, Crossing Guards, Union Station, City of Toronto Respite, and more. With a robust management background spanning hospitality, technology, and aviation security, Karim re-joins ASP with a strong management background across many industries including hospitality, technology, and aviation security which will assist him in exceeding our clients’ expectations. Please join me in welcoming Karim back to the ASP family, we look forward to his upcoming contributions and achievements in 2024. Welcome back, Karim! Wishing you every success in your new role.

By Sarah Miller, Operations Manager

Thank you to everyone that volunteered to join ASP’s newly established Women’s Employee Resource Group. We are glad to announce the new member roster below:

Management – Sarah Miller (Co-Chair), Kat Szumacher (Co-Chair), Komal Sidhu, Dalel Mharbi
Staff – Vesna Jelic, Melicia Gregory, Moe Hussein

By Humberto Pimentel, VP of Operations

It is with great pride and excitement that we announce the outstanding achievement of Kat Szumacher, who has been recognized by Canadian Security Magazine as one of the Top 10 Under 40 professionals in the security industry! This prestigious award celebrates the remarkable contributions and dedication of young leaders who are making a significant impact in their field, and we are thrilled to see one of our own shining brightly on this national stage.

Kat has been an invaluable asset to our team, consistently demonstrating exceptional skills, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Her passion for processimprovements and her unwavering focus on delivering top-notch security services has not only enhanced ASP Security’s reputation but has also made a positive impact on our clients, The City of Toronto and The City of Vaughan.

This recognition is a testament to Kat’s hard work, expertise, and leadership qualities. It reflects not only her individual accomplishments but also the collective strength of our team and the culture of excellence we cultivate here at ASP Security. We take great pride in supporting and nurturing talent, and this achievement is a reflection of our commitment to empowering our employees to reach their full potential.

Please join us in congratulating Kat Szumacher on this well-deserved honor. Her success is an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to witnessing her continued growth and contributions to our company and the security industry.

By Debbie Ciccotelli, VP of Strategic Initiatives

The moment has come for me to turn the page to a new chapter in my life, as I announce my retirement effective May 31st. Reflecting on the journey we’ve traversed together in ASP fills my heart with both pride and gratitude.

Working with ASP is my third and final career. I began my career at the young age of 19 with Transport Canada at Toronto Pearson Airport and when the airport was privatized, I transitioned to the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. My last and final employer, ASP has been my all-time favorite.

I have known our CEO, Dean Lovric for over 25 years, and I think of him not only as a boss, but a friend as well. I am so thankful to have the chance to work alongside him. Dean’s enthusiasm, motivation, passion, and support has been inspirational to me. He is a caring and supportive leader, which is one of the many things I love about him.

To my incredible colleagues, working with all of you has been truly inspiring. I have learned, grown, and shared many moments with you. I owe a debt of gratitude to all of you for the experiences we’ve shared together and the unwavering support I have received. It’s not the projects or the deadlines that I’ll remember most fondly, but the everyday moments of unity and shared purpose. Together we have combined forces to hit targets, win new business, innovate like wizards, and create a vibe that’s nothing short of magical. I am proud of the excellent work we have accomplished together. You’re the best bunch of colleagues anyone could ask for and although I am moving on, I carry with me found memories of you all.

I would like to give a special shout-out to my amazing team, Jason White and more recently Sarah Miller. It has been an incredible roller coaster ride with the numerous projects, long and tiring workdays and tight deadlines, but I am so proud of what we have accomplished together. Jason, you have left an indelible mark on my heart, even when times were tough, you made me laugh a little louder, smile a little brighter and live a little better. Fate made us teammates, but time has made us friends and the memories and experiences we shared will stay with me forever.

To all the employees at ASP, I know that your work is not always easy, but always remember you are doing important work and each and every one of you makes a difference to the company, our clients and our customers.

