In the first 9 months of HCCI Protection’s inaugural year, we faced an unprecedented challenge that tested the resilience, adaptability, and mission of our company. At the time, HCCI consisted of just myself and one other employee, and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic created uncertainty that could have jeopardized our business. I thought it was all over for HCCI Protection. Then, an unexpected call from the Boulder Emergency Operations Center (EOC) changed everything.

The Boulder EOC, tasked with coordinating emergency responses for Boulder County, reached out with a dire request: they needed 24-hour security for a Sars-COVID-19 homeless quarantine site. Their need was urgent and critical, but every security company in the metro area had turned them down. They explained the unique challenges: the site served the vulnerable homeless population; I knew this included individuals facing mental health challenges, some of whom carried weapons or exhibited volatile behavior. They needed a team capable of safeguarding both the staff providing aid and the homeless individuals receiving critical care, ensuring safety without compromising dignity or compassion.

When they asked me to listen, I explained that HCCI Protection was a small company, with only 21 employee, and I wasn’t sure if we could meet their needs. They urged me to consider the opportunity, emphasizing the gravity of their situation and their commitment to finding a solution. If I could do it, HCCI Protection was their only option. After carefully evaluating their needs and considering the values on which HCCI was built, I decided to take on the challenge.

We became one of the only armed security companies approved to work on a project for Boulder EOC. Essentially overnight, HCCI Protection scaled from one employee to a team of 15 dedicated professionals, not only meeting the EOC’s needs but also taking on additional projects, including a 24/7 bodyguard operation and security for a medical marijuana dispensary. The Boulder quarantine site, however, stood out as a defining moment in our journey. We did something that no other company could do at the time, ang we grew into the need, while providing tailored security solutions to an otherwise vulnerable high-risk community.

The site presented unique complexities. We were tasked with protecting both Boulder County staff and a homeless population navigating immense vulnerabilities during a global pandemic. Many individuals on-site dealt with mental health issues, carried weapons, or posed potential threats. Our job wasn’t just about providing security; it was about fostering a safe, respectful, and compassionate environment.

HCCI Protection approached this challenge with a tailored strategy. We integrated seamlessly into the site’s culture, focusing on building trust and mutual respect with the homeless individuals while ensuring the safety of the workers. We had to advocate for safety and security and demonstrate how we could deliver that while being respectful to this vulnerable population. By establishing clear protocols and maintaining a vigilant yet empathetic presence, we created an environment where everyone felt secure. Our team successfully defused potentially dangerous situations and prevented harm, while the Boulder County staff were able to focus on their critical mission, providing aid to homeless covid positive people.

At the same time, we demonstrated our ability to address the unique needs of the homeless population, providing them with a sense of safety and stability during one of the most uncertain and vulnerable periods of their lives. This approach transformed a volatile situation into a functional, healthy environment for all involved.

Our work on this project set a standard for the type of service HCCI Protection delivers. It showcased our ability to scale rapidly without sacrificing quality, our dedication to addressing complex needs with precision, and our unwavering commitment to balancing safety with humanity. We didn’t just provide security—we delivered solutions that met the needs of everyone involved, from the staff to the vulnerable individuals seeking aid.

This experience solidified HCCI Protection as a company that prioritizes excellence and compassion. It demonstrated our capacity to rise to any challenge and tailor our services to the unique demands of each client. Today, we carry the lessons learned from this project into every job we take on, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of care, professionalism, and security. This story is not just about what we do—it’s about who we are and the impact we strive to make every day.

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