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IN MEMORY MICHAEL D. YORK, CPP 1953 – 2024

IN MEMORY
MICHAEL D. YORK, CPP
1953 – 2024

The Columbus Chapter ASIS International was deeply saddened to learn of the death of long-time member Mike York, CPP on October 21, 2024.  Mike was a very active member of the Columbus Chapter who was always willing to lend a hand, give advice, and serve in any capacity he could with the chapter whether it be in a committee or leading the chapter as an elected officer.

Mike spent his career in private security and law enforcement.  From 1980 to 2001 he was the Director of Security and Safety for The Richard E. Jacobs Group, Inc.  He was the Director of Security for Eastland Mall and then Northland Mall.  From 2002 to 2011 he was the Assistant Federal Security Director, U.S. Department of Homeland Security/TSA.  After retiring from the TSA, he was employed in 2012 with Ohio Support Services until he retired in 2023.

During his time spent in private security he was a Reserve Police Officer with the Columbus Police Department beginning in 1976 and retiring in 2016 with the rank of Colonel.

Mike became a member of the Columbus Chapter ASIS in 1983.  In 1988 Mike ran for the office of Secretary.  Although he was not elected that did not discourage him.  In 1989 along with six other chapter members, a task force was formed and approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) to review the private security curriculum of OPOTC.  After his assignment with OPOTC Mike ran for the office of Treasurer in 1996.  He was not elected to the office but once again he was not discouraged.  In fact, it was after this event when his chapter volunteering really took off.

In 1997 he earned his Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification.  In 1998 he became the chapter’s CPP Representative and organized a CPP Study Group to help mentor other chapter members who wanted to study and take the test to become CPP certified.

In 1999 Mike ran for the office of Vice Chairman and was elected to that position.  In 2000 he ran for the office of Chairman and was elected.  As is a tradition with the chapter the December luncheon meeting is when the outgoing Chairman delivers the “Year in Review”.  Mike was the first Chapter Chairman to give a PowerPoint presentation.  All previous Chairman gave their presentations from a legal pad.  Mike moved the chapter forward with technology and since then it is now a tradition that a PowerPoint presentation is given at the December luncheon meeting.  After his year as Chairman, he served as an Assistant Regional Vice President (ARVP) in 2002 and 2003.

Mike was known for his volunteering in committees.  He spent many years as a member of the annual golf outing and ASE committees.  In 2001 and 2002 he was the Chairman of the Placement Committee and then again from 2016 to 2024.  In 2002 through 2008 he was the Chairman of the Law Enforcement Liaison Committee.  From 2013 through 2016 he was the chairman of the Program Committee and from 2019 through 2023 he was the chairman of the Outreach Committee (mentorship).  From 2016 to 2024 he was a member of the Officer Appreciation Luncheon Committee.

In 2018 Mike was awarded the Jack Mehan Volunteer Award for his many years of service to the chapter.

Mike was a very giving person.  He gave of his time and talents for over four decades to help the Columbus Chapter grow and be what it is today.  Mike York will surely be missed and remembered by his friends and chapter members.