DPSS Emergency Management Director recognized for leadership in sporting event security

Mark McCormack, Axis Communications representative (left); Andrew Burchfield, U-M DPSS Director of Emergency Management (center); Lou Marciani, NCS4 Director (right)

The University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security is proud to announce that Emergency Management Director Andy Burchfield was honored with the NCAA Professional of the Year award from the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) on July 11, 2018.

The award recognizes a professional in the spectator sports safety and security field who has, over the past year, demonstrated outstanding leadership in addressing safety and security issues.

“The reason for the Professional of the Year Award is to allow professional leagues, NCAA member institutions, marathon and interscholastic athletics organizations to honor outstanding individuals in the field of sports safety and security for their contributions and leadership,” said NCS4 Director Dr. Lou Marciani. “These contributions involve enhancing safety and security at their venue beyond what is normally required, and setting an example for others to follow.”

According to NCS4 leadership, Burchfield has taken a proactive role in sharing lessons learned with his industry counterparts and regularly participates in thought-leadership summits and forums.

“Andy’s contributions to the field have made an impact well beyond his immediate role at DPSS,” said DPSS Executive Director Eddie Washington, Jr. “I could not be more proud of the work Andy and the DPSS team have done proactively to challenge the status quo and inspire meaningful change nationally.”

Director Burchfield is the first professional from the University of Michigan to receive the Professional of the Year award.

NCS4 is the nation’s only research center dedicated to the study and practice of spectator sports safety and security. NCS4 provides training and professional development opportunities to industry professionals to support the advancement of the field.