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HISTORY | LEADERSHIP
Don Owen Lewis Sr.
1939-2018
Following in the footsteps of his father, Inspector O. D. Lewis of the Memphis Police Department, Don became a Patrolman in 1961.
Lewis began his career as a patrolman but his talent and passion for the job was soon recognized. A "policeman's policeman," Don worked his way through the ranks of the MPD in various departments. After 25 years of service, he was promoted and, at the time, was made the youngest Deputy Director / Chief of Police in the MPD's 158-year history.
Aside from the posts he commanded and the policies and procedures he instituted, Lewis was often recognized nationally and internationally. In 1975, based on his exhaustive investigations and case closures, Master Detective magazine selected Don as the National Police Officer of the Month. He also served in an exchange program with Scotland Yard where he spent three months embedded with UK officers in order to understand their philosophy on policing. In 1980, Don was invited to join elite officers from around the world at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.
The influence and legacy Lewis left at the Memphis Police Department continues to this day. His methodical and forward-looking approach led him to form the Crisis Intervention Team – established to offer a more intelligent, and safe management of mental crisis events. Other cities still refer to it as the "Memphis Model" when developing a similar unit. Lewis also founded the first Specialized Patrol Unit out of the West Precinct, which became the model for a permanent unit created to target certain criminal activity. In addition, he was one of the original members of the Hostage Negotiation Team.
After his departure from the MPD, Lewis deployed his law enforcement experience to found Pro-Tech Security, one of the premiere private security firms in the Mid-South.
From the day he pinned on his first badge to the day he retired his Deputy Director badge, Chief Lewis embodied the motto "to protect and serve."
While he is no longer with us, his leadership, insight and inspiration still provide the compass by which we operation.
Don Owen Lewis Jr.
Don is responsible for the administration of daily operations at Pro-Tech Security, including client relations, management of more than 250 employees, as well as certification, insurance and other regulatory compliance needs. He works closely with Pro-Tech’s clients to evaluate their security needs, providing a scope of services to ensure their objectives are met. ongoing evaluation of performance and ensuring the right mix of services as needs evolve.
Before joining Pro-Tech Security, Don spent 11 years in law enforcement with the Memphis Police Department (MPD,) with assignments in Uniformed Patrol, the General Investigation Bureau the Organized Crime Unit/Narcotics Division, which is responsible for the identification and apprehension of gangs, organized crime syndicates and drug cartels. Don worked closely with the Office of the District Attorney to provide documentation, supervision of seized funds and property for the purpose of successful prosecution and conviction of offenders.
During his tenure with the MPD, Don received specialized training, including Crisis Intervention/Hostage Negotiation; Crowd Control Techniques, Community Relations, Electronic Surveillance, Interrogation and Statement Preparation, Tactical Firearms Training, Interstate Drug Interdiction, Defensive and Pursuit Driving Tactics, Drug Identification, Trainer and Handler of Narcotics Canines and many others.
Don received many awards and commendations while serving the Memphis community including, the Medal of Merit for lifesaving service above and beyond the call of duty; Police Officer of the Month and more than 46 letters of commendation from citizens and commanding officers.
He is a member of the Memphis Police Association, the National Association of Narcotics Officers, the Law Enforcement Association of America and the Tennessee Officers Association
J. Vincent Lewis
In his role as Chief Financial Officer, Vince works with Pro-Tech clients in account set-up, financial analysis and ongoing monitoring of accounts. He also oversees payroll, insurance and licensing requirements. In addition, he manages the administrative staff responsible for the scheduling of Pro-Tech guards for commercial and residential services, as well as ensuring the correct implementation of company procedures at client sites.
Prior to joining Pro-Tech Security, Vince worked for Deutsche Financial Services where he led reviews and financial analysis of client assets to determine audits and account valuations. Areas of responsibility included credit and liquidation risk assessments, project management of more than 100 commercial accounts across multiple markets and business development.
Vince also worked as. Legal Assistant and Public Information Specialist with the Memphis Police Department. In the latter role, he was a liaison between the MPD and the public, processing background security checks and other confidential information for insurance and legal personnel.