In uncertain times, security guards are city's first line of defence.

As concerns about a potential terrorist attack escalate with the Republican National Convention approaching, we New Yorkers tend to place our reliance and trust in the hands of New York's Finest and Bravest. Since Sept. 11, our police officers and firefighters have been rightfully lauded for their important work protecting our city.

However less noted, but equally as important, is New York City's security guards. More than 40 security guards died in the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center. In a touching tribute to these security officers, writer James F. Robinson noted how they were truly the "Unsung Heroes of 9/11."

Robinson wrote: "The firefighters and police officers that gave their lives that day attempting to rescue the victims will always be remembered for the heroes and heroines they were. But there were others equally heroic that day. One group, security guards, was barely mentioned and then forgotten, except by their families, friends and co-workers."

Robinson also noted how Mayor Rudolph Giuliani was helped to safety at the site by a security guard when falling debris hit the building in which he was staying.

This year, as concerns regarding a possible terrorist attack increase, building security officers throughout New York will continue to be a significant first line of defense.

We have entered an era where the security guard can no longer be regarded as the necessary "inconvenience" who stops you in the lobby. Today's security guards can truly be lifesavers ... and heroes.

At Classic Security, we are taking steps to heighten our preparedness for a potential attack. In the weeks prior to the Republican convention, which kicks off Aug. 30, our security force will receive additional training in handling suspicious packages, bomb threats and scares. They will also receive instruction in crowd control and emergency procedures in case of a terrorist strike or other disaster.

We have joined the New York City Office of Emergency Management's CorpNET program and will maintain a close liaison with the office in detecting emergency situations.

Our clients will receive weekly bulletins indicating vehicle and pedestrian street closures, emergency procedures, intelligence and other pertinent information. Clients also will receive emergency preparedness in formation. In addition, alternate commuting plans will be developed for all office personnel and clients.

Out-of-borough pickup locations will be available for our officers in the event of a mass transit interruption. In the event of an emergency, means of communication other than cellphones and landline telephones will be available.

All emergency supplies have been replenished and an alternate work site has been prepared, in case a situation forces us to evacuate our headquarters.

All important data has been converted to hard copy and pertinent programs have been saved on offsite computers.

While federal agencies and the NYPD are working hard to prevent a terrorist strike from occurring, our security guards will be prepared in the event of an emergency.

If terrorists attack, our security force is determined to keep its building tenants safe.

Such readiness is further testament to the belief that security guards are one of New York City's "first lines of defense."

GARY GREEN 

FOUNDER AND CEO 

CLASSIC SECURITY