Mid-Michigan Connection

 Summer has arrived and once again it shows pure Michigan beauty! As a lifelong Michigander, I really enjoy all four seasons our state offers, but summer and fall are my favorites. You just can’t help but smell the campfires and backyard barbeques, and all the beautiful flowers. How quickly we forget the snow and ice of our long, cold winters. Since the pandemic began, everyone seems more anxious than ever to get out and have some fun, myself included.

As we all look forward to taking time off, we know the security industry does not take a vacation. The work continues and is there when we get back. After speaking with some of our local security members, they all share the common theme: “workload increases in the summer months”. They further explain how it is the time of year when security projects start up and resources are in higher demand. With workplace staff on vacation, special projects become the priority so they avoid interruption at the workplace.  It's the best time to install security systems and equipment inside and outside. 

Aside from physical security, the call for private security increases to provide protection at special events and vacant facilities. The buildings, with  most containing million-dollar equipment and supplies, are what keep our communities alive. Its up to us to keep them safe from harm. We've seen how easily jobs can be lost or supply chain issues arise when facilities are shut down due to emergencies. And we can't forget how the tourism industry also peaks over the summer months. Once again security staff comes to the forefront, trying to reassure vacationers who left their wallets or purses and phones unattended for a sneaky thief to grab. To stay on  top of it all, we try to keep ourselves apprised of all the latest security technology and products coming out.  Its not an easy task, but keeping ourselves educated takes time and dedication. I know first hand how helpful it is when a colleague lets you know about an article or a product that is worthy of reading rather than try to sift through it myself. To help the cause our chapter will try to include items of interest in each our newsletters.  Please check out our featured readings this month for some recent security updates right here in Michigan.

 In this edition of our newsletter I have some more exciting Chapter news to share: 

· Our chapter meetings will continue through the summer months and we have some great speakers lined up. Now that Scott Majchszak is up and running in his new role of Program Chair, we are already seeing positive changes in our meeting plans. Our next meeting is June 17th!  

As the regional RVP,  I'm happy to share that a regional chapter meeting is in the works for the fall, more details to come.

· All our liaisons are becoming more involved and solidifying their roles. The newsletter editors will be working with them to provide their individual updates within our bimonthly newsletters. Feel free to reach out to any liaison for support or resources. 

· A new Chapter survey is coming out soon. We want to make sure you are getting what you want at a local level and your feedback provides us with guidance. 

· We are applying for a few Chapter awards through the ASIS Foundation once again and will keep you posted on the details. Last year we received an honorable mention for our communications. With some luck, we hope to make it to the finals this year!

As summer continues, always remember that your contributions to security, no matter what, all help to make our communities safer. I hope you all take the time for yourselves and enjoy some rest and relaxation with family and friends!

All my best,

Terry

I'm Jonathan Frost, the Military Liaison Chair (MLC) for our Mid-Michigan ASIS Chapter. I am a Marine Corps veteran, serving on active duty from 1999-2003. My time in the Marines is where I received my first introduction to the security field; I was selected in boot camp for a position with Marine Security Forces, specifically as part of the presidential support detail. After a rigorous amount of training, a year long psych evaluation, and an extensive background check, I obtained my Top-Secret security clearance and was assigned to the Presidential Retreat Camp David. The Marines at Camp David are responsible for securing the facility 24/7/365, not just during presidential and/or dignitary visits. When the President or dignitaries are on site the Marines work with the United States Secret Service to keep the facility and visitors safe. The Marines are the first line of defense when it comes to physical protection and security. Little did I know back then, this experience would open doors for me for the next several years.

Once I completed my time in the Marines, I entered the world of law enforcement and was able to live out my childhood dream of being a police officer. I had the opportunity to work several specialties while working as a deputy sheriff including SWAT, Scout Sniper, FTO, Evidence Tech, Motorcycle Patrol, Bicycle Patrol, and several other positions. Very rarely did I say, “no, thank you,” if an opportunity came around. I left the law enforcement profession in 2018 as a sergeant after more than eleven years and transitioned into the security profession when I joined the Lansing Board of Water and Light (BWL) as a Physical Security Coordinator. During my time at BWL I worked toward my CPP and eventually earned it in 2020. Shortly after obtaining my CPP, I was offered a position at Marsh and McLennan as a Senior Security Consultant, and I gladly accepted the opportunity.

I spend my days helping clients improve and build their physical security programs by completing detailed and in-depth security assessments. I take pride in showing organizations that security has become a specialized field. Security professionals play an important role in organizational risk management/mitigation, and it is important to highlight this when speaking to company leadership.

On a more personal note, I will be celebrating 18 years of marriage this year to my amazing wife. We have been blessed with two teenage girls (13 and 15) and a 10-year-old boy. The kids of course keep us busy with extracurricular activities like dance and soccer. I have had the opportunity to coach our son and his team for the last couple of years and it has been a great experience.

I am looking forward to representing the ASIS Military Liaison Community here in Mid-Michigan. I will be bringing information from the larger Military Liaison Community to the Mid-Michigan Chapter, and I hope to help some of our local veteran’s transition from military service to the security profession. In May I will be attending an event in called “Tight Lines for Troops” in Manistee. It is a yearly, free fishing event for veterans, and I was fortunate enough to be selected to participate. Maybe I will have the opportunity to report on the experience in a future newsletter.

If you want to chat or if you have questions, please feel free to reach out. I can be located on ASIS or connect with me on LinkedIn.