Valor Award, Life Saving Award,
2026 Security Officer of the Year Award and
2026 Al Howenstein Lifetime Achievement Award
Valor Award
The CALSAGA Valor Award is reserved for those who demonstrate extraordinary judgment and performance of his/her duties during an emergency. The event should be one where the Officer is putting their own life in danger.
Life Saving Award
The CALSAGA Life Saving Award is reserved for those who saved the life of another person.
Security Officer of the Year Award
The inaugural CALSAGA Security Officer of the Year Award was presented at the Annual Conference in 2012. The award is given to an officer who, during the year, has either performed a heroic act involving circumstances where the officer risked his or her life to save another person, or the officer performed a routine task in an exemplary manner. The award winner for the Security Officer of the Year will be taken from the applications for both the Valor Award and Life Saving Award.
Al Howenstein Lifetime Achievement Award
The Al Howenstein Lifetime Achievement Award (AHLAA) was originally presented at our Annual Conference in 2008 to Al Howenstein, a founding member of CALSAGA and tireless industry ambassador. Mr. Howenstein – the Award namesake – has dedicated his career to advocating on behalf of the private security industry and has played a key role in forging relationships between CALSAGA and other key influencers in the private security industry, the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services and members of the California Legislature.
Application Process for Valor, Life Saving and Security Officer of the Year
To nominate an individual (or yourself) for this award, please submit a nomination form by September 9, 2026 (by 5:00pm), in accordance with the criteria listed below and on the nomination form. Nominations should detail specific actions taken in the previous year, as opposed to over their career.
Criteria for Valor, Life Saving and Security Officer of the Year
Successful candidate will have exhibited some, or all, of the following:
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Has performed in a superior or heroic manner while on duty during the year and, in doing so, has exceeded expectations of training and post orders.
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Must be an employee of a CALSAGA PPO or PSE Member Company in good standing with the association. The nominee must also have a valid guard card or PSO registration and any additional BSIS approved licensing to have achieved the act that they are being nominated for (i.e. baton license, firearm permit etc.).
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Should possess on the job initiative, industry leadership and an overall commitment to the private security field in California.
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Should set an example for his/her colleagues by presenting a strong work ethic and high moral character.
How to Nominate for Valor, Life Saving and Security Officer of the Year
Email to nominations@calsaga.org the following information along with details regarding the officer’s actions supporting the nomination no later than 5:00pm on September 9, 2026.
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Your name, company, title and contact information
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Nominee name and contact information (please ensure that the spelling of the nominee’s name is correct).
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Detailed information on event or event(s) leading to nomination
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Attach any supporting documentation (achievements, articles, reports).
Criteria for Al Howenstein Lifetime Achievement Award
Successful candidate will have exhibited some, or all, of the following:
- Demonstrated experience in the security industry
- Has been instrumental in professionalizing the private security industry (including training, background checks and education of security officers)
- Has actively participated as a respected leader in volunteer security organizations, such as CALSAGA, ASIS or any other related organization
- Has played a key role in increasing the prestige and credibility of the private security industry as perceived by the public.
- Has played a key role in bridging relationships between the public and private sectors
- Has assisted in legislation, lobbying efforts, and overall benefits to the best of the private security industry
- Has forged a relationship with the BSIS, while representing the security industry’s interests at all times
How to Nominate for Al Howenstein Lifetime Achievement Award
Email to nominations@calsaga.org the following information as well as detailed information pursuant to the criteria in the section above no later than 5:00pm on September 9, 2026..
- Your name, phone number and email
- Name and contact information of nominee Criteria for nomination
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Attach any supporting documentation (achievements, articles, reports)