In my time at ASP, I have had the pleasure to mentor a number of people in the company. I wanted to share a little bit about this experience. In writing this message, it got me thinking about why mentoring is one of the things I am extremely passionate about. I have been extremely fortunate to have been mentored by some amazing people throughout my life. And they all made a significant impact on me, and I recognize how fortunate I was to have them – they helped to form my character and ultimately made me the person I am today. It was important to me to “pay if forward’ and do for others what these individuals did for me. What I have come to realize after having been both a mentor and a mentee is that it doesn’t matter which side you are on, there are lessons to be learned. I have learned just as many lessons from those who I have mentored as from those who have mentored me, and I encourage you all to seek out a mentor and to pay it forward as your career progresses.

To all the employees at ASP, I know that your work is not always easy, but always remember you are doing important work and each and every one of you makes a difference to the company, our clients and our customers. It’s incredible how a group of people from such diverse backgrounds works so closely and well together. I am so proud of the excellent workforce we have at ASP.

I am writing this farewell message with deep emotions as I say goodbye to this incredible company. The memories and bonds we have formed mean the world to me. I look forward to watching the continued success of ASP from the sidelines with great admiration. I wish you all success in the future and I know you will rock the future.

Thank you and farewell!

By Sarah Miller, Operations Manager

Spring is here! The wind is warm, it’s sunny all the way into the evening, cute animals are waking up from their winter hibernation, and the first flowers are emerging from the ground. It’s a magical time of year. You are working outdoors as a security guard or canine handler and stop to admire a budding new plant. You pick it to take it home with you because it’s pretty, but it burns. You wash your hands, but it keeps burning. Your skin turns red. A rash spreads. Oozing blisters form. It creeps up your arm. You go to the hospital. It still gets worse.

You’ve just touched a toxic plant.

Did you know that Ontario is home to many species of plants like this that are dangerous to touch, and while working outdoors there is a chance that you may encounter them?

ASP is here to help by sharing a list of the top four toxic plants that you are most likely to find while working outdoors in Ontario and explaining what to do if you accidentally touch them.

Reporting Sightings at Work

lants at work please contact ASP
promptly to report the hazard and
do not touch it!

If you are unsure who to report
hazards to, please contact your
manager or the Health & Safety
department at healthandsafety@
security-asp.com.

1 – Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca Sativa)

This tall, yellow-flowered plant causes phyto-photodermititis. What this means is that when the sap of the plant gets on your skin and when exposed to ultraviolet light like the sun it causes a chemical reaction that creates burns and blisters. Pain from phyto-photodermitis can last for years and create life-long scarring.

First aid: Wash the affected area immediately with soap and water and avoid further exposure to sunlight. Do not pop the blisters. Keep the area clean and sterilized to avoid infection. Use a cool, wet cloth for relief of symptoms.

2 – Poison Ivy (Rhus Radicans)

This ground-hugging plant has a distinctive three-leaf cluster pattern and is the top cause of plant-related allergic contact dermatitis (skin inflammation) in Canada. Poison ivy is an oily plant and the oil causes painful irritation, rashes, and blisters that can develop over several hours or days.

First aid: Wash the affected area with soap and cool water because hot water will spread the oil. Do not touch anything else because it will become contaminated with the oil. Keep the skin clean and dry to minimize irritation and chance of infection.

3 – Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica)

This leafy plant that tends to grow by water sources looks like it has very fine hairs on it. These hairs are delicate and hollow, and when touched they break and a toxic secretion from the plant travels up the core of the hair, entering the skin. It causes a painful stinging sensation. The sting is followed by redness, swelling, and itchiness that will last for several minutes.

First aid: Use a cool, wet cloth for relief. Aloe vera may also help. Avoid scratching and keep the area clean and sterilized to avoid infection. Wash the area well. of infection.

4 – Giant Hogweed (Heracleum Mantegazzianum)

This white-flowered plant is a relative of the wild parsnip and can grow to several meters tall. Just like the wild parsnip, it causes phyto-photodermititis when its sap touches skin and the skin is then exposed to ultraviolet light. Pain and scarring can last for years after contact with the plant.

