The San Diego Harbor Police Foundation (SDHPF), a recognized 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winner, has announced the addition of Dr. Kathleen L. Kiernan to its board of directors.
A 29-year veteran of Federal Law Enforcement, Dr. Kiernan is a recognized expert in strategic thinking, strategy development, anomalous behavior detection, and facilitating critical incident management exercises across government and private sector organizations.
Dr. Kiernan currently serves as the President of NEC National Security Systems (NSS), a subsidiary of NEC Corporation of America.
“We are honored to have Dr. Kiernan join our board of directors,” expressed Jeff Wohler, President, and CEO of the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation.
“Her experience on a national platform will allow us to broaden our reach, specifically in the areas of human trafficking and officer wellness.”
The San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, founded in 2018, provides funding and support for officers with the Port of San Diego Harbor Police, which was recognized for Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program.
In addition, it has adopted a downtown San Diego public school where nearly 40% of students are homeless. SDHPF has implemented numerous programs addressing reading comprehension and mathematics while providing emotional support.
Volunteer officers regularly engage with K-8th graders to build positive relationships. SDHPF’s third mission is to raise awareness of human trafficking, and its work includes creating online training for employees in San Diego’s tourism industry.
“I am honored by the opportunity to join the SDHPF board and contribute to their selfless work, which truly impacts generations of families and supports those protecting and serving society,” said Dr. Kiernan.
“There is no greater privilege.”
As President of NEC NSS, Dr. Kiernan is responsible for the design and implementation of an identity management eco-system, including world-class multi-modal biometrics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and computer vision applications for federal government agencies in defense, intelligence, law enforcement, and homeland security agencies.
As part of NEC’S commitment to orchestrate a brighter world, Dr. Kiernan is engaged in the global effort to end human trafficking and homelessness.
She is the recipient of numerous awards, including an American Security Today Platinum ‘ASTORS’ Award for Best Educational Program in Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Community Enrichment from 2017 through 2022, and the recipient of the Private Sector Innovator & Leadership Person of the Year award in 2021.
(Dr. Kiernan is a pracademic, career practitioner backed by academic rigor focused on building and delivering capabilities to orchestrate a brighter and safer world. Courtesy of IQ PODCASTS and YouTube. Posted on Oct 27, 2022.)
Chair Emeritus of InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA), Dr. Kiernan is a graduate of the FBI Executive Institute, an Advisory Board Member for the Center for Advanced Red Teaming (CART) at SUNY, Albany, and an active member of the Business Executives for National Security (BENS), the International Women’s Forum and the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS International).
Dr. Kiernan holds a Doctor of Education from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Arts Degree in International Transaction from George Mason University, and a Master of Science from the National Defense University.
“We have the greatest respect for Dr. Kiernan and her decades of executing innovative ideas and strategies,” added Wohler.
“She’s joining a strong team and will help us impact our community and officers.”
To learn more about the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, please visit www.sdharborpolicefoundation.org.
San Diego Harbor Police Honored in 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards
American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now entering it’s Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.
San Diego Harbor Police
Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response
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Readiness is the key element that sets the Port of San Diego Harbor Police officers apart.
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The unique security requirements around San Diego Bay include aviation and maritime safety in addition to traditional policing.
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Whatever the situation, whatever the threat, San Diego Harbor Police are ready to respond. This sense of being “At the Ready” communicates the ever-present, round-the-clock commitment that Harbor Police have to the San Diego Bay community and visitors in their care.
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Cross-trained to prevent crime on the waterfront – and fight fires on the water, the Port of San Diego Harbor Police protect the safety of San Diego Bay, whether it’s keeping travelers safe at the airport, managing an underwater crime scene, or partnering with their community, Harbor Police are at the ready.
(Learn More about the SDHP by meeting Officer Townsend celebrating Women’s History Month 2022, by watching this brief video to find out why she became a police officer. Courtesy of the Port of San Diego Harbor Police and YouTube.)
Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.
These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.
Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.
The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Luncheon Banquet, an exclusive, full-course plated meal event, in the heart of New York City.
This year’s exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines, and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force, to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.
The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program emphasized the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2022, as well as the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders.
The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.
The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.
AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke, as always, about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.
New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.
FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with a special recognition of those lost on 9/11.
Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.
As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is in the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer and sworn and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.
Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis,’ thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors.
The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was Proudly Sponsored by NEC National Security Systems (NSS), ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America, guardDog AI, Fortior Solutions, IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, and SIMS Software!
We were pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police, as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).
The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
In 2022 over 240 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields.
Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), and the ASIS NYC Expo.
ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.
Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:
Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLC, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, just to name a few!
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, which is essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels as well as from private firms allied to the government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to a large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Be On the LookOut for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.
It will serve as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2022 Products and Services’ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – to name a few), the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION will have what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It will also include featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
A complete list of 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners will be announced shortly.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
