PHOTO COURTESY OF GLASAA At February’s GLASAA general meeting, from left to right, are Mark Sepulveda (GLASAA secretary), Dave Michel (GLASAA president), Jon Sargent (SIAC, CAA past president and George Weinstock Award winner), Jim McDonnell (Long Beach Police Chief) and Bob Michel (CAA president and ESA vice president).

At the Greater Los Angeles Security Alarm Association (GLASAA) February  general meeting, the association’s focus on strengthening the partnership between the alarm industry and public safety was highlighted in several ways. Chief Jim McDonnell of the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) was the keynote speaker. McDonnell was appointed 25th chief of police for the LBPD in March 2010. Previously McDonnell served with the LAPD for 29 years and has received numerous community and department awards, including the LAPD's highest award for bravery, the Medal of Valor.

McDonnell discussed how an improved partnership between public safety agencies, Homeland Security and the electronic security industry is helping to offset the challenges caused by today's budget cuts.  He also discussed how improvements in technology are helping to improve efficiency in public safety agencies.

GLASAA also announced that the deadline for applications for the Youth Scholarships for Children of Law Enforcement and Fire Service Personnel as March 30.  GLASAA will award $6,000 to local scholarship winners.  Applications are available at http://www.caaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/CAA-SCHOLARSHIP-APPLICATION-2013.pdf. Scholarship programs like this remain a cornerstone of enhancing relationship between the alarm industry and public safety. The GLASAA winner will also be eligible for $20,000 in scholarships from California Alarm Association (CAA) and an additional $40,000 in scholarships from the Electronic Security Association (ESA).

There were 62 dealers and associates at the meeting including three George Weinstock Award winners (Jon Sargent, Tony Smith and Harvey Eisenstadt).  Jeff Martin, a board member from the newly formed ESA of Florida, traveled the longest distance to attend.