News Release

Commissionaires Now Stand On Guard in Afghanistan

Six Member Team Ships Out for Kandahar Tour of Duty

Toronto, ON (January 15, 2008) – Commissionaires, Canada’s premier private security provider, has selected six of its employees to report for duty at Kandahar airfield this month. The four men and two women, selected from the long list of more than 160 volunteers from across the country, will screen NATO military personnel as they arrive at the base and deal with Afghan citizens who are given access to the airfield.

“This is just the first assignment abroad for our organization,” said Doug Briscoe, Executive Director of Commissionaires Canada, “given the background and experience of so many of our employees, we are well-positioned to take on more such opportunities”

The tour of duty comes out of a unique arrangement with Calgary based ATCO Frontec, who have been contracted to provide air-traffic related services for the Kandahar base. When dealing with military personnel who arrive and the issuing of security passes at the airfield, it seemed a natural fit to join forces with Commissionaires, which has over 18,000 personnel across Canada providing security at airports, commercial offices, municipal and government buildings. Commissionaires employs mostly former military and RCMP personnel, many of whom have extensive experience serving abroad and, like the six chosen for this mission, NATO level security clearance.

“As former military, many of our employees feel a strong sense of connection with our young people on the front lines,” added Briscoe, “They know the risks and the responsibilities. This is one way they can show their support and help make the engagement in Kandahar a safer one.”

The six who begin their tour of duty this week will be there on a one year contract, serving in three cycles of three months on the base, one month back home in Canada.

For those chosen, such as Howard Eames, 62, of Victoria, BC, it is also a chance to bear witness to more than just conflict in a war zone. “These young kids that are over there – I’m not going to be in anything like that. I’m just going to be in a nice safe little zone, but these kids, they’re making a mark in history, and I enjoy history, and I can be there to see it first hand.”

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Commissionaires

Commissionaires’ was founded to provide meaningful employment for former Canadian Forces and RCMP personnel. The organization has long been recognized as Canada’s premier security provider, protecting people and property for public and private sector clients from coast to coast. While employing leading-edge technology in delivering security services, Commissionaires has remained true to its roots by providing employment to those making the transition to civilian life after active service in the military and police forces. Commissionaires’ services and security solutions include: security guarding, enforcement, identification services and security training. The integrity, strong work ethic, proven skills and discipline of Commissionaires give clients confidence and security everyday, everywhere.

For further information, please contact:
Donna D’Arcy
Commissionaires
National Marketing Team
80 Church St
Toronto, ON
M5C 2G1
Email: ddarcy@commissionaires.ca

 

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