G4S Security Officer Receives Award for Rescue

A G4S security officer has been recognized for his role in saving the life of a woman who was trapped in a submerged car

A G4S security officer has been awarded the industry honor in the state of Florida for his role in saving the life of a woman who was trapped in a car submerged in the water near I-95 in South Florida.

Ryan Haase, who is a G4S Custom Protection Officer ®, was presented with the John M. Russi Award, from the Florida Association of Security Companies, (FASCO) on December 8, 2011, in Tallahassee.

“CPO Haase is a brave and dedicated security officer,” said Drew Levine, President, G4S Secure Solutions USA. “We are honored to have him as part of our team. The recognition from other industry professionals in the state of Florida shows how much his efforts are valued.”

Each year, FASCO presents the John M. Russi Award to a licensed security professional who has performed their services in an exemplary manner displaying both valor and dedication to the industry

CPO Haase is credited with saving the life of Henriette Saintvil, 25, who was trapped in a car that plunged into a lake after a crash on I-95 near Deerfield Beach. Haase was driving to work in Fort Lauderdale when he witnessed the accident which sent the car Saintvil was driving through a chain link fence and into the water.

CPO Haase pulled his car off the road, ran to the water and dove into the lake in an effort to rescue the woman who was trapped inside. While underwater, CPO Haase tried unsuccessfully to open the vehicle doors. Luckily, another motorist had also stopped and brought CPO Haase a hammer, which he then used to smash the left rear window of the submerged vehicle.

CPO Haase pulled the woman to safety through the smashed window. Other than receiving a few minor scratches, the woman was not injured in the accident. The Florida Highway Patrol charged the driver of another car with causing the accident.

“At the time of the incident, I was working on instinct and adrenaline, said Haase. I’m just glad no one was hurt. This award from FASCO is truly an honor.”

In recognition of CPO Haase's selfless act of bravery, he also received the rare Exceptional Valor Award from G4S on August 31, 2011.

The Russi Award was established to honor former Florida Division of Licensing Director John M. Russi, whose years of public service were exemplified by a continuous display of professionalism, integrity and courage. Director Russi's contributions toward the professionalism of Florida's Security Industry are widely recognized by all.

Contact details

• Lew Pincus (Director of Marketing and Communications): (800) 275-8305

About G4S

About G4S North America
G4S Secure Solutions is the world's leading international security solutions group, providing a full slate of security services and technology to corporate, industrial and government organizations. The company's offerings include armed guards, background investigations, program development, security consulting and technology solutions. G4S also provides fire and rescue services, as well as specialized security for airports, nuclear power plants and U.S. embassies.

For more information visit: www.g4s.com/us.