The John J. Duffy Memorial Achievement Award is named in honor of the first president of the National Council of Investigation and Security Services, John Duffy, of Davenport, Iowa.
Among a number of other industry leaders who had the foresight to form NCISS in 1976, it was the energy, dedication, and personality of the late John Duffy that got it off the ground. Mr. Duffy was like a father figure to many members of the profession.
The Duffy Award is the highest honor bestowed by NCISS. It is awarded to members of NCISS, and in alternate years, to non-members or organizations who, as the inscription says, “have by specific deeds and accomplishments, exhibited the highest standards of conduct and service to the investigation and security services industry.”
2024 John J. Duffy Memorial Achievement Award Recipient
Jim Zimmer (Awarded Posthumously)
There is no question that Jim Zimmer’s professionalism and service to the investigative and security services community exemplifies him a worthy recipient of the celebrated Duffy Award. Jim joined NCISS in 1997 and served as President from 2012 to 2013. In 2023, he stepped up again as Chair of the NCISS Legislation Committee for Investigations. Soon after he launched his private investigation business, he became a member of the California Association of Licensed Investigators in 1989, then served as CALI’s president from 2008 to 2010. Jim received the CALI President’s Award in 2008 and the CALI Distinguished Achievement Award, CALI’s most prestigious award, in 2011. Jim received his master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and has also contributed to other areas such as the Probation Community Action Association (PCAA) where he formerly served as president. Besides his great love for golf, he was also the Chair of CALIPAC and a Certified Professional
Investigator.
Francie Koehler, a long-time friend and colleague of Jim, accepted the award of his behalf.
Past Recipents of the John J. Duffy Memorial Achievement Award:
(2023) Jerry Desmond, Esq. - Desmond & Desmond LLC Law Firm, Sacramento, California
(2022) Andrea Orozco - Castle Rock, Colorado, Past President and Regional Director of NCISS
(2020) Sen. Chuck Grassley - New Hartford, Iowa, U.S. Senator (IA), president pro tem of the U.S. Senate
(2019) John Talaganis - Long Beach, California, Past President of NCISS and Parliamentarian
(2018) Agents David Bailey and Crystal Griner - Washington, D.C. Capitol Police
(2017) Dean A. Beers - Greeley, Colorado, Past President of NCISS
(2016) Robert Perry - Robert H. Perry & Associates, Inc., Greensboro, North Carolina
(2014) Francie Koehler - Oakland, California, Past President of NCISS
(2013) Maria Vinson Landry - Lacombe, Louisiana, Past President of NCISS
(2012) The Molly Bish Foundation
(2011) Roy C. Bucklin - Wheeling, Illinois, Past President of NCISS
(2010) Officer Joseph E. Cistaro, Command Sergeant Major in the Illinois Army National Guard
(2009) Jim Carino, Jr. - Executive Security Consultants, Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, Founder of Intellenet
(2008) Detective Thomas G. McHale, Jr. - Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department
(2007) PI Magazine - Freehold, New Jersey
(2006) Brian P. McGuinness - Coral Gables, Florida, Past President of NCISS
(2005) U.S. Representative Pete Sessions, Dallas, Texas
(2004) Robert A. Heales - Mindsprings, Minnesota, Past President of NCISS
(2003) Bruce Brownyard - Brownyard Programs, Ltd.
(2002) Kenneth Romine - Columbus, Ohio, Past President of NCISS
(2001) Lawrence Sabbath - VP of Sellery Associates, NCISS' Government Affairs firm in Washington D.C.
(2000) Michael Duffy - Davenport Iowa, Past President of NCISS
(1999) Rick Massimei - Chairman, Private Security Council of ASIS and Vice Chair of NASCO
(1998) Gary Kuty - Columbus, Ohio, Past President of NCISS
(1997) Los Angeles Police Department, Threat Management Unit
(1996) Bruce Hulme - New York, New York, Past President of NCISS
(1995) Harry Rakosky, vacationing security director who disarmed an attacker who shot at the White House
(1994) Ralph Day - Jackson, Mississippi, Past President of NCISS
(1993) Robert McCrie - New York, Editor of Security Letter
(1992) Vincent Ruffolo - Chicago, Illinois, Past President of NCISS, perennial chair Security Companies Organized for Legislative Action (SCOLA)
(1991) Charles E. Dennis - Severna Park, Maryland, Past President NCISS
(1990) William Salud, Editor, accepted for the magazine SECURITY
(1989) Eddy McClain - Fallbrook, California, Past President of NCISS
(1988) Edward del Pino, off-duty security officer and hero of the Staten Island ferry massacre who disarmed a sword-wielding attacker
(1987) Bert Hinds - Cincinnati, Ohio, Past President of NCISS
(1986) The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
(1985) Joe Duncan - Nashville, Tennessee, NCISS first Chairperson