The Pulse Employee Newsletter
December 2025: Issue 53
Our newsletter contains stories about our clients, vendors and employees. If you have a story to share, email marketing@protossecurity.com. This month, we’re excited to announce our 22nd group of Unite in Action Award recipients. Read on to find out who the winners are!
Protos Presents: A Year in Review 2025 Video
Our 2025 Year in Review Video captures a milestone year for Protos – where culture led the way, innovation accelerated and our teams delivered with unmatched transparency and client advocacy.
From new brand messaging, a website relaunch and major company growth to key business moves and acquisitions, 2025 strengthened our foundation. We also celebrated major tech progress with new portal launches, expanded our vendor network and national consistency, attended 36 industry events and increased our digital presence through over 60 pieces of content.
The video is organized into five sections: Culture First, Modern Technology Meets Security Innovation, Unmatched End-to-End Transparency, Relentless Client Advocacy and Local Expertise, Agile Coverage.
Thank you to all of our employees for your hard work, dedication and teamwork throughout 2025 – we couldn’t have done it without you. Here’s to an even stronger 2026!
Unite in Action Award Nomination Form
Help Us Choose Our Next Unite in Action Award Recipients: (Who do you want to nominate…?)
Any employee within the organization (yes, that includes you!) can nominate someone for the Unite in Action Award. In fact, we need your help to make this award happen. Please nominate your colleagues and peers as you recognize them aligning with one or more of our values. An explanation of each value is below:
- Stay Curious: We keep learning and discovering how to improve, which sometimes means changing the way we do things.
- Build Relationships: We value the trust between our colleagues, clients, vendors and security personnel to strengthen camaraderie.
- Take Ownership: We champion self-accountability and push boundaries to achieve shared success.
- Be Principled: We show integrity in every decision and always do the right thing.
If you feel that a team member has gone above and beyond and displayed one or more of these values, make sure to let us know! The Unite in Action Awards will be announced monthly, but we always accept nominations through the Unite in Action Award Form.
Unite in Action Award Winners
The Unite in Action Awards will be presented to up to four employees each month. These individuals will be nominated by their peers or managers as someone who embodies our values.
Recipients receive the Unite in Action Award trophy and a branded gift!
Congratulations to our winners... drumroll please...
Anna Monteith, Marketing Specialist
Protos Security
Nominated by: Tom Gross
Reason: During the GSX Tradeshow last month, Anna was front and center to help Sales Team members stay informed and connected. Her efforts helped to make the 2025 GSX Tradeshow our finest yet.
Alicia Armstrong, Service Manager
Protos Security
Nominated by: Tiarra Wagner
Reason: Alicia consistently demonstrates leadership that anchors our entire office, especially through the challenges of merging three different companies, workflows and cultures. She manages complex, high-pressure situations while still keeping daily operations running smoothly and supporting her team.
Stay Curious: Alicia approaches new systems, expectations and company changes with her team and future workflows in mind. She has a strong understanding of how the industry operates, and anytime there are updates or adjustments, she considers the impact on past processes, current operations and future efficiency. She thinks ahead, evaluates how changes will affect the team and helps guide transitions in a way that keeps everyone aligned and prepared.
Take Ownership: In moments of uncertainty or urgency, Alicia is the first to take action. She steps in, coordinates, and ensures that nothing falls through the cracks. If a fire needs to be put out, she handles it—calmly, decisively and with full accountability. Everyone knows that if Alicia is on it, it will be completed correctly and on time.
Build Relationships: Alicia communicates with honesty, openness and a genuine willingness to help. Whether she is supporting supervisors, addressing employee concerns or working across departments, she builds trust through transparency and follow-through. She checks in when people are overwhelmed, makes sure they have what they need, and creates a workplace where people feel supported rather than alone in their responsibilities.
Be Principled: Alicia holds the line with integrity. She is direct, fair, and committed to doing what is right for both the company and the team. She isn’t afraid to speak up, advocate for her staff, or address difficult situations head-on. Her consistency helps create stability in an environment that has gone through major transitions.
Overall: Alicia provides strength, structure and steady guidance every day. Even when things are chaotic, she remains the rock that the office leans on. Her leadership brings order, her communication builds trust and her willingness to support the team makes an enormous difference in our ability to succeed together.
