ATLANTA — Fire protection, life safety and security services provider Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired Lexington, Ky.-based security and alarm systems provider Bates Security, according to a joint announcement.
In addition to its headquarters location, Bates Security also offices in Prestonsburg, Ky.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Vero Beach, Fla.; and Lake Placid, Fla., Pye-Barker new customers throughout Kentucky, Florida and south Georgia.
Bates Security, founded in 1984 by Sonny and Pat Bates, focuses on security and fire alarms, access control, video surveillance, CCTV and integrated life safety systems meant to protect lives and livelihoods.
The company recently won the 2024 Police Dispatch Quality Award, presented annually at the Electronic Security Expo (ESX) by the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) and SSI.
Bates Security is Pye-Barker’s second acquisition in the past month, joining Southern Burglar and Fire Alarm Co. in late May.
Why Pye-Barker Wanted Bates Security
Sonny Bates, a former U.S. Air Force military police officer, developed an interest in security systems while working for the Dallas Police Department. He saw firsthand how effective the technology could be, and he and his wife Pat soon entered the security industry.
Today, the business is run by their sons, Jeremy and Bryan Bates, who lead a team “committed to doing what’s right, continual learning, and respect for the important role they play in protecting customers,” according to the joint announcement.
“In looking at the different options we had in selling our business, there was no doubt Pye-Barker was the best fit for our company, our team and my family,” says Jeremy Bates, president and co-owner, in the announcement. “I have paid close attention these last two years to dealers that have sold to Pye-Barker.
“Everyone I talked to said they were extremely happy in selling to them, and Pye-Barker honored all their promises to them and to their employees. They are keeping our team and culture in place and want us to keep doing everything that has made Bates Security a successful business. Now as part of Pye-Barker, I am extremely excited about the growth opportunities for Bates Security and all on our team. It’s an exciting time for us,” he says.
“Pye Barker’s mission and their team are simply energizing,” says Bryan Bates, co-owner, in the joint announcement. “We have been focused on growth while maintaining quality for over 50 years, and now we have the backing of a much larger organization to help us reach new heights of opportunity for our employees and value for the clients they serve.
“Our passion statement of ‘building a great company by enabling personal success’ is perfectly in line with Pye-Barker’s mission. We cannot wait to see what the future holds,” he says.
“The Bates family has created an impressive and highly successful business with a foundation of values that align with Pye-Barker,” says Bart Proctor, Pye-Barker CEO, in the joint announcement. “Together, we will continue to uphold the local feel that has made Bates Security integral to its communities and a great place to work for all team members.”
