Damian Ross, The Tale of The Worlds Shortest Body Guard

By Scott Carter, Staff Writer

When you picture a bodyguard you imagine a NFL linemen, a huge, hulking mass standing next to a movie star, pushing his way through the paparazzi. Damian Ross is not that guy. At 5’8” 190 pounds, he was a-typical of what you might expect.

Like a lot of people in this profession Damian Ross was recruited for his success as a martial artist, athlete and bouncer. Through his connections he was tapped to work for State of the Art Security in Saddle Brook, NJ.

Damian Ross has worked as part of the Security attached to the FOX news network in New York. His details included the 1996 New York Yankees ticker tape parade and the Grammys in the same year.

Damian Ross recalls, “The biggest asset in any security work is the ability to communicate in a way that doesn’t offend the person or persons attempting to do something you don’t want them to do. That combined with strategic placement and communications with local authorities will increase your greatest chances of success.”

Large imposing figures are a great deterrent but you still have to communicate. Ross continues, “If the force is one and a half times your force, you have problems. No matter how large you are, if your client is attacked, you still have to ensure both your and your client’s safety.”

The question is "Where were you on September 11th?"

I was in my office and a friend called me and said "a plane just hit the world trade center."
We all thought it was a small aircraft. While we watched it on the news, we could look at the skyline and see the smoke.
Like most people who live in the NYC area, we know many who have been directly effected by this tragedy. It was the largest attack on a civilian target ever.

We lost contact with close friends during an 8 hour time period. As always no knowing was the worst.

We didn't know how bad it was until it was silent. All of the first response units were staged and ready for the flood of injured. But no one came. As people staggered out of the city, caked in ash- no one needed serious medical attention.
At that point we knew it was bad. The silence was deafening.
My wife was pregnant with our first child all I was thinking was what world is she coming to?
Those of us who saw the bodies hit the pavement will never forget.
Those of us who watched the towers fall will never forget.
Those of us who waited for loved ones to return home will never forget.
Never forget the damage a few willing to sacrifice everything can do.
Never forget the resolve and the willingness to help our neighbors and friends. Never forget the compassion we showed that day.