ChicagoFIRST Welcomes New Associate Director – Gary Backus
Gary Backus is a seasoned Global Safety and Security Professional with over 30 years of experience in the public safety cluster. His career began in the U.S. Air Force, where he served in various locations, including Washington D.C., South Korea, and Spain, specializing in Law Enforcement/K9 narcotic detection. After transitioning to the private sector, he served as a Deputy Sheriff and Detention Center Officer before moving to private security/corporate security, where he excelled in security operations and sales, earning the Chairman’s Club Award at Barton Protective Services. Gary has nearly two decades of experience in contract security services, serving both as a client and provider for major companies in technology, entertainment, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. He is skilled in global security, disaster preparedness, personnel and fiscal management, and is passionate about staying updated on security technology.
Gary is also committed to community service, contributing to neighborhood security, coaching youth sports, and participating in the local school PTA. He was awarded the USAF Humanitarian Service Medal for his role in the 1983 Air Florida Crash. In his free time, Gary enjoys mentoring, cycling, traveling, RV’ing and following Nebraska Football.
