LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --
Senior Airman Isaac L. W. Saul, 47th Security Forces Squadron resource protection and electronic security systems manager, was chosen by wing leadership to be this week’s “XLer,” July 12.
The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Michelle Pryor, 47th Flying Training Wing vice wing commander, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit, and Laughlin mission.
Saul’s expertise in fire alarms and security systems is a set of skills that U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. CruzBarbosa, 47th Security Forces installation security supervisor, believes sets Saul apart from his peers and keeps Laughlin safe.
“Saul deals with everything related to cameras and monitoring,” said CruzBarbosa. “If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t know what goes on around base. Visuals are everything in this job.”
Saul authored procedures for access to restricted areas and precautions to disabling alarms by developing an authentication system for security systems specialists. His plan corrected a three year shortcoming of compliance with AFI and further protects Laughlin’s personnel and assets.
“We want people to be safe,” said Saul. The alarms consistently run, so I developed new procedures that require a call to Security Forces and an unlock code to access the alarms. That way, unauthorized people aren’t getting into restricted areas.”
Part of his work with the alarms was creating an authentication matrix linked to establishing Laughlin’s first ever Alarm Working Group, which brought base personnel and community partners together to schedule and plan out the $25 million project.
“It’s the authentication system that is used to make sure those who are supposed to be working with the alarm are who they say they are,” said Saul.
To increase the security for personnel on base, Saul briefed the 47th Civil Engineering Squadron on plans to provide business pass security measures for commercial deliveries on base, and the benefits of installing cameras at the unaccompanied Airmen dormitories.
“Civil Engineering [asked] how they could set up the cameras from a security aspect, so I helped brief them and their commanders on how it could be done appropriately,” said Saul.
Saul, in conjunction with base safety and coworkers in security forces, led the security planning for last May’s “Adventure Race”. His coordination and leadership ensured the safety of over 200 participants during the off-base event.
“We coordinated with the Del Rio Police Department and Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office to provide safety and security for everybody once they were out of the gate and on the streets,” said Saul. “They were very receptive and very helpful during the event as well.”
For his efforts in authoring alarm access procedures, creating the alarm working group, briefing officials on security projects, and coordinating security for the Adventure Race, Saul was awarded this week’s “XLer” award.