GSS starts new canine division

Real Estate Weekly, April 16, 2003

GSS Security Services has launched a new Canine Explosives Detection Division as an additional service to building owners and developers seeking an array of security options during this time of heightened alert.

The Canine Division, designed to detect all types of explosives that might comprise a bomb, is under the supervision of Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) veteran, Vincent Oliva. Oliva, who retired from the department after serving 30 years in the PAPD, was the founder of the department's own canine unit.

The expansion of GSS services follows a growing concern from many groups, including real estate organizations, to maintain a secure environment from residential space to retail and office space.

"This new division will supplement all of our existing services and make people feel safer and more comfortable in their surroundings, a priority for the real estate community," said John Smaragdakis, owner and founder of GSS. "Canines are still considered the most reliable method to detect explosives. This service enables building security to go to the next level and allows real estate owners to meet the need for additional security in the new world in which we live and work."

Steven Vitale, operations manager for GSS and director of the canine unit, brings more than 30 years of police and security experience and was the founder of the prestigious Emergency Service Unit of the Port Authority Police Department.

In addition to Vitale and Oliva, the firm has also hired Walter Vogel, another veteran of the PAPD canine unit, who has brought the two most important members of the canine team with him, Boomer and Bam Bam, yellow Labrador Retrievers. Both dogs worked at the Port Authority, serving airports, terminals and the World Trade Center. GSS imported two more specially trained dogs from Europe a few weeks ago and will continue to train them on the streets of New York until their debut at events and venues this spring.

For more information on this and other services provided by GSS Security Services, Inc. call 212-764-5400.