GardaWorld Security – U.S. is proud to share that Officer James Showalter has been named a 2025 Global Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) winner!
The OSPAs recognize and reward excellence across the security industry, highlighting individuals, teams, and companies that go above and beyond. This year marked the first-ever Global OSPAs, where top security professionals from 48 countries - already recognized as the best in their regions - competed for this prestigious honor.
From best in the country, to best in the world
James advanced to the Global OSPAs after earning the 2024 U.S. OSPA for Outstanding Security Officer, a recognition he received for his exceptional service and leadership at Transamerica’s busiest Cedar Rapids site, where he has served as a security officer since December 2021. His role involves ensuring the safety and security of employees, contractors, and visitors, as well as managing emergency situations with precision and care.
Pictured left to right: Brian Ridenour, Security Project Manager at Transamerica; Luke Hutsell, Regional Vice President - Midwest; Brian Michalski, Area Vice President - Iowa/Nebraska; Officer James Showalter holding his 2024 U.S. OSPA for Outstanding Security Officer; Ontario, Strategic Account Manager for Transamerica - Cedar Rapids; and Carrie McVey, Supervisor/Training Supervisor for Transamerica - Cedar Rapids
Brian Ridenour, Security Project Manager at Transamerica, shared: "James is one of the officers we trust the most. His background and knowledge of the account mean that he understands how all the pieces fit together, and he can make educated judgment calls for out-of-the-ordinary situations. He has also demonstrated that he can be calm and collected in a crisis, falling back on his training, and doing what needs to be done.”
Brian went on to highlight the impact James has on a daily basis: “The shift James works is also one of our most visible, and his personality meshes well with our culture. He has proven to be quite popular with our employees, executives, and the rest of the security team. I’m extremely happy to have James working for us, and it is a pleasure to greet him when I come into the office."
James’ U.S. OSPA nomination detailed his quick and calm emergency responses, including saving a heart attack victim’s life - an act that earned praise from emergency services and hospital staff. Michael Swore, the CSM for Cedar Rapids, Iowa, shared: "James responds to medical emergencies in his area without hesitation. As an officer manning the front desk of a large campus, his ability to remain calm under pressure is a key strength. We never have to worry about how he will react to any incident.”
Beyond critical situations, James brings the same level of dedication and professionalism to every aspect of his role, even assisting employees off the clock when needed.
Michael also spoke to James’ exceptional approach to service, adding: “James has customer service skills that are outstanding. He cares about everyone that he encounters. James does not just do what he is supposed to do. He does everything that he can think of for Transamerica. Out of the 150+ officers that work for my clients, James stands out due to his level of service to the client, visitors, fellow officers, and GardaWorld.”
Honoring James at the 2024 Lion Awards ceremony
James was recognized for both his U.S. and Global OSPA during the 2024 Lion Awards in St. Louis where Prentice Robertson, President and Chief Operating Officer, shared: “Providing best-in-class security services starts with our people, and I am honored to work alongside Officer James Showalter and recognize him for these well-earned achievements. He embodies what it means to be a GardaWorld Ambassador, demonstrating extraordinary commitment to service, our culture, and our values - striving to go above and beyond every day for the clients whose people, property, and assets we are trusted to protect.”
An award-winning security career at GardaWorld
Prior to the OSPAs, James’ commitment to excellence certainly has not gone unnoticed. His exceptional leadership qualities, enthusiasm, initiative, and daily commitment to his role have resulted in numerous other accolades and recognition within GardaWorld Security.
In March of 2023, James was recognized as GardaWorld Security’s Officer of the Month for the Iowa/Nebraska branch for his life-saving support during a major medical incident, when he responded to a critical medical emergency involving a Transamerica employee who suffered a major heart attack and stroke at work.
Drawing on his training and expertise, James revived the individual with two chest compressions. This quick and effective response garnered praise from both responding emergency services and medical doctors at the hospital, highlighting James' ability to handle high-pressure situations calmly and competently.
Several months later, James again demonstrated his commitment to safety through his handling of another emergency. While preparing food in the kitchen, a contractor lost consciousness after striking her head on the stove and suffering heavy blood loss. James followed proper blood-borne pathogen guidelines to clean and bandage the wound. He stayed with the contractor until emergency services arrived, ensuring her safety and well-being.
The Iowa/Nebraska branch later awarded James with 2023 Officer of the Year for his heroic actions.
James went on to win the 2023 Central Region Officer of the Year, due to his invaluable contributions to the security department at Transamerica’s Cedar Rapids site, where he has excelled in both life-threatening and non-emergency situations. Wrapping up his record year, James was honored as GardaWorld Security’s 2023 National Officer of the Year.
James has additionally been honored with GardaWorld Security’s Making a Difference award for taking the initiative to work an extra “Fire Watch” shift, putting Transamerica’s needs first.
"From reviving a traveling executive, to stopping several bleeds and even being struck by lightning in the mobile patrol car, I was voted the best security officer in the world and I am proud to work for GardaWorld Security - U.S.”
Reflecting on his storied career so far, James shared the following:
“I came to GardaWorld Security in 2021 as a veteran with experience in the health care industry. In 2025 I was entered into the first-ever Global OSPAs and won … forty-eight countries and 60 million entrants … and I won. The year that led to these awards felt like the Twilight Zone. From reviving a traveling executive, to stopping several bleeds and even being struck by lightning in the mobile patrol car, I was voted the best security officer in the world and I am proud to work for GardaWorld Security - U.S.”
From all of us at GardaWorld Security, congratulations again to James for your award-winning service as a security professional - from best in the country, to best in the world!
Learn more about the U.S. OSPAs here and the Global OSPAs here.
