About


First Response Security

37+ Years of Service


The First True Full-Service Security Company in Portland

At First Response, our commitment to A Higher Standard enables us to deliver the client service we believe you deserve. We are the only company in the Pacific Northwest able to combine our On-Site, Patrol and Alarm Response services with a full range of electronic security through our own UL Dispatch/Monitoring center

For example, we provide you with:

  • A ‘one-stop-shop’ experience, including alarm systems, cameras, fire systems, mobile guard patrol, and alarm response – all without using sub-contractors
  • A dedicated account manager who can provide you with consistent information and same-day response
  • Locally owned and operated, which means every $1 helps the community you live in

Mission:

To deliver a higher standard of security solutions, providing peace of mind for our clients as well as a professional environment for our employees and vendors.

Vision:

To be the security provider of choice in all markets we serve.

Values:

  1. Consistent Excellence- We continuously exceed expectations to deliver outstanding performance.
  2. Results Driven- We see it, own it, and solve it.
  3. Client Focused- We earn customer loyalty through a trusted partnership.
  4. Growth Mindset- We dedicate ourselves to life-long learning and development.
  5. Collaboration- We solve difficult problems together as a team.
  6. Integrity- We align what we say with what we do, even when no one is looking.
  7. Generosity- We remain committed to philanthropy, community service, and employee care.
  8. Innovation- We encourage and inspire optimal solutions through creative thinking.

Our Commitment


Responsiveness:

There’s a reason “response” is a part of our name. When choosing a security system provider, it’s easy to think that most companies provide a very similar product or service. However, First Response has taken steps to be miles ahead of the competition. We do this by placing client concerns at the top of each day’s priority list and handling each situation with an appropriate solution for long-term success. You will not find a more responsive team of security system professionals in the Northwest region. This is why we call ourselves First Response.

Organizational Strategy:

First Response is organized into five departments: Business Development, Client Services, Operations (Services and Systems), Accounting, and Human Resources. Each department has different duties and responsibilities, but they all share a common goal: setting higher standards. Whether we’re hiring an employee, signing a new contract, or writing site-specific details, everything is done by design to ensure optimal customer satisfaction.

Tools and Equipment:

Technology is a tool that is ever evolving. When utilized to capacity, it can make the difference between success and failure in nearly any industry. At First Response, our commitment to cutting-edge technology and equipment are another way we set higher standards for ourselves. This means that whether it’s the equipment we use to provide installation services, the tools we use to service an existing security system, we use the most qualified industry technology available.

This is how we hold ourselves to A Higher Standard. For questions on your security system options, contact First Response today.


The Founder


Dave Foglio

Learn about the hardest working man in Oregon and how his vision shaped First Response Security into the security company it is today.


Meet Our Founder

Our History


A Long Tradition of Excellence

1989: Company Founded

First Response was founded by Dave and Charlene Foglio on March 1st, 1989, with a vision to become the premier safety and security provider in the Pacific Northwest.

The first two years consisted of serving clients with Patrol and Alarm Response services, where we became the first 24-hour Alarm Response company in Portland, Oregon. However, customer demand throughout the Portland area revealed the need to expand into providing full-time security officers for larger properties.

1991: On-Site

In 1991, we opened our On-Site division consisting of static security officers who remain on location for the duration of their shift. This expanded presence included construction sites and front desk concierge services for clients needing security-related issues to be handled in real time.

1996: Electronic Security

Our reputation was spreading, and the community was seeing the results provided by our level of professionalism and attention to detail. Because of this, it wasn’t long before we began attracting attention from clients wanting us to provide alarm services as well. By 1996, we started First Response Systems, our full-service alarm installation and service department.

Serving both homes and businesses, this became a key differentiator as we blurred the lines from the ‘norm’ of being a traditional guard company or an alarm company – we decided to be both!

Starting the Systems department allowed us to broaden our footprint to surrounding cities throughout Washington and Idaho.

2004: Central Station

The alarm industry won’t tell you this, but nearly all alarm monitoring service is sub-contracted to national call centers. So as we continued to grow, we wanted to bring this service in-house so we could deliver a better customer experience. So in 2004, we started iWATCH Communications, Inc. to provide leading technology and state-of-the-art Dispatch and Monitoring services for our customers.

Making this change separates us even further from traditional companies. Being able to install an alarm system, monitored 24/7 by our staff, and respond to alarm calls – is why we are in a ‘category of one’.

Present Day

Our growth and success have not gone unnoticed. First Response has been recognized by the Portland Business Journal as one of the Fastest Growing 100 Privately Owned Businesses seven times: in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002 and 2003.

We are proud of what we have accomplished, and are honored to secure thousands of homes and businesses throughout the Northwest – because keeping our community safe is why we exist.

As the world of safety and security continues to evolve, our vision is to continue offering the best level of security possible through new technologies and the ever-expanding world of A.I.

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Let’s Talk Security


Not sure where to start? Our professionals are here to guide you. Partner with First Response Security for trusted protection backed by experience, technology, and a team that truly cares. Whether you’re looking for a full security system, patrol services, or expert consultation, we’re here to help—day and night. Get in touch today and let’s build a safer tomorrow together.