2008 First Line of Defense Award

Brink’s Home Security Receives NBFAA First Line of Defense Award

On May 7, 2007, Julie Bender of Orlando, Fla., spent her morning at gunpoint while Brink’s monitoring operator, Dianne Robinson, worked quickly to speed police to Julie’s home. 

Receiving a panic signal from Julie but getting no response when she placed a return call, operator Dianne Robinson immediately requested a dispatch from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.  Police arrived within minutes of the request and began negotiations with the assailant, Julie’s ex-boyfriend. Eventually, Julie was released and the ex-boyfriend ended the hours-long standoff by shooting himself. 

Because of their rapid response, Brink’s Home Security was awarded the First Line of Defense Award by the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA). The First Line of Defense Award is presented annually by NBFAA to the company that goes above and beyond the call of duty to save lives and property. 

“The quick action of Julie in hitting the panic button, and our operator in working with the police, were critical in saving Julie's life. The fast response by the police made the difference in an extremely dangerous situation that in an instant could have turned out more tragically,” said Carole Vanyo, Brink’s Home Security Senior Vice President of Customer Operations.

NBFAA congratulates Brink’s, Dianne Robinson and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for their roles in saving Julie’s life. As winners of the First Line of Defense Award, Brink’s representatives received an expense-paid trip to the 2008 Electronic Security Expo where they were presented with their award and met an emotional Julie Bender face-to-face. Brink’s will also receive a local media campaign facilitated by NBFAA.

To apply for the 2009 First Line of Defense Award please click here.