Dedicated St. Luke's Security Officer awarded for his commitment

When you are responsible for the security and safety of a hospital, no day is the same. In fact, it’s almost impossible to surprise a security officer at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s.  What’s the trick? It takes one, to surprise one.

Security and Safety Manager, Matt Max, arranged for a fake meeting in the cafeteria to surprise fellow Security Officer, Jim Cook, with the St. Luke’s Employee of the Month award.

“I almost wasn’t able to pull it off,” says Max. “It was a very busy morning and we just had a staff meeting yesterday, so suspicions were already high.”

With some perseverance and hard work, Max was able to pull off an unforgettable surprise ceremony for a man that he says deserves all of the credit and recognition he can get.

“Jim does a tremendous job keeping the UnityPoint Health- St. Luke’s family, patients and visitors safe,” adds Max.

Fellow Security Officer, Jesse Padilla, says “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jim for over 15 years. You will never meet anyone more reliable or dedicated than Jim.”

When asked about his thoughts on the award, Cook humbly replied “I just try to do my job to the fullest.”

As the St. Luke’s Employee of the Month for August, Cook received a special watch from Greenberg’s Jewelers, his own premium parking space, gift cards to the St. Luke’s Glass Apple Gift Shop, The Parkview Café and a gift certificate to be used at an area restaurant. He will also have the chance to be voted as St. Luke’s Employee of the Year for 2016. That comes with a paid vacation.