Whether it’s corporate corruption or false alarms, our industry has had more than its fair share of negative media coverage. Many of these unsavory stories have even appeared in Security Sales & Integration. It’s not that we enjoy it, quite the contrary. But we would be remiss in our obligation to help the industry progress if we did not distinguish facts from sensationalism and deliver essential information to our readers.

However, this month, I want to cast aside all that negativity. I want to focus on the good things that happen in our industry day in and day out. I want to address the selfless actions carried out by unsung heroes.

Perhaps this concept is best expressed in song. Please read and ponder the following lyrics from “Heroes” by country music singer Paul Overstreet:

He drives into the city and works extra hard all dayHe finishes up early so he can get away‘Cause there’s a blue-eyed kid on second baseWants Dad to watch him playAnd Daddy knows he’s waiting, so he hurries on his way
Cause you know heroes come in every shape and sizeMaking special sacrifices for others in their livesNo one gives them medals, the world don’t know their namesBut in someone’s eyes, they’re heroes just the same
She rocks her crying baby in the hours before dawnShe whispers words of hope to help her husband to hold onShe takes time for the children, making sure they know she caresShe’s more then just a Momma, she’s the answer to their prayers
No, I don’t pretend to know you, but I bet it’s safe to sayThere’s someone out there somewhere looking up to you todayAnd they see everything you do, except for your mistakesYou may not think you measure up, but you got all it takesNo one gives them medals, the world don’t know their namesBut in someone’s eyes they’re heroes just the sameYeah, in someone’s eyes they’re heroes just the same

I believe our industry gets too caught up in products. Everywhere you turn, it’s technology and products. We have dozens of award programs for new and innovative equipment, which is fine, but what about the people who really are the key to our industry’s successes? As it turned out, the answer was right in front of me.

I realized, after reading the letter sent in by Atronic Alarms’ John Erickson (see “Letters to the Editor” in this month’s issue), that, in a sense, SSI‘s SAMMYs honor our industry’s heroes, and are the only awards program that does so.

Now in its 8th year, the SAMMYs – which were recently held at the ISC West in Las Vegas in conjunction with ISC/Reed Exposition – recognize installing dealers/integrators for the “best” in sales, marketing and installations.

The program provides recognition to those special people who go above and beyond to make their community and everyone’s lives better. These are the heroic folks who, whether it’s family members, employees, other industry professionals, customers, emergency responders or the citizenry at large, put their best foot forward each day without worrying about personal glory.

For examples of companies that embody this mentality, check out our Integrated Commercial/Industrial and Residential Installations of the Year coverage. These exceptionally well-crafted projects exemplify the commitment to excellence demonstrated by all the 2003 SAMMY winners (for complete coverage of the event, see our June issue). These are the companies and people that make me very proud of our industry.

I am sure many of you feel just as strongly about the work and effort expended by you and your associates. Why not be recognized for your achievements and the important role you play in elevating the electronic security industry’s professionalism? The SAMMYs offer you the opportunity. Be on the lookout – the rules and entry form for the 2004 awards will soon appear in SSI and on our Web site.

Just like the song says, although you may not think you measure up, you have what it takes. After all, heroes come in every shape and size!

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