West Des Moines, Iowa — A grocery chain with stores in our area is adding “security guard” to its list of jobs.
As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure the health and safety of both its customers and employees, Hy-Vee officials tell us the Iowa-based chain is introducing its new Hy-Vee Retail Security team to retail stores across its eight-state region.
Hy-Vee Assistant Vice President for Communications, Christina Gayman tells us that Hy-Vee Retail Security officers will be present in Hy-Vee stores during operating hours. These officers, many of whom come from a law enforcement background, are specially trained to defuse situations and equipped to protect the safety of both Hy-Vee customers and employees. The officers have been through training designed by Hy-Vee retail security leaders alongside law enforcement partners.
Jeremy Gosch, Hy-Vee’s president and chief operating officer says that Hy-Vee has a strong history of doing anything for their customers, and these officers will be held to that same standard. He says that the officers will help provide another layer of safety and security for customers, and will work alongside store employees to deliver the same helpful smiles and outstanding service everyone expects at their local store.
Gayman says officers are in several stores now, and more officers are completing the Hy-Vee Retail Security Training program so they can begin serving in other Hy-Vee stores across the company’s eight-state region in the near future. Hy-Vee is actively recruiting for officers to join the new Hy-Vee Retail Security team. Interested applicants can connect with the Retail Security team at RetailSecurity@hy-vee.com.
Gayman tells us that initially, the retail security officer program will be implemented in locations that currently either have third-party security contractors or off-duty law enforcement that work in a security capacity. She says the new policy isn’t going into effect in all stores and does not affect their Sheldon or Sioux Center locations at this time.
