Adventist Health Portland Security Officer Receives Prestigious Award

A security officer at Adventist Health Portland, an Adventist hospital in Oregon, United States, received a prestigious award from Allied Universal, the global security services company that provides security personnel and resources for the hospital and surrounding grounds.

Dawson Coder was selected out of approximately 300,000 Allied employees in North America and 800,000 worldwide to receive the 2023 Allied Universal Good Citizen of the Year – Lou Ligouri Award. This award honors one employee who demonstrates exceptional commitment, integrity, and service and is one of the highest accolades given by the company.

“Most security professionals who do their jobs well are lucky to receive one or two recognitions a year. In 2023, Coder was recognized 15 times, not only by his peers but by Adventist Health employees and members of the community we serve,” said Allied Universal security manager Laura Roberts, who co-nominated Dawson for the award with her colleague Farah Baniani, Adventist Health Portland’s security director.

“Dawson goes above and beyond his duty to ensure the safety of patients and staff,” said Kolt Merrill, administrative director of the emergency department and intensive care unit at Adventist Health Portland. “Dawson often lends a listening ear to patients in need, providing comfort and support beyond his security role. His commitment to excellence makes him an invaluable asset to Adventist Health and the community.”

Praise from Peers

Before and after the May 21 award ceremony at Adventist Health Portland, praise and appreciation poured in from Coder’s peers and coworkers. Jenna Carlson, Patient Access supervisor, sent kudos from several team members who expressed how much they appreciate Coder when he’s posted at the front doors of the hospital.

“It brings all of my staff much peace having security at the main entrance,” Carlson shared. “Dawson doesn’t just sit at the info desk; he goes above and beyond by actively watching the entrance and making contact with every person that enters. He is wonderful.”

Kathleen Blessing, who leads the pavilion reception team, adds that Dawson’s intelligence and youthful energy are exceeded only by his kindness to others. “Dawson is so deserving of this award,” she said. “He has always been cool under pressure and so professional towards patients and coworkers. He is respectful, funny, and dependable. He will go the extra mile to walk with a patient who is lost, he will give blankets to people who are cold, and he will tell a funny story when he comes to the registration desk…. We appreciate him so much.”

Other staff shared that they once observed an unhoused person starting to take a wheelchair from outside the main lobby, and Coder handled the situation with kindness, care, and in a non-confrontational manner. “Love to see our ‘Be’ statements in action,” the staff member shared, referring to Adventist Health Portland’s core values that include Be Love, Be Welcoming, and Be a Force for Good.

“Dawson says his passion is connecting with people and building relationships,” another associate shared. “He’s 100 percent walking the talk every day.”

Coder’s Determination

Coder has worked as a security officer at Adventist Health Portland for two years, and he says he strives daily to demonstrate the compassionate side of security officers.

“For me it’s important to get to wear the vest and show people a different personality,” he said. “When I walk in with a badge, many people are immediately put off and expect conflict, but I love being able to help change that narrative. I strive to see each person’s point of view and situation so I can help them find the best plan or solution.”

Coder shares that his father’s example inspires his perspective on life and people. “My dad recently got out of prison on his third strike, and he has made major changes in his life,” he said. “He’s now going through training so that he can be a helping resource to other inmates. Each of us are so much more than what can be seen in a moment.”

When asked about his response to receiving the 2023 Allied Universal Good Citizen of the Year – Lou Ligouri Award, Coder was walking through the halls of Adventist Health Portland. He constantly stopped to say hello to every employee who walked by, addressing them each by name. He says he plays just one part in a big picture of caring professionals.

“We have a great team, and everyone does their best,” Coder said. “We all bring different cards to the table and play our part.”

Ultimately, Coder credits his Creator for shaping him into the human he is today. “Because of God, this is who I am,” he said.

Living the Mission

Adventist Health Portland providers, staff, and associates thanked Coder for his outstanding efforts that impact countless people throughout the hospital campus and beyond.

“Dawson lives the mission of Adventist Health Portland in the best way possible, providing exceptional service and care to our patients, associates, and guests,” finance executive Jason Panasuk said. “We appreciate Dawson’s selfless service and the example he sets for us all to learn from, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved award!”

The original version of this story was posted on the Adventist Health news site.