Foundation for Advancing Security Talent Announces 2025 Security Technician of the Year Award Winners

DALLAS, Texas—The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) has named 10 winners for the 2025 Security Technician of the Year Awards. Now in its third year, this prestigious awards program highlights the critical role that security technicians play within the industry, celebrating their excellence in the meticulous design, installation and maintenance of security systems that safeguard our communities.

Security technicians are the unsung heroes on the front lines of safety, whose dedication and expertise help ensure that our homes, workplaces and national infrastructure remain secure. Recognizing these professionals is not just an acknowledgment of their tireless efforts but a testament to their pivotal role in advancing the security industry.

This year’s winners are standout examples of commitment and leadership, who have each demonstrated exceptional customer service, technological proficiency and professional integrity.

The 2025 Security Technician of the Year awardees are:

• John Aquino, scDataCom
• Jose Ayala, M.C. Dean
• Ruben Cuevas, Preferred Technologies
• Michael Daughraty, Siemens
• Andrew Kowitt, Grid Squared Systems
• Kenneth Meyers, Convergint Technologies
• Mitch Nelson, Eastern Security Services
• Dikul Patel, Convergint Technologies
• Zach Patterson, Owen Security Solutions
• Damon Rogers, Everon

“The 2025 Security Technician of the Year Awards shine a spotlight on the skilled professionals who form the backbone of our industry. Too often, technicians work behind the scenes without the recognition they deserve, yet they are the ones who ensure that the technologies and solutions we deliver actually protect people, property and communities,” said FAST Board of Directors Chair John Nemerofsky. “These men and women don’t just maintain systems—they safeguard lives, protect assets and drive innovation day in and day out. Their expertise, adaptability and problem-solving skills are what keep our clients safe and our industry moving forward. It is an honor for FAST to celebrate their extraordinary contributions, inspire the next generation of talent and reinforce the importance of investing in the growth and development of the security workforce.”

As an initiative of the Security Industry Association (SIA) and the Electronic Security Association (ESA), FAST is proud to bring the industry together to celebrate these outstanding awardees. FAST invites security companies and professionals to celebrate their achievements at the Security Technician of the Year Awards ceremony, which will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 4:00 p.m. EST on the Bridge Stage during ISC East 2025.

Learn more about the FAST Security Technician of the Year Awards here.

FAST is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization promoting careers in the physical security technology and life safety industry. Created in 2020 through a partnership of SIA and ESA— the industry’s leading associations—FAST connects passionate, innovative professionals with new opportunities in electronic security and life safety. The foundation brings awareness to the career advancement opportunities within the fast-paced technology industry that serves to keep people, places and property safe. Each year, FAST leads National Security Technician Day, held Jan. 23 annually and acknowledging and celebrating the invaluable contributions of security technicians.

FAST’s school and outreach programs, research and resources are funded by individual and organizational donations. You can donate to FAST here. Learn more about getting involved with FAST activities on the Partner With FAST page.

About FAST

The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) is a 501(c)(3) organization that connects individuals with meaningful careers in the physical security and life safety industry. Created by the Electronic Security Association and the Security Industry Association, FAST helps students, job seekers and career changers learn about the industry, build skills and access real opportunities. FAST works with employers, partners and supporters to grow awareness, expand access to training and develop the workforce the industry needs.

About SIA

SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,600 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As the premier sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry’s top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.

About ESA

Established in 1948, ESA is the largest trade association in the United States representing the electronic security and life safety industry. Member companies install, integrate and monitor intrusion and fire detection, video surveillance and electronic access control systems for commercial, residential, industrial and governmental clients. ESA provides technical and management training, government advocacy and delivers information, advice, tools and services that members use to grow their businesses and prosper. Together, ESA member companies employ more than 500,000 industry professionals and serve more than 34 million residential and commercial clients.