And Superior Protection Professionals Security Agency Stands out from the Crowd[COMMUNICATED INTERVIEW]
In recent years our country has seen an outbreak of horrific attacks on locations such as schools, synagogues, churches, movie theaters, shopping centers, and other locations considered “soft targets”. This can be attributed to many things, but some that stand out are drugs, the internet, video games, and unfortunately an increase in anti-Semitic rhetoric. With people being targeted for death because of their religion, beliefs, color, ethnicity, or any other reason the need for armed security has become all that more necessary. The latest synagogue shooting in Germany was a glaring example as to why armed security is necessary. Although there was still a loss of life, the shooter was prevented from committing a mass killing by the armed guards at the main entrance.
As a result of this inescapable, urgent need for additional security, Superior Protection Professionals armed security agency was formed specifically to focus on these extremely vulnerable “soft targets”. We’ve been hearing rave reviews about this company from the Orthodox community so we reached out to the owner Kelly Conklin, who is a retired Toms River police officer, to see what makes his company stand out from the rest. We had the opportunity to sit with him and ask him some questions. At the end of the interview it was clear to us why Superior Protection Professionals is in such demand.
TLS: Hi Mr. Conklin. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to sit down with us. We have been hearing a lot about how your guards are so much more professional and more well trained than other security companies, so we wanted to hear from you exactly what makes you and your company stand out from the rest. Let’s start with how long your company has been in business and why did you start your company?
Kelly: Thank you for the opportunity to sit down with you. I very much appreciate it. In recent years it seems mass shootings have dominated the news coverage. Unfortunately common targets of these shootings have been what are called “soft targets” such as schools, synagogues, weddings, bar mitzvah’s, and bat mitzvah’s. So, over the last couple years I felt I needed to do something to help secure these facilities and hopefully prevent further tragedies.
Back in the Spring of this year I decided to form Superior Protection Professionals and employ all retired police officers, state troopers and federal law enforcement agents. I wanted to make sure that every SPP guard we hire is highly trained, highly skilled, and highly capable professionals. Also, and extremely important, EVERY one of my guards CARES!
TLS: We have been hearing so much about your guards being so much “different” then guards from other companies so tell us why that is.
Kelly: I wanted to make sure if I was going to start my company I was going to do it right. I wanted to deliver the very best product to our customers to ensure that in the event one of these shooters decides to target one of our locations, my guards, who are extremely well trained and highly capable professionals, are able to neutralize any threat that presents itself therefore protecting many innocent lives. It’s all about keeping the good people safe from the bad people with the best possible personnel. And, again, all my guards CARE!
TLS: We often see locations have unarmed guards. We can’t figure out why they don’t have guards that are armed so can you shed some light on that for us?
Kelly: Let me start by saying that I respect anyone who is put in a position to protect innocent people, period. That being said, I want to make sure that any guard put in that position is capable, and qualified, to repel or neutralize any attack. Unarmed guards are not capable of preventing an armed attacker from carrying out their mission, which is as much destruction and death as possible. One way I can put it, which is pretty blunt but it is what it is, is if something horrible were to happen, the person who was in charge of the safety of the students, congregants, staff, guests, or visitors of their facility or event needs to ask themselves if they did everything possible to prevent the tragedy. If they didn’t have ARMED guards on site then the answer is NO. Unarmed guards are cheaper than armed guards, but the price of lost lives FAR exceeds any dollar amount spent on qualified armed guards. Security is NOT one of those places you look at to cut costs!
TLS: You seem very passionate about your mission to protect innocent lives. Where does this passion come from?
Kelly: I have an innate passion for keeping good, innocent people safe from those looking to inflict harm. Although we offer protective services of all kinds, we are highly focused on schools and synagogues. For example, I recently stopped by a school and the children, without hesitation, opened the UNLOCKED door for me and directed me to the principal’s office. I told the kids that “I’m a stranger to them so please go get an adult while I wait outside”. Had I been someone intending to cause harm to those young children the result could have been catastrophic. My point here is these kids were NOT taught to NOT open the door! The staff was NOT taught to keep entry doors secured! And, if there was a real shooter there was NO ONE to stop the attack! In other words, NO armed guard. In today’s world ARMED guards are necessary, period!. Now, had my company been tasked with securing that facility we would have had the students and staff educated on safety procedures, and had a guard on site to deter, or neutralize any threat.
The “old school” way of thinking “it always happens to the other guy” needs to be updated. Think about it, YOU are the “other guy” to that “other guy”!
TLS: That’s a great point Kelly! Now we can see why your company is in such demand. How can you be reached?
Kelly: I can be reached on my cell at 908-783-1939 or by email at [email protected]. I am available any day of the week, anytime, to sit down and discuss security. Thank you for the opportunity for this interview:
TLS: We also had an opportunity to hear from some Rabbi’s that SPP provides security for and this is what they had to say:
“I’ve used SPP for the past couple months, and can attest that indeed, their name serve its purpose, truly superior professional protection. From the first site visit, Kelly was able to asses the area and pointed to several areas of potential penetration. Throughout the services, Kelly and his team are always on high alert, scouting the area and keeping their eyes out for potential threats. When hiring SPP, we feel protected knowing that the security aspect of our venues are properly taken care of. Nevertheless, SPP personnel are courteous, respectful and understanding of vulnerabilities that require security. And, I get countless comments how everyone now feels very safe during services and they don’t have any worries anymore. They are a permanent part of our services now. I very highly recommend SPP.”
Rabbi Moshe Rotberg
“I highly recommend Superior Protection Professionals. Kelly Conklin provided the highest level security for our Chabad synagogue, ensuring a safe environment for our entire community. Kelly went above and beyond, doing perimeter checks, screening and safety observation, all with a smile and friendly attitude. Whenever I need quality protection I know who to call.”
Rabbi Moshe Carlebach, Chabad of Greater Monmouth County