National Security Technician Day 2024: High School Elective Sparks Career in Security
Eastern Security Systems lead technician Dave Fake first got exposed to what would become his career in high school electronics class.
Contributed photo
We’re continuing our ongoing series on the unsung security industry heroes who are on the front lines of every system installation and integration with Dave Fake, 48, lead technician for Eastern Security Services, a veteran of more than two decades in the sector.
We will continue telling these stories before and after the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) celebrates the second annual National Security Technician Day on Jan. 23.
What’s one installation that made you particularly proud?
One of the most memorable Installations was a Vesda fire system in a state park museum that was a grain mill in the 1800s that has no heat with the exception of one room for the controls. From design and implementation to maintaining and servicing for years afterwards.
One of my running jokes about this install was that I have actually installed a smoke detector outside in Central New York. It was a sample point in the Vesda system under a deck in the building.
How did you get into the security industry? What’s your favorite part of being a security technician?
I touched on the electronics back in high school when I took an elective electricity/electronics course that sparked my interest in the electronics field. For a final project, I built an infrared transmitter and receiver with a sounder intended to monitor door position and the interest always stuck.
I took several courses in college to continue my learning in general electronics. After college was a year and a half in the telecommunications industry, where I installed a couple fire alarm systems and an Ademco system or two before landing at Eastern Security in 2001.
If you know a security technician who deserves to be recognized for their work before or after FAST’s National Security Technician Day celebration, please contact web editor Craig MacCormack at [email protected].
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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.
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I am glad to see this article, which is correct. All you need in any type of technology career is to take basic electronics. You need to understand the foundation of matter, which is the atom and how it works; and then the rest is just for you to imagine.