By Beverley Causey-Smith William Alexander Black is a remarkable man with more than 20 police commendations who founded "Island Wide Security'' 30 years ago on September 21, 1969. His capable leadership and passion for protection has afforded the company the success it celebrates today.

The company is known today as "Bermuda Security Group Limited'' located on 42 King Street in Hamilton.

Mr. Black has been the distinguished chief executive officer for 30 years. He explained his role: "I oversee the running of the company day to day, but I have great staff which allows me to travel, play golf and visit and assist our overseas offices.'' During the late 60's Bermuda experienced civil unrest. In 1968 Mr. Black was called from overseas leave to return to Bermuda as there were riots and many shops and warehouses were being burned. People began to feel uneasy about leaving their premises as in those days there was little in the way of fire and burglar alarm systems.

"I was on the police force in criminal investigations at the time and several business owners had asked me if I knew of anyone who would stay on their premises overnight. I saw this as an opening to go into business and help people. I left the police force and went into the security business full time,'' explained Mr. Black.

His first small office, six by eight feet, was located at Number 1 Parliament Street and he had four to eight security guards.

"I borrowed 500 pounds from the bank to get going and paid it back in three months. I went many months without a salary until I got it going,'' he said.

They later moved to Chancery Hall for a few years and subsequently to the Old Colony Club. He started "Bermuda Central Station'', with help from Puerto Rico's ADT security firm, in 1982 when he was at the Old Colony Club.

"One day the real estate agent told me that my rent was to be doubled because I was working in the office 24 hours per day! I found this place, a former home for battered women, and renovated it 12 years ago.'' This year "Bermuda Central Station'' became "Bermuda Security Group Limited'' and has grown into a multi-million dollar company.

Mr. Black said: "Security has really advanced in the past 30 years. It is no longer a warm body in a uniform. With electronic security, closed circuit television and card access control systems, security guards must be familiar with their systems and how they work.'' The corporate mission statement reads: "To provide the widest range of security systems and services to all sections of the community for the protection of people, property and profits.'' Mr. Black thinks globally in terms of his business and career and has founded two companies in the Cayman Islands and is working with business partners in other islands as well.

When Mr. Black was asked what he enjoys the most about his work he responded: "When I get a call from a new client who has been recommended to us by one or more of our clients. It shows that my staff are doing something to be proud of.'' "Every day is different. You never know where the next call is going to come from. We have contacts worldwide so we are involved in many investigations.'' Mr. Black is very proud of the company's staff and advises they have competent professionals to head each business unit.

"Bermuda Security Group recognises its responsibilities to its customers, employees and suppliers by working closely in this community to provide the highest standards of service consistently,'' he said.

Mr. Black advised that their progressive company is hiring people all the time and they have ongoing training programmes for staff. There are opportunities for young Bermudians, age 18 just out of school.

"Our objective is giving clients good quality service, being reliable, dependable and honest,'' concluded Mr. Black.

First central station: Mr. William (Bill) Black, upper left, making a security presentation in 1982.

Grand opening 1982: Mr. Bill Black, left, with Mr. Graham Gibbons at the ribbon ceremony of the new building on 42 King Street.