From left to right: Preston Aloe, Client Service Manager - Paladin Security, Cheryl Bowser, Security Officer - Paladin Security, Lance Chalmers, Branch Manager at Paladin Security, and Jody Reid, Board Chair, Canadian Security Lifesaver Association. (Paladin Security/ supplied)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Took immediate action

Red Deer security officer Cheryl Bowser wins award for heroic acts after explosion at local business

May 14, 2025 | 2:54 PM

A Red Deer security officer has been named the recipient of the Canadian Security Lifesaver Association (CSLA) Award for her role in saving a man’s life earlier this year.

On Jan. 9, Cheryl Bowser, a security officer for Paladin Security in Red Deer, was at her work post across the street when she heard an explosion inside a mechanic shop and shortly after, witnessed a man run out engulfed in flames.

Bowser took immediate action in the situation and ran towards the site where she met a correctional peace officer who told her he had already contacted 911.

Bowser used a fire suppression blanket to put out the fire and began to treat the mans injuries as best as she could.

Paladin Security says Bowser went above and beyond and showed her unwavering commitment to public safety.

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“Cheryl Bowser exhibited the true nature of Paladin’s culture, going above and beyond in her actions, assisting several individuals involved in this event,” said Lance Chalmers, Red Deer Branch Manager at Paladin Security, in a media release. “Her training and years of service allowed her to remain calm in an emergency, which is not commonplace in every day security work. I am proud to have her as part of our team.”

The explosion occurred inside a building at the Prairie Bus lines property in Railyards, which injured five people and two were seriously injured.

Once helped arrived on scene, Cheryl turned her attention to assisting the RCMP with crowd control.

On May 14, the Edmonton and Calgary ASIS Chapters in Red Deer will present Cheryl with the CSLA Award at the ASIS Alberta Security Exchange (ASX).