DC Security celebrates 30 years and supports cancer care

It was a big milestone for a longtime local business in Portage la Prairie. On Tuesday, DC Security celebrated 30 years since opening its doors, and owner Dean Cairns marked the occasion with a barbecue and fundraiser at the shop.

“Today is awesome,” says Cairns. “Great to see all these people come out."

The event brought in a steady stream of about 200 visitors and longtime supporters.

Along with the food, roughly $1,300 in donations was collected in support of Central Plains Cancer Services. Cairns is planning to top that amount up to $2,000.

Dean Cairns, owner of DC Security, presenting Mayor Sharilyn Knox, Executive Director of Central Plains Cancer Services with a cheque for $2,000 raised at the 30th anniversary celebration yesterday. Submitted Photo/Central Plains Cancer Services 

Three decades of service

Cairns first opened DC Security on July 15, 1995. He says hitting the 30-year mark isn’t something he thought about much in the early days.

“You don’t think about that when you’re starting out,” he notes. “Then you look back and oh, it’s five years. Oh, it’s 10 years. I don’t even feel like I’m 30 years old now."

He reflects on the early years and the changes that have taken place over time. From small jobs and customer calls to community events like this week’s barbecue, it all adds up to a strong connection with the people who support the business.

Community members enjoy burgers and hot dogs at DC Security’s 30th anniversary barbecue fundraiser in Portage la Prairie, supporting Central Plains Cancer Services. PortageOnline/Ryan Simpson

Commitment to community

Cairns also puts a strong focus on giving back.

He says it’s especially important for businesses in a smaller centre like Portage to support local causes.

“It’s very important to give back,” he continues, “Giving back, I feel more people will shop with you because you are local and keeping the money turning round and round. The local community, it makes such a difference instead of shipping off all the money out of town. It doesn’t come back when it goes.”

Changes in the industry

While some may think the security field hasn’t changed much over the years, Cairns says technology is always evolving.

“The basic mechanical lock is changing all the time with people picking and YouTube and stuff. You can see a lot of different stuff on there and some of it’s good and some of it’s not.”

He adds that the shift toward digital access systems has been noticeable.

“The basic mechanical lock I don’t think will change a lot, but all the keyless entries and the stuff like that, it’s amazing,” he says. “Basically, people get frustrated carrying keys around and losing them so they came up with some way to get around that."

Thankful for the support

As the shop hits the 30-year milestone, Cairns says the credit goes to his customers.

“Without the customers, no business is going to succeed,” he mentions. “They’re the ones that keep the wheel turning and without them, we’re not going to have a business.”

- with files from Ryan Simpson

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