Private Bodyguards For Hire
Need For Extra Security Heightened After 9/11
Skitterish exeuctives and others hire private bodyguards for extra protection after 9/11
Protecting business executives and their families requires a sixth sense acquired through years of police and/or military training, according to Jack Shimko, owner of Charles Services, Inc. in Kalamazoo and its subsidiary, D&R Security, Inc. in Grand Rapids.
“You have to be on your toes all the time. You have to be aware of your surroundings and notice things that look out of place - ordinary things someone who hasn’t been properly trained might overlook,” said Shimko who oversees 380 employees divided fairly equally between the two locations.
Shimko, who minored in criminal justice in college, said 87 percent of his employees are former military personnel or law enforcement officers certified to carry weapons. In addition to providing uniformed commercial and industrial security services, both branches also offer personal protection for business executives, especially while they are traveling.
“If they’re coming into an environment they’re not familiar with, they may feel more comfortable having a local person escort them – someone who knows the area and can also ensure their protection,” said Shimko.
Fees are charged hourly and whether or not the escort wears a uniform depends on the situation and the needs of the client, he said.
“If there is a contract being negotiated that could trigger some hot points with some groups, having security standing by in uniform may be something they want, but that’s not an every day call. As often as not we simply meet clients in a suit because they want that kind of laid-back environment.”
Robert Feldt, owner of Colonial Protection, Inc. in Hudsonville said his business has grown 25 percent since 9/11.
“Corporate executives and other people who are well-to-do are more concerned now than ever before that they may be prime targets for kidnapping or other kinds of attacks,” said Feldt.
An Army Special Forces veteran and former Newago County police officer, Feldt oversees a staff of 10, all men and all former military personnel.
They’re highly skilled, each with a minimum of four years in the military. We’ve got ex-Army Rangers, Navy Seals and a couple of Marine Corps Recons,” said Feldt.
“Liability issues and inexperience keep a lot of people away from providing this type of service,” he said.
“We have a uniformed division that provides security for housing projects, motels, hotels and gas stations, but we also offer a plain-clothes professional bodyguard service for private individuals.
“We might accompany people to court or be there for other situations where we might have to protect them from other individuals. We can provide protection 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Feldt said.
Giving people a sense of security is rewarding to someone who has built a career on serving others, Feldt said.
“You’re doing something worthwhile and you can see the result of your work. When you can make people feel safe, they’re satisfied and they let you know it and they let others know it.”
