George P. Gunning passed away on February 14, 2019, leaving behind a tremendous legacy in the electronic security and life safety industry. He was an active member of the security industry for 40 years, where he held leadership positions in local, state and national trade associations while earning awards such as the Electronic Security Association (ESA)'s Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year and George A. Weinstock Lifetime Achievement awards.
“George was like a father to me, and he would always tell me one thing,” says Mike Miller, who served on Gunning’s executive committee during his NBFAA (now ESA) presidency. “He would say, ‘Mikey remember all of your stakeholders.’ Always reminding us that we are to think of not only ourselves but our customers, volunteers, employees and more.”
“George knew no limitations. He uprooted himself from the North East, planted new roots in California and started a new business,” adds current ESA President Chris Mosley. “He was charismatic, determined, committed, passionate, and a very successful businessman and leader in our industry. He will be missed by all.”
Gunning came to the security industry from the photographic printing trade, when his son and nephew asked him to invest, help manage and develop computer software programs for the security and fire alarm business they were acquiring. In 1998, Gunning and California Alarm Association (CAA) Past President Frank Burke merged their companies and formed USA Alarm Systems Inc, where Gunning served as CEO.
"George endeared himself to the alarm industry, with this passion it ultimately led him to his vision – the development of the Apprenticeship Program," Burke says.
Gunning spent many years helping to bring professional status to the security and fire industry through state licensing and supporting the development of ongoing training.He served as the sole industry representative on the Los Angeles Burglar Alarm Task Force, which rejected verified response and adopted an alarm policy in line with the model ordinance.
"The more I worked with him, the more I realized that he was a powerful, smooth running race car," says Dave Koenig. "I grew to appreciate his relentless efforts on behalf of the industry.”
In 2001, the CAA and California Automatic Fire Alarm Association (CAFAA) formed a joint effort under the Western Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (WBFAA) to jointly sponsor a fire/life safety technician apprenticeship program to satisfy the mandate of California state law. Gunning was the founding chairman of the WBFAA Unilateral Apprenticeship and Training Committee which launched the apprenticeship program. "Having served with George for many years on the executive committee was truly an experience I will never forget," says former ESA president Marshall Marinace. "He made an everlasting impact on our industry and association. He was a great family man, friend and mentor and will surely be missed by all."
Gunning served as 37th president of the NBFAA, serving a two-year term until 2008. “In the two years that George took the helm as ESA president, he accomplished far too much to list. He was the epitome of ‘lead by example,’” says Merlin Guilbeau, ESA CEO. “He was always willing to help someone in need with a smile and a great sense of humor. I know I speak for many, when I say he will be missed, not only for his great leadership and admirable dedication, but for the place he earned in all of our hearts as a friend and a true example of a man with a tremendous enthusiasm for all that he did.”
Gunning believed that anybody that ran a security company should be a member of the NBFAA and other local and state professional trade associations. He saw the benefit in attending meetings and conventions to advance and promote the growth of all companies and the industry.
“My first year on the executive committee of ESA was when George became President,” says John Knox. “I will always cherish the memories of working with him, because he was a strong-willed leader and would fight to the end for what he thought was right. Our industry is better today because George was a part of it.”
Gunning understood the need to expand the labor pool, to attract the very best technicians, and to provide a mechanism to introduce and train on new products, technologies and applications. In Oct. 2006, the NBFAA concluded negotiations with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. As a result, a four-year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship program was approved by the federal government.
He also inspired the creation for what is now the Electronic Security Expo (ESX).“George always challenged conventional wisdom and encouraged everyone around him to strive to be their best,” says George DeMarco, ESX Chairman.
Andria Morgan is a MarCom Specialist for the Electronic Security Association (ESA). The original version of this article appeared at http://esaweb.org/News/remembering-the-life-and-legacy-of-george-p-gunning .
