Twenty Years Later: Honoring a Lifesaving Security Officer
Twenty years ago, during a packed San Diego Chargers game at Qualcomm Stadium, security supervisor Gary Mihalko found himself in the right place at the right time—an instant that would change both a fan’s life and his own.
In 2005, while supervising the View Level for Elite Show Services, Gary responded to a frantic call from a teenage boy whose grandfather had stopped breathing in the stands. Drawing on his experience as a former paramedic and Navy medical representative, Gary sprang into action. With the help of nearby fans who helped move the man down the crowded section, Gary performed CPR alongside an off-duty fireman. Their combined efforts, including multiple rounds of CPR and defibrillation, revived the man, who later left the hospital alive and well.
For his bravery and quick thinking, Gary was named CALSAGA’s Officer of the Year in 2005—an honor he still holds with pride. “As I look back on receiving the first ever CALSAGA Security Guard of the Year award, I feel honored and special because we set a high standard for Elite Security,” he shared. His actions became a lasting example of the professionalism, training, and courage that define the private security industry.
Two decades later, Gary has forged a remarkable career in medicine and now serves as a cardiologist. Yet despite the demands of his profession, he still takes occasional security shifts—an enduring testament to his commitment to service and community. “Elite’s mission to keep people and property safe aligns with my own principles,” Gary said. “The relationships with management and other personnel make it meaningful to stay connected.”
Whether in a stadium or a hospital, Gary sees a shared purpose between the two worlds: “It’s about keeping individuals safe, secure, and in good spirit so they can enjoy life to the fullest.”
Gary’s story reminds us that security professionals do more than enforce rules—they save lives, inspire trust, and leave a lasting impact, sometimes decades in the making.
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