National Security Technician Day: Embracing Challenges for 13 Years and Counting
There’s no job too big or too complicated for Ryan Huyler, field superintendent for commercial security at South Western Communications.
Contributed photo
Today marks the second annual National Security Technician Day, a celebration started last year by the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) to honor the unsung heroes in the security industry who help those who get the headlines and work in the corner offices be even more successful.
To mark the occasion, we continue our ongoing series of Q&A’s with some of those behind-the-scenes folks who really make the sector hum. Let’s get to know Ryan Huyler, 34, field superintendent for commercial security at South Western Communications, a little better on this special day for all of us.
What’s one installation that made you particularly proud?
One install that really sticks with me is the Radius building, formerly known as the Lifeway building. There were so many different aspects of the project, from access control, turnstiles, vehicle gates, intercoms, cameras and guard stations.
The access control and turnstiles were fully integrated with the elevator controls so when you read on the reader on the turnstile, it would grant access, call the elevator and automatically select the correct floor for the employee.
We had so many hours on programming and testing and working with other vendors and systems to get all the pieces to function correctly together. The challenge making large integrated systems work together is one of the aspects that I enjoy about the job and honestly the constant changes happening in the industry from new systems or added technology.
How did you get into the security industry? What’s your favorite part of being a security technician?
I got into the industry 13 years ago from a friend who was a project manager of a company in California doing automated gated communities. The reason I love the industry is it constant changes and the new systems that come out that I get to learn.
I’m currently in a position that I get to teach up and coming technicians and pass along all the knowledge that I’ve gained and this is probably the part that I enjoy most.
If you know a security technician who deserves to be recognized for their work, please contact web editor Craig MacCormack at [email protected]. Just because National Security Technician Day only comes once a year, that doesn’t mean we can’t recognize security technicians all year.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
About the Author
D. Craig MacCormack, Web Editor
Craig MacCormack is a veteran journalist who joined Security Sales & Integration in June 2023 as web editor. He covered AV, IT and security with SSI's sister publication, Commercial Integrator, from January 2011 to June 2021.
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
