Last week, the Washington Post published an opinion piece authored by Valarie Long, the Vice President of SEIU Local 32BJ, which represents approximately 10,000 security officers across the Northeast.

In the piece, Long recognizes the importance of the job that security officers perform each and every day, raises the need for improved standards in the private security industry, and offers her condolences to the family of Officer Johns.

Here's what she writes:

The tragedy at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum was a painful reminder that private security officers often are our first line of defense and that these modestly paid men and women risk their lives to keep us safe. As we mourn Stephen T. Johns, we can honor his memory by raising security industry standards.

It's in everyone's best interest to ensure that security officers are well prepared to handle emergencies and are treated with the respect they deserve for their brave service.

Agreement paves way for partnership on mutual goals

WASHINGTON, DC - The Service Employees International Union (SEIU)--the nation's largest union of property services workers--has reached an agreement with The Wackenhut Corporation. The Wackenhut Corporation, the second-largest security company in the United States and a subsidiary of G4S plc, has over 35,000 employees and delivers integrated security and related services to commercial, industrial, and government organizations.

The agreement brings an end to a long dispute and establishes an agreed upon framework to work together in interest of security officers.

"We are encouraged by The Wackenhut leadership's willingness to open dialogue that ultimately resulted in a settlement that will move both our institutions forward productively, said Valarie Long, the SEIU Property Services Division's chief negotiator in the settlement discussions. "This is a positive step forward for security officers and their families all over the country."