BY APRIL ANTONIAZZI
While most people try to avoid fights and confrontation at
parties, Shawn O'Brien  makes it his business to get in
the middle of them.
O'Brien is the owner of Event Crowd Specialists, a company
that provides security for events, including concerts,
graduation dances and parties.
"Usually when they have a beer tent that's when they need
me," said O'Brien, who has experience as a bouncer.
He started his security business in November 2005 and has
been slowly building a customer base.
O'Brien wanted to become a police officer, but he is colour blind.
Being a bouncer in Sudbury bars for 16 years and having
volunteered his security skills at many events around the
community, he saw the need for a security company that caters
to special events.
"Since I've been a bouncer for 16 years I know the laws, the
regulations, the liquor licence act," he said.
Contracts with each customer outline boundaries of what
Event Crowd Specialists will and won't do.
O'Brien is always present at events. If he does need to be
away from the event for any amount of time, he continues to
assume responsibility for his employees and the security of the
event.
Anyone who works for the company is trained in CPR and first
aid, and has to have had previous experience.
O'Brien's employees also have smart serve training and can
serve as bartenders or waitresses if those services are
required.
Some big events such as music festivals or beer fests that
would hire O'Brien's company would also require police
security.
"If I find it's really getting too rough for my guys I'll
approach police officers and they'll deal with it," explained
O'Brien.
But nine times out of ten, issues at these events are within
his company's scope, said O'Brien. He and two of his team
leaders carry handcuffs, but use them only when someone is not
co-operating, and they need to detain the person until a police
officer is able to get to them.
The Event Crowd Specialists logo is of a tiger with
handcuffs in his mouth. O'Brien has ordered a life-sized furry
mascot costume. The mascot will make appearances as special
events such as the Santa Clause parade.
For more information on Event Crowd Specialists, phone  691-7389.