Yesenia Garza, Accounts Receivable Coordinator
Protos Off-Duty Services
Nominated by: Marcus Garza
Reason: I am pleased to nominate Yesenia Garza, who consistently exemplifies our core values of Stay Curious, Take Ownership, Build Relationships and Be Principled. Yesenia has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the JPMorgan Chase account, mastering the billing process to the point where rejections are now minimal and deadlines are consistently met. She proactively seeks to understand client needs, continuously refines processes and takes full ownership of outcomes. Yesenia partners closely with Sales and Service to ensure alignment and clear communication, always going the extra mile to meet and exceed client expectations. Her integrity, commitment to excellence and willingness to collaborate make her an invaluable asset to our team and a true representation of our company values.
Donnie Deskins, Dispatch Intake Agent
Protos Security
Nominated by: Kirk Powell
Reason: During a call with an irate vendor, Donnie stayed civil and professional. Despite the vendor’s repeated disrespectful statements and expletives, Donnie kept remarkably calm and continued to try to address the main issues the vendor’s guard was experiencing, exemplifying the high standard of principled customer service that Dispatch aspires to. He took ownership over his own conduct, not letting the vendor’s unprofessional approach determine his response.
Important Observances in December
We wish our incredible team a joyful and festive holiday season! From Hanukkah to Christmas and Kwanzaa, there’s so much to celebrate. As we reflect on the highlights of 2025 and look forward to 2026, we send our warmest wishes for a Happy New Year. Here’s to continued success and new achievements in the year ahead!
FEATURED BLOG ARTICLE
Retail Security During the Holidays: Preventing Theft and Protecting Staff
The 2025 holiday season is on track to set new sales records. Organized retail crime (ORC) groups and cargo theft are reaching new levels of sophistication, targeting retailers across North America. With U.S. holiday retail sales projected to reach $994 billion (U.S. Census Bureau), the opportunities for theft have expanded. Organized groups are using staffing shortages, overcrowded stores and freight surges to their advantage, turning what should be the most profitable period of the year into one of the riskiest.
To stay ahead, retailers need to use a layered approach to retail security, one that integrates trained security officers, off-duty law enforcement and remote monitoring to reduce losses and maintain continuity.
Employee Spotlight
Shannon McIlhenny
Senior Manager of Corporate Compliance – Protos
How long have you been with the company?
I began working for Security Resources in July 2000 and remained there throughout the acquisition.
Have you held any other roles within the company?
Over the years, I've held various positions. I began working at Security Resources as a bookkeeper, and by the time the company was sold, I was the Senior Accounting Manager. During my time at Security Resources, I also held a position within operations. I started working for corporate after SRI closed and eventually transitioned into the role I hold today.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy boating, spending time with friends, family and my three grandsons. I love being around positive people, places and things.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Any place warm with people who make me laugh! Laughing is good for the soul.
What is your favorite food?
Seafood and pasta.
What is your favorite band, artist, or music genre?
Everything, but mostly alternative.
What is your favorite book?
I don’t get to read much but when I do, I like crime/mystery/romance novels.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have a very energetic, sweet Shepard/Huskey mix named Piper who keeps me on my toes! We found her at eight weeks old as an abandoned puppy.
Any interesting facts about you?
I thrive being around people who are positive and energetic. I embrace life to the fullest extent and love helping others, especially animals. Do not kill an insect around me! It’s very upsetting to me when any creature is harmed, no matter how big, small or seemingly insignificant. It brings me joy when I’m in a position to help others and mainly seek happiness, positivity and fun.
We want to hear from you!
Interested in being the next employee featured?
Our employee recognition programs are in full swing across our different offices. The Roanoke, VA and Houston, TX offices launched the “Protos Props” program which awards employees for their contributions and hard work.
The Protos Props recipients this month are:
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Julian Austin, Manager of Dispatch Training, Protos
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Hope Ingraham, Senior Service Agent, Protos
Keep up the great work!
Company Anniversaries
The following people celebrated a company anniversary during the second half of 2025. Congratulations on this achievement!
5 Years
- Misty Langmeyer – Off-Duty Officers
- Sergia Johnson – Protos Off-Duty Services
- Alyssa Wilson – Protos
- Anastasia Tarcson – Protos
- Jennifer Heller – Protos
- Kimberly Dupont – Protos Remote Services
- Peter Platten – Protos
- Seattle Weiler – Protos
- Susan Roberts – Protos
- William Batiz – Protos
- Edgar Rolando Rivas – Squad
10 Years
- Abdalmahdi Abdelhadi – Blue Star
- Debra Augustyn – Blue Star
- John Folino – Blue Star
- Miguel Mancha – Blue Star
- Christina DeMaria – Off-Duty Officers
- John Anderson – Off-Duty Officers
- Kris Vece – Protos
- Terry Turner – Protos
- Misty Molin – Squad
25 Years
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Shannon McIlhenny – Protos
Green Out Wednesdays
Congratulations to our December Green Out Wednesday raffle winner!