By Fatema Pipalyawala, Talent Acquisition Lead

Firstly, the recruitment department wishes you a very happy & prosperous New Year! We take immense pleasure to inform you that we have successfully hired an additional 150+ personnel in the last quarter of 2023 with a limited timeline of 4 weeks for the City of Toronto contract for new respites sites!

We successfully received and paid out over 65 referral bonuses in 2023 which was about 25% higher than any other year! Not limited to this, we also held an annual lucky draw program for referrals and the lucky winner was awarded with a TV!

Recruitment has also focused on making candidate onboarding experience smooth & seamless. This included the introduction the software program JazzHR ATS, which not only covers the recruitment cycle but also allows a candidate to complete their onboarding online in a timely fashion. The paperless approach is the best one!

ASP is committed to a transparent and fair selection process, and our goal is to offer continued employment to qualified individuals in available posts or positions.

We hire for personality & train for the job!

By Shine Mathew, Service Delivery Manager

A big thanks to Operations Manager Kat Szumacher for leading the holiday gifts and good cheer initiative! Our CEO Dean Lovric, CFO Rob Aldina, VP Humberto Pimentel, and Operations Manager Sarah Miller came together to recognize RES/CIC supervisors for their hard work.

Thank you Kat and team for this kind gesture.

By Sarah Miller, Operations Manager

As a reminder to all staff with security licences, the Private and Investigative Services Branch(PSISB) of the Government of Ontario has stopped issuing physical copies as of September 30th,2023. Digital copies will be sent via email for all successful licence renewals and new licence applications after this date. Please also be reminded that it is legally required under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act(PSISA) to carry your license with you at all times while on duty and to be able to produce a valid copy of it upon request. For those of you who still have physical licence cards, you are required to have the card on you during each shift. For those of you who have a new digital licence ,you are required to either carry a printed version or have it accessible on your cellphone at all times.

As an additional reminder, a chest badge must always be worn while on duty featuring either your full name, first initial plus last name, or license number. ASP issues license number badges to all security staff (example shown above). If yours has been lost or damaged, please contact your manager or supervisor for an immediate replacement. Failure to comply with this requirement constitutes a breach of the PSISA.

Congratulations to Preetkamal Singh, Mohammed Mounir, and Sarah Miller for becoming Certified Officers, Parking Offences within the City of Toronto on December 14, 2023.

Seen above, Human Resources Administrator Michelle Aguila’s two sons dressed up as ASP school crossing guards for Halloween 2023. Great costumes!

To further improve health & safety at our residential and commercial sites and to more easily comply with Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA) requirements for monthly documented inspections, we have launched a new TrackTik report (2024 RES/CIC Monthly Site H&S Inspection report, seen left).

Supervisors will be required to complete this TrackTik report with a worker once per month moving forward. Any health & safety concerns identified during inspections should be escalated to management promptly.

Any questions regarding the report or regarding inspections may be directed to Shine Mathew, Service Delivery Manager at smathew@security-asp.com or 416-844-6893.

ASP’s North York office was festively dressed up for the holiday season on December 22nd (from left to right: Shine Mathew – Service Delivery Manager, Kat Szumacher – Operations Manager, Fatema Pipalyawala – Recruiter, Humberto Pimentel – Vice President of Operations, Prayag Vyas – Trainer, Aabha Deshpande – Front Office Coordinator, Michelle Aguila – Human Resources Administrator, and Sarah Miller – Operations Manager).

By Annisah Dia, Site Manager

Mahmoud Ghadi

Mahmoud Ghadi joined us in September 2023. He has quickly become an integral part of our ASP team. His punctuality and commitment to his role are commendable, and his positive attitude is infectious.

We’re thrilled to have Mahmoud on board and look forward to his continued positive work ethic that make him a valuable member of our Ottawa Airport team.

Thank you Mahmoud for the enthusiasm and care you bring to our team every day!