MEDFORD, N.J. — The Life Safety Alliance (LSA) has announced the creation of the LSA Legends Program, a new initiative recognizing individuals whose innovation, thought leadership, and integrity have permanently advanced the global security and life safety professions.
The Legends Program honors “those whose influence extends far beyond personal achievement: professionals whose frameworks, standards, institutions and teachings continue to shape how organizations and practitioners around the world protect people, assets and operations,” according to the alliance announcement.
“Many of the great innovators in our field built the foundations of modern practice long before recognition programs existed,” says Michael Gips, LSA Legends Committee co-chairman, in the announcement. “The Legends Program ensures that their influence is not only remembered but formally enshrined. Their work changed how we think about risk, resilience and leadership. That deserves lasting acknowledgment.”
How Do You Become a Life Safety Alliance Legend?
Nominees are evaluated through a two-stage process. Each must satisfy six foundational criteria: thought leadership, enduring influence, professional integrity, institutional legacy, leadership continuity, and sustained contribution. The prior year’s Top 40 Thought Leaders in Security and Life Safety then vote on the remaining nominations.
Achieving Legend status requires a 75 percent affirmative vote, reflecting “broad consensus that the nominee’s legacy has become part of the profession’s permanent structure,” according to the alliance announcement.
“The Top 40 honorees represent the profession’s forward edge,” says Jonathan Perillo, co-chairman of the LSA Legends Committee, in the announcement. “By asking them to serve as judges, we connect the innovators of today with the visionaries who laid the groundwork for everything we now take for granted in security, safety and resilience.”
The program “underscores LSA’s commitment to documenting and celebrating excellence across disciplines, including physical security, life safety, business continuity, intelligence, emergency management, investigations, loss prevention and cybersecurity,” according to the LSA announcement.
Inductees will be recognized as part of an annual Class of Legends, formally announced each January and archived permanently within the Life Safety Alliance historical record.
“Security has always been a global profession, and so is its legacy,” says Mike Hurst, a U.K.-based committee member and former ASIS International vice chairman. “The Legends Program highlights the thinkers and builders who advanced the profession across borders and generations.”
“This initiative will ensure that the stories and achievements of our pioneers are preserved—not just as history, but as a living guide for emerging leaders who will carry the profession forward,” says New Zealand-based Andrew Thorburn in the LSA announcement.
Nominations for the inaugural class are now open and close on December 31.
