This year’s Forus Security Officer of the Year title was awarded to Leo Tõnetalo, a patrol officer from the Northern region — someone colleagues describe as professional, reliable, and always willing to help.
For Leo, security work is not just about responding to alarms, but above all about being genuinely there for people when they need support. “The greatest motivation is the opportunity to help others. Knowing that my work benefits the client and helps ensure their safety,” says Leo.
The journey to Forus
Leo was born in the Petseri region and graduated from an Estonian-language secondary school. He served in the Soviet military and later worked in public service for more than 15 years. After that, he was involved in various entrepreneurial projects.
He joined Forus after the COVID-19 pandemic, when he felt the need for a more active and mobile role. “I wanted work that involved movement and mobility, and I noticed a job advertisement for a Forus patrol officer,” he recalls. “I sent my CV and already the next day I received a phone call inviting me to an interview.”
This summer marks Leo’s fifth year at Forus.
A dynamic role that requires strong nerves
According to Leo, the work of a patrol officer is anything but routine. “Patrol work is unpredictable. Incidents vary greatly and can include break-ins, panic alarms, fire alarms, and much more,” he explains.
In addition to responding to incidents, the role also involves security inspections at client sites, assessing safety risks, and identifying potential threats before they escalate into problems.
The constant movement and unpredictability are exactly what Leo enjoys most about the job. “I like the mobility. Patrol officers get to see places and situations that ordinary people rarely encounter,” he says. “Every callout is a unique challenge and an opportunity to test yourself.”
He believes security work requires composure, patience, and the ability to react quickly even in difficult situations. One particularly memorable experience involved assisting at a psychiatric hospital together with other patrol units and the police to calm down an aggressive patient. “Dealing with unpredictable individuals is what stays with you the most, because these situations are unusual and require you to use all of your mental and emotional capabilities,” Leo explains.
The panic button project brought a new dimension to the job
An important part of Leo’s recent work involved launching the panic button project. The initiative was designed to support people whose age or health condition makes independent daily living more difficult and who may unexpectedly require assistance.
According to Leo, this experience gave his work an entirely new meaning. “The panic button project was a completely new experience for me. In this role, I felt more like a social or welfare worker,” he says.
The project brought him into contact with many people who need additional support and a greater sense of security in their everyday lives. “It is rewarding to see that the panic buttons make their lives a little easier and help make assistance more accessible.”
Recognition for the whole team
Although the Security Officer of the Year title was awarded to Leo personally, he sees it as recognition for the entire team. “A patrol officer is not a lone soldier in the field. We work together with the control centre and other patrols. We achieve results together,” he says.
In stressful situations, staying calm is easier when you know support is always available. “It’s important to remember that you are never alone,” Leo emphasizes. “You can always ask for advice or assistance from the control centre or fellow patrol officers. That gives you confidence even in difficult situations.”
For those considering a career in security, he has simple advice: “Be brave. Many people hesitate to start because they don’t know what to expect. Once you take the first step, the answers to those questions will come. At Forus, colleagues are always there to support newcomers.”
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The strength of Forus lies in the people who give their very best every day for our clients, colleagues, and the company as a whole. That is why, each year, we recognize employees whose dedication, professionalism, and exemplary work have truly stood out. This year, we once again selected the very best of Forus across eleven different categories. These individuals are an inspiration to our entire team through their attitude, actions, and collaboration. Congratulations and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who received recognition!
Together, we create a safe and sustainable environment. Join the Forus team and make your valuable contribution! More information and contact forms can be found on the Forus website.
