SIAC Honors Iowa Sheriff and Business Leader with National Sheriff/Private Security Partnership Award
[OMAHA, NE] – [June 17, 2026] – The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) proudly recognized an outstanding collaboration that demonstrates the power of partnership, shared responsibility, and commitment to community safety during the National Sheriffs’ Association Awards Ceremony.
The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) Sheriff/Private Security Partnership Award recognizes organizations that work together to create meaningful benefits for the communities they serve. This year’s award was presented to Sheriff Kevin Schneider of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (Iowa) and Brian Ohorilko, CEO of Prairie Meadows Casino Hotel.
The award was presented by Steve Keefer of SIAC, joined by Merlin Guilbeau, Executive Director of the Electronic Security Association (ESA), and Whitney Doll, Executive Director of The Monitoring Association (TMA). SIAC, ESA, and TMA serve as co-sponsors of the NSA Sheriff/Private Security Partnership Award, which recognizes exemplary collaborations between law enforcement agencies and private-sector organizations.
Their partnership exemplifies how public and private organizations can work together to strengthen public safety, enhance preparedness, and build stronger communities.
The collaboration between the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Prairie Meadows Casino Hotel is built on a simple but powerful principle: when public and private organizations invest in one another, everyone benefits.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has generously shared its expertise by providing Prairie Meadows with professional training, off-duty deputy staffing, major joint training initiatives, firearms training, firearms certification through the Sheriff’s Office SWAT team for Prairie Meadows security personnel, and targeted security force development. These efforts have enhanced the safety and preparedness of resort employees and guests while strengthening emergency readiness and security awareness throughout the organization.
Through these programs, the Sheriff’s Office has also fostered valuable relationships between law enforcement and the business community, creating a stronger foundation for collaboration during both routine operations and emergency situations.
In return, Prairie Meadows Casino Hotel, a nonprofit organization, has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to public safety by providing grant opportunities that allow the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to acquire critical equipment needed to better serve and protect the community. Among these investments was funding that helped the Sheriff’s Office obtain an armored vehicle, enhancing its ability to respond to high-risk situations.
Prairie Meadows’ commitment extends well beyond individual grants. Since its inception, the nonprofit casino has returned more than $2.3 billion to the community through state and county initiatives, supporting programs and services that improve quality of life throughout Iowa.
Together, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Prairie Meadows Casino Hotel have created a model partnership that demonstrates what can be accomplished when public service and private enterprise work hand in hand. Their collaboration has enhanced public safety, strengthened community trust, and created lasting benefits for the people they serve.
“This partnership reminds us that public safety is not the responsibility of one agency alone. It is a community effort strengthened by partnerships, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to working together toward common goals.”
SIAC congratulates Sheriff Kevin Schneider and Brian Ohorilko on this well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their leadership in advancing innovative partnerships that make communities safer.
About SIAC
The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) is a coalition of alarm companies, associations, and public safety organizations dedicated to reducing false alarms and strengthening partnerships between the security industry and law enforcement agencies across North America.
Photo cutline: Courtesy of SIAC / ESA Executive Director Merlin Guilbeau, SIAC Executive Director Steve Keefer, CEO of Prairie Meadows Casino Hotel Brian Ohorilko, Polk County Sheriff Kevin Schneider, and TMA Executive Director Whitney Doll.