ABOUT MADISON SECURITY GROUP
Responsive. Cost-Effective.
Built for Your Needs.
Madison Security Group was founded on a simple belief: every client — personal or business — deserves a security program designed around their actual needs, not a generic off-the-shelf package.
OUR MISSION
Short & Long-Term Security
Solutions, Built for You
We design both short and long-term security programs tailored to your personal and business needs. Our hands-on management team works directly with every client — no layers, no runaround.
From a single guard deployment to a full enterprise security program, we approach each engagement the same way: assess, design, deploy, and continuously improve.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Our Core Values
Responsive Management
Our leadership is hands-on and directly reachable — not hidden behind call centers or ticketing systems. Your concerns get addressed directly.
Cost-Effective Design
We build programs that deliver maximum security value within your budget. No upselling. No unnecessary add-ons. Just what you need.
Outstanding Service
Every client is a long-term partner. We measure our success by your satisfaction — not just contract completion.
Trained Personnel
All guards — armed and unarmed — are rigorously vetted, trained, and matched to the specific demands of your environment.
LEADERSHIP
Meet the Management Team
PRESIDENT – Richard Zimmer, Sr.
Richard Zimmer, Sr. is the current President and Director of Operations of the Mid Atlantic Market of Madison Security Group. He is Responsible for all facets of security operations and administration for MSG within the United States. With over 31 years of Law Enforcement ,Security Management, and marketing experience, Mr. Zimmer is the former owner/founder of several contract security and investigation companies that have exceeded 75 Million Dollars annually. His prior experiences include NYS Municipal Police Training, serving as a Police Officer in a Special Unit investigating pattern and major crimes, and has received numerous medals and commendations for his service excellence. He has held Private Investigator and WatchGuard Licenses in NY NJ FL MA CT and PA, and has a proven track record of developing and training officers in investigative techniques pertaining to fraud, embezzlement, sex crimes, and grand larceny Cases. He has worked for or consulted for the New York City Police Department, NYS Police, Maryland State Police , Homeland Security and Other Federal Agencies.
Vice President – Erik Hernandez
Erik Hernandez, is a Vice President and Senior Law Enforcement Consultant for Madison Security Group, Inc. Mr. Hernandez is an Active Duty Police Chief Of Detectives for the NYC Police Department, and Has over 30 Years Of Law Enforcement and Security Management experience. Mr. Hernandez has served as a HHC Police Officer, CCPD Officer, and Rose through the ranks of the NYPD to his current position, as well as being a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Erik has earned numerous Awards and commendations over his years of service, and currently serves as the President of the NYS Shields Agency.
Vice President – Richard Zimmer, Jr.
Richard Zimmer, Jr. is the current Vice President of NY Operations for Madison Security Inc. Richard is an Active Duty Police Detective with over 13 years of experience in the industries of Security/Management and Law Enforcement. Richard has served in multiple specialized units such as Dignitary Protection, Crime Prevention, Field Training Officer, and Major Crime Investigations. Mr. Zimmer has also been responsible for coordinating 24/7 security services to over 100 locations daily in NY. Richard has attended and graduated from 3 law Enforcement Academies and holds a current NYS DCJS M.P.T.C. He hold certifications in Advanced Firearms and Active Shooter/ Rapid Deployment and is an expert in HAZMAT , HAZWOPER, Confined Space, General E.A.P. , and is certified in Workplace and Fire Safety/Evacuation ,FEMA and NYS Incident Command, CBRNE. He has a Bachelor of Science In Criminal Justice from John Jay College, and is a certified Security Guard Instructor and Holds a 1st degree Black Belt.
Executive Vice President of Operations – Joseph Lizardi
Joseph Lizardi is the Executive Vice President of Operations For Madison Security and Retired Police Detective. Mr. Lizardi began a career with NYPD in 1988 and within a very short period of time his knowledge and street savvy assisted in promoting him into some of the most elite divisions in the department where he was working undercover and covert assignments in many facets from narcotics all the way to organized crime. Mr. Lizardi elected early retirement after suffering a serious on-the-job injury and entered immediately into the private sector of security. Mr. Lizardi has helped develop MSG into one of the premiere security providers on the east coast. Mr. Lizardi is a licensed private detective in Pennsylvania, licensed to own and operate a security company and a licensed gun custodian in the state of New York. Mr. Lizardi earned a Bachelor of Science degree from John Jay University, New York, NY and has extensive training in many facets of our industry to include but not limited to legal, lethal, ethical and specialized security procedures. Mr Lizardi holds a Juris Doctor From Pace University School of Law, and a Degree in International Law.
Vice President – Joseph Monahan
Joseph Monahan is a current Vice President of Madison Security Group, Retired 1st Grade Detective, and holds an impressive 40+ years of Law Enforcement, Investigative, and Security experience in conducting comprehensive and complex criminal investigations. Since 1977, Mr Monahan has held an Active NYS MPTC as a Police officer/Detective and has been the Senior Lead on investigation task forces that involved city, state and federal agencies including gang and narcotic takedowns, economic crimes, and various other major crimes. Since 1991, he has been a security supervisor for MSG, leading tours of up to 1200 Officers within the 5 Boroughs, Westchester, and Long Island. He hold certifications in Fraudulent documents, narcotics, Homeland Security , Elderly Abuse, Executive Protection , FBI Gang Investigations, National Auto Theft, and many more. He also serves as the Financial secretary of the NYS Shields, and heads the Madison Security Community Affairs Unit, which is committed to making the quality of life better for the residents we secure. Through our quality of life initiative, we work closely with board directors, tenant associations, community boards/politicians, and community leaders to provide safety seminars, host local events and family/community days, and help educate the community on issues that concern their safety and wellbeing.
