Guardian Protection Expands Customer Base and Market Presence Through Chorus SmartSecure Agreement
Acquisition of 6,000 accounts paired with new authorized dealer relationship strengthens opportunities in Texas and Alabama
Guardian Protection ("Guardian") is pleased to announce the acquisition of approximately 6,000 customer accounts from Chorus SmartSecure, LLC, a privately owned company that has operated since 2019. Chorus has locations in Texas (formerly operating as BSG) and in Alabama, where it installs monitored residential and commercial security systems.
In the coming months, Chorus customers will transition seamlessly from Chorus' third-party monitoring center to Guardian's U.L.-certified, Five Diamond accredited monitoring facilities and in-house customer services.
As part of this agreement, Chorus will continue to serve its markets as an authorized Guardian Protection dealer, creating a partnership approach that combines Chorus' local sales, marketing, and operations expertise with Guardian's national scale, in-house monitoring capabilities, and customer support resources. The acquisition will grow Guardian's presence in Austin and San Antonio and help expand Guardian's brand to Alabama.
This acquisition marks the fifth for Guardian since 2021 and plans are underway to continue its strategy. We have been very thoughtful and deliberate with our acquisition approach, focusing on opportunities that complement our account base and provide us strategic opportunities for continued growth. I expect to continue pursuing acquisition opportunities that make sense for us, said Guardian President Bryan Cipoletti.
From the beginning, our aim has been to deliver 'Smart security, Made Simple.' with a focus on a strong customer experience, said Rob Hardman, Chorus' President. This partnership with Guardian maximizes that commitment and brings additional scale, resources, and monitoring expertise that align with our commitment to bring harmony to the lives of our customers. We’re grateful to continue serving our expanding market as an authorized Guardian security provider and prepared to support a smooth, coordinated transition for every customer.
About Guardian Protection
Guardian Protection is a premier provider of smart security and automation solutions for residential, commercial, institutional, and multi-site customers. Hundreds of thousands of customers trust Guardian’s award-winning monitoring services and in-house, U.S.-based customer care specialists. Founded in 1950, Guardian Protection is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 security companies in the U.S. and is the first company in history to be recognized twice as Security Company of the Year.
About Chorus Security + Pest
Chorus, based in Birmingham, Alabama, is a regional provider of residential and commercial security and pest solutions serving customers in Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Florida. Focusing on fundamentals, attitude, strategy and talent, Chorus delivers a world-class experience that sends a clear message to our Customers, Partners and Team Members it serves – You Matter!
Companies are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement whereby Armstong will acquire MCTV.
Armstrong and Massillon Cable TV, Inc. (MCTV) announced today that they have entered into a definitive purchase agreement for Armstrong to acquire MCTV and bring together two exceptional family-owned companies.
The addition of MCTV will expand Armstrong’s scale and footprint in the Ohio and West Virginia regions. This combination will unite two customer-focused providers with a shared mission: expanding access to fast, reliable connectivity while making sustained investments in local communities.
We could not be more pleased to be welcoming MCTV customers and employees to the Armstrong family, said Dru Sedwick, Armstrong Group CEO. The joining of these two companies is something that makes perfect sense. We continue to believe strongly in this industry.
We will add more than 96,000 passings to the Armstrong footprint, which means more homes and businesses across six states will have access to our premier fiber network, said Jeff Ross, President of Armstrong. MCTV's operations in Massillon, Wooster, and along the Ohio-West Virginia border complement our existing footprint perfectly. MCTV has made significant investments in fiber-to-the-home technology and is nearing completion of its network transformation, positioning the combined company for continued growth and innovation.
Armstrong is widely recognized for its customer-first philosophy, innovative technology, and commitment to bridging the digital divide, making it an ideal successor to MCTV.
This decision was driven by our desire to ensure a strong, sustainable future for our employees, customers, and community. We’ve served our communities well for 60 years, and it’s time to pass the torch, said Katherine Gessner, President of MCTV. I’m confident that Armstrong will not only preserve MCTV’s legacy but will build on it. Armstrong holds dear many of the same values as MCTV, including reliable service, excellent customer service, and involvement in the communities it serves.
The proposed transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026.
Moorgate Securities LLC served as exclusive financial advisor, and Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC served as legal counsel to MCTV in connection with the transaction. Reed Smith LLP served as legal counsel to Armstrong.
About Armstrong
For over 80 years, Armstrong has been a leader in telecommunications technology and service. Founded in 1946 by Jud L. Sedwick as Armstrong County Line Construction, Armstrong remains a family-owned and operated company deeply committed to the communities it serves. Armstrong's world-class fiber network spans six states—Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, New York, West Virginia, and Kentucky—delivering advanced infrastructure with a focus on exceptional customer service and satisfaction. The company provides 24/7 local support, transparent pricing, and complimentary technical service to residential and business customers throughout its service area.
For more information on Armstrong's Advanced Fiber Network, please visit ArmstrongOneWire.com/network.
About Massillon Cable TV, Inc. (MCTV)
Founded in 1965 by Richard and Susan Gessner in Massillon, OH, MCTV (short for Massillon Cable TV, Inc.) has grown into one of the 25 largest cable TV and broadband companies in the U.S., offering a full suite of telecommunications services including high speed internet, digital cable TV, residential and commercial phone, fiber optic connectivity, security systems, and television advertising. With a steadfast commitment to going the “extra smile” for its customers and community, the company serves over 96,000 passings across thirteen counties in eastern Ohio and West Virginia.
