The Difference: A Shoe, a Kickball, and a Little Extra Effort and Reach

Date: October 23, 2025

Location: Harford County, MD

The Story:

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

During recess at a local faith-based school, School Resource Officer (SRO) B. Hare, a retired Maryland State Trooper and veteran U.S Marine, enjoys watching the students play kickball. He’s noticed how often the kids come together as a team, using creativity and cooperation to solve problems on their own, especially when the ball ends up in a tree.

| “At first, I’d start to step in,” Hare said, “but I realized they were figuring it out together. They didn’t need me, they had teamwork.”

But on this particular afternoon, the ball was stuck much higher than usual, just out of everyone’s reach. One determined student gave it their best shot and tossed a shoe to try and knock it loose, only for the shoe to get stuck right alongside the ball.

That’s when Hare decided it was time to help. He went to his vehicle, grabbed a collapsible boat pole he keeps handy, and after a few careful reaches, both the shoe and the ball were safely back on the ground, to the pleasure and laughter of the students.

The Difference:

By watching first, SRO Hare saw the students’ teamwork in action, and when they truly needed a hand, he was ready to help. His small act of service turned a stuck ball and shoe into a shared moment of joy and connection.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to make a "Difference" is to let others grow, and be there when they need you most.

That’s The Difference.

Contact:

Jennifer Sampson, Media Relations Coordinator

Centennial Protection Group

media@centennialprotects.com | www.centennialprotects.com

A Legacy of Service, A Future of Leadership

At Centennial Protection Group (CPG), we believe the most powerful force in the security profession isn't just training or experience, it's purpose. It's people who carry a sense of duty that runs deep, and in some cases, runs in the family.

One of the most striking examples of this is a father and son who represent the very heart of what we value at CPG.

The father has been with us and Making a Difference for over seven years, but our story with him started long before that. He and our founder and President served side-by-side in the Maryland State Police for more than two decades. They responded to high-stakes incidents, led teams under pressure, and built the kind of trust you only earn in the field. When he joined CPG, he brought that same steady leadership to our team, along with an unwavering commitment to professionalism and mentorship.

Then his son came on board.

From day one, it was clear he wasn’t just following in his father’s footsteps, he was forging his own path. With a strong work ethic, a calm presence, and natural leadership qualities, he quickly earned the respect of his peers. Today, he’s rising through our ranks, leading by example, and continuing the family tradition of service with honor.

But the story of legacy and leadership doesn’t end there.

Years ago, CPG delivered the RESIST10 Option-Based Survival training (Active Shooter Prevention and Response) to a local school community. Among the participants was a student, focused, and engaged, absorbing the critical lessons we hope students never have to use. She took the training seriously, not knowing then how it might shape her future. One of her instructors during that training? The very same father who now helps lead our team.

Fast forward several years, and that same student walked through our doors as a job applicant. She brought a sense of purpose, a deep respect for the training, and a calm professionalism that immediately made an impact.

When she recognized the name of her former instructor and saw our president standing before her, she smiled and said, “Wait… you guys again?" And then, with a grin and a shake of her head, she added: “Wow.”

Today, she’s a highly effective armed security officer, respected, trusted, and an example of how preparation, mentorship, and mission-driven values can come full circle.

The man who once taught her how to survive a crisis now calls her and his own son a colleague.

At CPG, stories like these aren’t outliers, they're at the core of who we are. This work is personal, generational and Mission-Driven. And when we talk about “The Difference,” this is what we mean:

People with purpose. Leaders in the making. Legacies being built in real time.

That’s what our entire team call "The CPG Way."

In the words of our founder and President,

"At Centennial Protection Group, we don’t just train and employee officers, we build connections that last. Seeing a father, who I trust with my life, and his son working toward the same mission, and then watching a former student grow into a protector along side the very person who once trained her, that’s the kind of full-circle moment that defines who we are."

— David Hopp, President, Centennial Protection Group

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join a team where your experience, values, and commitment matter. Whether you’re just starting out or continuing a legacy, there’s a place for you here.

Apply Now → Victoria Austin vaustin@cenntennialprotects.com

Contact:

Jennifer Sampson, Media Relations Coordinator

Centennial Protection Group

media@centennialprotects.com | www.centennialprotects.com

Introducing "The Difference": Inside Centennial Protection Group — The Story Behind the Stories

At Centennial Protection Group, the work we do makes a difference, and that’s exactly how we train our team. Security is more than rules and procedures; it’s about the moments of compassion, dedication, and impact that happen every day behind the scenes.

To better reflect this mission, we’re excited to announce that our former News section has evolved into "The Difference," a space dedicated to sharing real stories that go beyond surface level updates. Here, you’ll find the true stories of how our team makes a meaningful impact on the people, communities, and clients we protect each and every day.

"The Difference" celebrates the heart and humanity of security work, highlighting what sets Centennial Protection Group apart. It also highlights the small things that can make a significant difference.

Stay tuned for inspiring stories that highlight the dedication and care our team brings to every shift.

Contact:

Jennifer Sampson, Media Relations Coordinator

Centennial Protection Group

media@centennialprotects.com | www.centennialprotects.com