Vice President of Operations – David Gates
David Gates is an accomplished security executive with over a decade of experience in private security operations, security management, and advanced safety technologies. As the Vice President of Operations at Madison Security, he is responsible for directing large-scale security operations across hundreds of client sites, ensuring the delivery of consistent, high-quality protection services tailored to each client’s needs. In this leadership capacity, Mr. Gates oversees all aspects of security personnel management, including recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing training, while establishing clear standards of security officer conduct, legal authority, and professional ethics. He has developed and implemented comprehensive security programs that integrate access control, surveillance technologies, patrol methodologies, and emergency response protocols, strengthening Madison Security’s reputation as a trusted provider of proactive safety solutions.
Mr. Gates is a recognized expert in risk assessment, workplace violence prevention, gang awareness, fire safety, and elder abuse prevention, ensuring Madison Security officers are fully prepared to manage sensitive and high-risk situations with professionalism. He plays a pivotal role in the legal defense and regulatory compliance of the company, ensuring security practices adhere to local, state, and federal laws. In addition to managing customized post orders and site-specific security plans, he prioritizes client relations, working closely with property managers, businesses, and organizations to provide seamless, reliable security solutions. His leadership extends beyond operations to public relations and community engagement, recognizing the importance of security officers as frontline representatives of both Madison Security and its clients.
Through his strategic vision and operational expertise, David Gates has cultivated a highly trained, motivated, and responsive security workforce that embodies Madison Security’s mission of delivering protection, professionalism, and peace of mind. His commitment to innovation and operational excellence continues to drive Madison Security’s growth as a premier provider of security services across the region.
Director of Operations – Ramysh Bangali
Mr. Ramysh Bangali is the current Director of Ops for MSG, and a Retired Police Sergeant and Military Veteran. A native New Yorker whose life and career have been defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to community. At just 17, he became an EMT, laying the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to protecting and supporting others. He went on to serve proudly as a United States Navy Corpsman, working alongside the U.S. Marine Corps and earning the respect that comes with caring for service members in demanding environments.
Following his military service, Mr. Bangali continued his public service with the New York City Police Department. Over the course of his NYPD career, he served in multiple capacities—including patrol, plainclothes assignments, training officer, and ultimately Sergeant—before retiring with distinction. His experience in both military and law enforcement settings shaped his disciplined approach to leadership, crisis response, and team development.
Fluent in multiple languages and deeply rooted in his community, Mr. Bangali continues to serve beyond his professional roles. He remains active in his local church and is a certified NRA instructor, further extending his commitment to education and safety.
As Director of Operations, Mr. Bangali oversees day‑to‑day field performance, develops and implements training protocols modeled after the high standards of the military and police department, and serves as the company’s liaison with police and fire agencies during emergencies. His operational expertise, combined with decades of real‑world experience, ensures that every site under his leadership receives the highest level of professionalism, preparedness, and accountability.
Mr. Gates is a recognized expert in risk assessment, workplace violence prevention, gang awareness, fire safety, and elder abuse prevention, ensuring Madison Security officers are fully prepared to manage sensitive and high-risk situations with professionalism. He plays a pivotal role in the legal defense and regulatory compliance of the company, ensuring security practices adhere to local, state, and federal laws. In addition to managing customized post orders and site-specific security plans, he prioritizes client relations, working closely with property managers, businesses, and organizations to provide seamless, reliable security solutions. His leadership extends beyond operations to public relations and community engagement, recognizing the importance of security officers as frontline representatives of both Madison Security and its clients.
Through his strategic vision and operational expertise, David Gates has cultivated a highly trained, motivated, and responsive security workforce that embodies Madison Security’s mission of delivering protection, professionalism, and peace of mind. His commitment to innovation and operational excellence continues to drive Madison Security’s growth as a premier provider of security services across the region.
Director of Special Operations – Michael Cruz
Michael Cruz began his journey with Madison Security Group more than a decade ago by stepping into his first role as a security officer--embracing uncertainty with determination, resilience, and a strong work ethic. What started as a leap into the unknown quickly became a defining career built on commitment, leadership, and ar unwavering belief in growth through service.
Through perseverance and dedication, Michael advanced through Madison's premier locations, earning trust and responsibility at every stage. He grew into leadership roles as a Supervisor and Sergeant, where he learned the value of accountability and leading by example. Seizing every opportunity to expand his impact, Michael took on the challenge of Site Director, successfully building and guiding teams while driving operational excellence across multiple locations.
His passion for developing people and strengthening operations led him into the field. where he continued to rise --from Field Supervisor to Field Manager, Account Manager and Assistant Director of Operations. Each role sharpened his strategic vision and reinforced his commitment to Madison's mission.
Today, Michael serves as Director of Special Operations for Madison Security Group, a position that reflects more thar ten years of dedication, grit, and earned leadership. His journey stands as a testament to what is possible through hard work, loyalty, and the courage to grow--proving that leadership is built one opportunity, one challenge, and one commitment at a time.