Covenant Health Security Presents Inaugural L.E.A.D. Award to Deserving Officer

Covenant Health employs a security force including three K-9 officers who are responsible for maintaining a safe environment at our facilities at all times. The security team members ensure the safety of Covenant Health’s member organizations, allowing staff to provide the best care and support possible for patients and families.

Brandon Ingram, director of system security for Covenant Health, takes this responsibility very seriously. He says, “Our mission is to protect life, property and maintain order. We’re doing our best to achieve that mission through robust security training programs and adding layers of security such as bike patrol.”

Recognizing Excellence

Ingram established the Security L.E.A.D. Award in January 2022 and plans to present the award annually to recognize outstanding efforts. L.E.A.D. stands for Leading with Excellence, Accountability and Dedication. The award is designed to recognize any outstanding employee, not just Covenant Health’s security officers, for going above and beyond in the safety and protection of others.

The first recipient of this award is Lieutenant Commander Tyler Harris, security supervisor of Parkwest Medical Center. Lt. Harris was presented this award at a small ceremony with fellow officers in on January 19, 2022, who was humbled and honored to receive the award.

“I’m thrilled to present this award for the first time to our lieutenant, who went above and beyond to fulfill our mission and keep people safe,” says Ingram. “Recently, Lt. Harris diffused a situation that had potential to escalate. This particular incident was one in which the lieutenant acted on instinct and precaution, which turned out to be in everyone’s best interest. We want to provide praise and recognition to that type of A-plus work.”

Harris’s duties include overseeing the daily security operations of the Parkwest Medical Center campus and leading a staff of 12 security officers. The team patrols both the interior and exterior of the buildings and answers calls for assistance any time of the day or night.

Mindset of Safety

“In our field, you never know who you’re dealing with,” says Ingram. “Because of our training, we are always cognizant of how people are interacting. We approach every scenario from a position of safety first. Lt. Harris serves as an Army sergeant in the National Guard, so having a military background contributes to his keen sense of his surroundings.”

“We have a vision for the safety of our employees. It’s our job to ensure hospital staff members have a safe environment to provide the best care possible for their patients,” Ingram says. “Our security officers also help people navigate directions, escort them to their cars and even help by grabbing a blanket or extra water for a patient. They are here to serve, and we’re trained to protect.” He notes that patients and visitors can avoid the added stress of worrying about safety when they come to Covenant Health facilities. “We maintain our presence to ensure they feel protected,” he says.

His advice to employees, patients and visitors? If you see something, say something. If the situation you are in doesn’t “feel right,” back away, call for assistance, and let us be involved in your protection.