December winner: Caitlin Coogan, Vendor Relations Manager
About Green Out Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, wear our team color, GREEN, with pride! While green represents the Protos logo, it also symbolizes growth, harmony and balance. By wearing green together, we celebrate our company spirit and our commitment to supporting one another and Protos’ success.
How It Works
Participation is optional. Each Wednesday you wear green and submit a photo you will receive a raffle entry for that week. All entries go toward both a monthly prize drawing and a special year-end prize! The monthly prize is any item from the Protos company store with a $25 limit.
How to Enter: Email your photo to Cathy Padula - cpadula@protossecurity.com.
Let’s have fun, show off our Protos pride and continue building strong connections as a team! Stay tuned for future winner announcements!
Attention: Notice for Expensify Users
Concur invitations were sent out on November 18. Please set up your account and refer to your email for training materials. There is also a training video to reference below. If you still have questions, contact corporatecards@protossecurity.com.
Meeting and Event Updates
Norwalk Office Holiday Party
On December 11, nearly 80 employees came together in the Norwalk office to align on the 2026 strategy, reaffirm our commitment to growth and delivering exceptional service to our clients and celebrate the many accomplishments of 2025. We capped off a great day with a wonderful holiday gathering at the GrayBarns on the Silvermine River; a historic, charming setting along the Silvermine River, where spirits were high and the mood was light.
“It was a rare and welcome opportunity to slow down, connect and enjoy time together. I encourage each of you to take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve achieved this year, and I wish you and your loved ones a joyful, restful holiday season and a strong start to the year ahead.” -Tony Escamilla, Chief Financial Officer
Holiday Spirit at the Redondo Beach Office
The Squad Security team in our Redondo Beach office recently got into the holiday spirit with an ugly Christmas sweater party full of laughs and team bonding. Along with festive sweaters, the team decorated gingerbread houses which only added to the fun. Moments like these are a reminder of our strong company culture and the people who make the hard work worthwhile.
Roanoke Office Holiday Party
The Roanoke office held its holiday celebration at The Train Station, a beautifully restored event venue that blends historic charm with modern elegance. Guests were invited to “step into Roanoke’s historic Railway Station, reimagined as a unique event space that pairs nostalgic charm with modern-day amenities.”
The evening featured an array of delicious hors d'oeuvres and finger foods, offering a variety of flavorful bites enjoyed throughout the event. A highlight of the night was their custom signature cocktail, served in a copper Protos mug – a festive keepsake each guest was able to take home as a party favor.
To add even more excitement to the celebration, they held a series of raffles of prizes and several other fun surprises. The energy and enthusiasm made for an unforgettable evening.
Norwalk Office Winter Clothing Drive
The Norwalk team came together for a Winter Clothing Drive to benefit Person to Person, a local charity serving neighbors in need. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, they collected two huge bins filled with warm outdoor clothing, including jackets, coats and other cold-weather essentials, to help community members stay safe and warm this season.
Scare Hunger Food Drive
The Houston office’s Scare Hunger Food Drive was a big success! They delivered donations to the Houston Food Bank in time for families to receive support for Thanksgiving. To make it extra fun, they turned it into a friendly contest between departments, and Payroll took the win!
Roanoke Office New Hire Meal
This quarter, the Roanoke office hosted a Q3 New Hire Meal, where they invited new team members to connect with one another and engage with upper management in a relaxed, friendly setting. The gathering offered time for conversation, questions and relationship-building, reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines our company culture.
Attendees enjoyed lunch while learning more about each new hire’s background and celebrating the unique strengths they bring to the organization. Protos is excited to welcome these talented individuals and looks forward to their impact in the months ahead!
Veterans Day
This Veterans Day, employees in our Roanoke office recognized and celebrated veterans across the organization who have served the country with honor. Their courage, sacrifice and dedication were acknowledged with gratitude and respect, reflecting the lasting impact of their service both in and out of uniform.
To show appreciation, Protos hosted a BBQ lunch featuring classic comfort favorites. Each veteran also received a commemorative plaque, along with a veteran-themed notebook, pen and pin as small tokens of thanks. As an added treat, veterans were invited to enjoy a Starbucks beverage of their choice.
Protos is proud to honor the veterans within its community and remains thankful for the commitment and sacrifice they represent, not only on Veterans Day, but every day.