Learn more at www.MCTVOhio.com
For more information, contact:
Armstrong
Jud M Stewart — Corporate Communications
Email: jmstewart@agoc.com
MCTV
Katherine Gessner — President
Email: kgessner@MCTVOhio.com
The Certification Enables Improved Public Safety Outcomes and Enhances Alarm System Effectiveness
Guardian Protection is proud to announce that its 24-hour monitoring centers have attained ANSI/TMA AVS-01 (“AVS-01”) certification, a standard introduced in 2023 and currently held by fewer than 10 security monitoring centers in the U.S.
AVS-01 is a standardized scoring metric used to report unauthorized human activity - such as a burglary detected by an alarm system - to an emergency response agency. The scoring provides greater situational awareness to first responders and can be impactful in allocating resources - both critical elements of an effective emergency response.
Becoming AVS-01 certified reinforces our core belief that effective communication with Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs) is vital to the service we provide our customers. It not only strengthens our relationship with them, but also with first responders, bringing an even greater sense of confidence to those who rely on us to provide best in class monitoring services, said Guardian Protection Director Monitoring Operations Matt Majocka.
Guardian's monitoring centers will use AVS-01 scoring to report an alarm event as being in one of five categories, helping to facilitate the best type of response by authorities. The category will be communicated to the appropriate ECC, such as a 911 center, in the following way:
- Alarm Level 0 – No Call for Service
- Alarm Level 1 – Call for Service with limited to no additional information
- Alarm Level 2 – Call for Service with confirmed or "highly probable" human presence with unknown intent
- Alarm Level 3 – Call for Service with confirmed threat to property
- Alarm Level 4 – Call for Service with confirmed threat to life
According to The Monitoring Association, adopting the AVS01 standard can improve public safety outcomes and significantly enhance a security monitoring center’s alarm response processes.
Our trained monitoring center protection specialists have always provided necessary critical information to ECCs, so the addition of the AVS-01 certification will be transparent to our customers, but it has greatly helped to place a framework on the delivery of that information, said Majocka.
The AVS-01 standard was developed through a collaboration by The Monitoring Association (TMA), and a standards committee of more than 60 participants representing law enforcement, public safety, and professionals from the security industry. It was launched in 2023 after receiving accreditation from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) with training being developed in 2024.
Guardian began preparation to integrate the standard into its operations in Spring 2025, building-out the protocol within its monitoring software, training every member on its monitoring center team, requiring demonstrated proficiency, and instituting quality assurance (QA) practices, both internally and by an independent QA team. Guardian worked to expand its existing U.L. certification to include AVS-01 certification and received U.L. AVS-01 certification approval in October.
Guardian also holds the prestigious Five Diamond accreditation from The Monitoring Association and has twice been nationally recognized as Monitoring Center of the Year.
The new service will be named "Proactive Video Surveillance"
Guardian Protection ("Guardian"), a premier provider of commercial smart security, video, access control, and fire alarms proudly announces the launch of Proactive Video Surveillance, its latest investment in advanced commercial security services. This innovative offering combines intelligent video analytics, AI-powered deterrence, and live remote video monitoring by trained security specialists in Guardian’s UL-certified, Five Diamond-accredited monitoring centers — helping businesses detect, deter, and prevent incidents before they escalate.
Proactive Video Surveillance is now available to Guardian’s commercial customers, including national chains, multi-site enterprises, and large commercial facilities. Guardian will officially unveil the service at the NRF PROTECT retail loss prevention conference on June 23 in San Antonio, Texas. Video demos will be available along with the chance for retailers to schedule follow-up consultations.
Proactive Video Surveillance represents a significant advancement in Guardian’s broader video strategy — a cultural and technological shift to expand video-enabled protection for businesses and institutions.
Video is becoming the new standard in intrusion protection and awareness, with the potential to significantly enhance security for our clients while reducing their costs, said Bryan Cipoletti, president of Guardian Protection. We’ve been investing in new platforms, expanding our monitoring capabilities, and preparing our teams to deliver this enhanced service.
Proactive Video Surveillance actively monitors camera feeds using smart analytics and AI to detect suspicious behavior in real time. If a threat is identified, Guardian’s highly trained monitoring professionals can intervene immediately — issuing live audio warnings to intruders and alerting law enforcement or business owners as needed.
Every day, our award-winning monitoring centers prove their skill and dedication in protecting customers, said Kevin Santelli, Vice President of Business Sales. Being able to further leverage our people and technology to help stop crime before it happens is transformative for Guardian and the companies we work so hard to protect.
Key benefits of Proactive Video Surveillance include:
- Crime Deterrence: Intelligent detection and immediate intervention help prevent incidents before damage occurs.
- Cost Reduction: Reduces or replaces costly on-site guard services with effective remote security operations.
- Improved Safety: Adds an active layer of protection for people, property, and assets, 24/7.
- Situational Awareness: Provides incident insights and actionable video clips for informed decision-making.
- Scalable Protection: Flexible solutions for businesses of all sizes and across multiple industries.
Guardian Protection (“Guardian”) is pleased to announce the acquisition of 8,300 commercial accounts from Monitronics International, Inc. known residentially as Brinks Home™. The acquisition also includes an additional 4,300 residential alarm accounts.
The accounts are located principally in the Guardian existing footprint with concentrations in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. Guardian will add three new branch locations as a result, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Morgantown, West Virginia; and Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
As part of the acquisition Guardian will welcome nearly 60 new commercial employees including experienced field technicians, commercial sales representatives, and support team members. Efforts are already underway to communicate with the new customers and to begin transitioning all aspects of the business to Guardian.
This marks Guardian’s fourth acquisition since 2021 and is the largest in terms of commercial accounts acquired. We are deeply committed to the growth and expansion of our customer base in the large commercial, multi-site chain, and small business sectors, said Guardian President Bryan Cipoletti. We have a long, stable history of successfully providing security solutions to these types of customers. Our experience, people expertise, and infrastructure are well-positioned to accommodate growth and become a more dominant player in the commercial marketplace, he added.