Security Industry Mourns the Loss of George Gunning
Gunning, who was inducted into the SSI Industry Hall of Fame in 2009, was a co-owner and former CEO of Monrovia, Calif.-based USA Alarm Systems.
George Gunning
LOS ANGELES — George Gunning, who gained luminary status in the alarm industry for his extensive dedication to industry trade associations and visionary leadership, passed away Feb. 14. He was 83.
Gunning, who was inducted into the SSI Industry Hall of Fame in 2009, was a co-owner and former CEO of Monrovia, Calif.-based USA Alarm Systems, which was established in 1979.
Among his long-time industry affiliations, Gunning was president and secretary of the California Alarm Association (CAA), vice president and president of National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA), and a member of the board of directors of the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC).
He was an active member of local, state and national trade associations throughout his professional life in the alarm industry. Gunning also held numerous leadership positions and was credited for helping to enhance the status of the industry through state licensing and ongoing training for industry professionals.
Gunning’s leadership was considered central in assisting the NBFAA (later renamed Electronic Security Association; ESA) in its partnership with the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) to establish the Electronic Security Expo (ESX) in 2007.
Among many his awards, in 2004 the NBFAA bestowed its most prestigious honor, the Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year, to Gunning in recognition of a lifetime of service to the industry.
In 2009 for his induction into the Hall of Fame, Gunning told SSI, “I have been fortunate to work with some great individuals who volunteer their time and expertise to the advancement of our association mission. One of the greatest challenges is uniting the industry for the common good. In my business, I am grateful to be able to work with my family and the special relationship that developed when Frank Burke and I merged our family-owned businesses in 1998.”
Les Gold (left), legal counsel to the California Alarm Association, and George Gunning, then president of NBFAA, entertain during the 2007 CAA Summer Convention evening karaoke social.
The CAA provided the following information:
CONDOLENCES
Family of George Gunning
Helen Gunning
15455 Glenoaks Blvd., Space #265
Sylmar, CA 91342
FLOWERS & MEMORIAL FUND
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in George Gunning’s memory to:
CAA George Gunning Volunteer Leadership Award Fund
California Alarm Association
333 Washington Blvd., #433
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
For credit card payment: (800) 437-7658
WBFAA UATC George P. Gunning Fund
WBFAA UATC
333 Washington Blvd., #433
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
For credit card payment: (800) 809-0280
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About the Author
Rodney Bosch, Senior Editor
Although Bosch’s name is quite familiar to those in the security industry, his previous experience has been in daily newspaper journalism. Prior to joining SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION in 2006, he spent 15 years with the Los Angeles Times, where he performed a wide assortment of editorial responsibilities, including feature and metro department assignments as well as content producing for latimes.com. Bosch is a graduate of California State University, Fresno with a degree in Mass Communication & Journalism. In 2007, he successfully completed the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association’s National Training School coursework to become a Certified Level I Alarm Technician.
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The alarm industry lost a giant figure who will always be remembered for his passion and frank New York style of dealing with the many issues that confronted the industry over the past half-century or so.
On the other hand, George was a mentor to many of us and more often showed his “kind” face. His contributions to the industry will be never be forgotten.
Rest In Peace, sir. There should be a group “up there” which will be happy to see you help them out!
I am heartbroken. I will miss George’s deep gravely voice, always dapper dress, and his trademark “yous” accent that always livened up a California security group meeting. Most of all I will miss our 30-year friendship. He was a legend. It is a loss for the entire industry. RIP