Trip Around the World Luncheon
In November, Protos celebrated the diversity of its workplace with the Trip Around the World Luncheon in our Roanoke office – an event centered on culture, connection and shared experiences. The luncheon was designed to recognize the backgrounds, traditions and stories that employees bring to the Protos community.
Team members were invited to contribute a dish representing their heritage or a culture meaningful to them, creating a vibrant spread of homemade favorites and family recipes. The meal sparked conversations about childhood memories, holiday traditions and the unique histories that shape the team.
Protos also supported the celebration by providing a variety of international dishes from local restaurants, featuring flavors from Italy, Mexico, India, Lebanon, Jamaica and Greece. Together, the contributions created a menu that truly brought the world to the table.
Thank you to everyone who brought a dish, participated or helped make the event possible. We look forward to future celebrations that continue to highlight the unique individuals who make the company a great place to work!
Accolades and Appreciation
Blue Star Sponsors the 2025 Illinois Security Professionals Association Awards & Honors Gala
Blue Star Security was honored to sponsor the 2025 Illinois Security Professionals Association Awards & Honors Gala, celebrating excellence across both private and public safety.
We would like to give a huge congratulations to our incredible officers who were recognized for their dedication, professionalism and life-saving actions. We are beyond proud of their commitment to protecting others every single day.
Congratulations to:
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- Danny Allison
- Kevin Coughlin
- Fred Moreno
- Tina Perilli
- Javier Ramones
- Tim Richards
- JR
- Jeff Zlotkowski
Thank you for representing Blue Star with excellence and bravery. We are also grateful for our exceptional administrative and management team, their leadership and support truly make all the difference.
Protos Remote Services Recognition Program: Q3 Monitoring Awards
Protos Remote Services has expanded their recognition program for monitoring employees with weekly, monthly and quarterly awards celebrating performance across a range of criteria. They are excited to share their Q3 Quarterly Award Winners for Monitoring Specialists:
- The Eagle Eye Award: This award is for a specialist who demonstrates exceptional attention to detail by spotting a subtle but critical detail that others might have missed. Winner: Patricia Robinson
- The Pillar of Protos: This award is for a team member who has demonstrated unwavering consistency, reliability and professionalism over a longer period. Winner: Gia Bundle
- The Flawless Watch Award: This award is for a specialist who has a perfect record with no missed alerts or procedural errors for the quarter. Winner: Sheila Dupont
- Peer-to-Peer MVP Award: This system allows team members to anonymously nominate each other for helpfulness, going above and beyond or being a positive influence on the team. Winner: Kimberly Dupont
VENDOR MANAGEMENT
Every month, a vendor is awarded the Protos Security Vendor Partnership Award. Nominees are selected based on a critical look at vendor KPIs and their overall dedication to a mutually beneficial relationship with Protos. The winning vendor will receive a gift card to TopLine Uniforms.
This month’s winner is:
Utica Security Services nominated by Manny Rojas
IT AND INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES
Phish Alert Button (PAB): Your Protective Shield Against Phishing Attacks
The Phish Alert Button (PAB) is an important tool in the fight against cyberattacks. It helps you to report suspicious emails in your inbox as possible phishing attacks and thus contribute to the cybersecurity of your organization.
Spam vs. Phishing: Recognize the Difference
Spam and phishing emails may appear similar at first glance, but they are fundamentally different in their intent and level of danger.
Spam
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- Unwanted advertising, mostly harmless
- Often uses exaggerated advertising language
- Intended to sell products or to attract visitors to a specific website
Phishing
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- Fraudulent messages with the aim of stealing sensitive data
- Uses an urgent or threatening tone
- Requests the disclosure of personal information
Correct Use of the Phish Alert Button
The PAB is your most important tool for reporting suspicious e-mails. Its correct use contributes significantly to the IT security of your organization. Only use the PAB to mark suspicious emails as phishing attempts if you suspect criminal intent. You can simply mark spam messages as spam and then forget about them. You can simply mark spam
messages as spam and then forget about them. However, if you receive a suspicious e-mail, select the PAB without opening any links or attachments. This report alerts your IT department so that they can investigate further.
Safety Tips for Everyday Life
To protect yourself effectively against phishing attacks, it's important to follow a routine when checking your emails. Here's how you can stay safe at work:
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- Carefully check the sender address, greeting and content of every email for inconsistencies
- Be particularly careful with emails that urge you to act quickly
- Do not open any unexpected attachments or links
- If you are unsure, check with our IT department