Fenton to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at National Sports Safety and Security Conference
Tue, 05/05/2026 - 09:24am | By: NCS4 Staff
Richard “Rick” Fenton, CSSP, vice president and chief security officer of corporate security and safety for Ilitch Holdings Inc., will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for June 23-25 in Palm Desert, Calif.
The conference is presented annually by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi. Fenton will be recognized during the awards luncheon, which is sponsored by Evolv Technology, a provider of weapons detection systems for security screening.
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual’s long-term accomplishments and contributions to the sports safety and security community, recognizing dedication, loyalty, ability and integrity. The award is sponsored by Meridian Rapid Defense Group, which provides Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act-certified barriers for major sporting events across the United States.
“I’m truly honored to receive this recognition from NCS4. This award isn’t just a reflection of my journey, but of the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career. Nothing is achieved without the work of the outstanding colleagues that I work with every day and the tremendous support that we have received from ownership and CEOs,” said Fenton.
"Together, we’ve advanced a mission that is bigger than any one individual, ensuring the safety and security of fans, athletes and communities everywhere. I’m grateful for the partnerships, the challenges that pushed us forward and the opportunity to contribute to an industry that continues to evolve and make a meaningful impact,” Fenton added. “Ilitch Holdings' relationship with NCS4 began in 2010, and NCS4 has been critical to our staff development with nine CSSP certificants and the use of the NCS4 Best Practices, which have been a fundamental component of our security program at all of our venues and have directly contributed to our DHS SAFETY Act certifications for both Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena”.
Fenton serves as chief security officer for Ilitch Holdings and oversees corporate security, venue security, loss prevention, investigations and executive services. He has assisted in achieving DHS SAFETY Act certification for the security program at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, and the security design and security program at Little Caesars Arena, home of the Detroit Red Wings. He also serves as chairman of the NCS4 National Advisory Board and is a co-founder of the public-private partnership Lighthouse Program in Detroit.
Fenton is a retired executive commander of the Wayne County Sheriff Department and served as police chief/commander at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. He is a graduate and former adjunct faculty member at Eastern Michigan University and a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
“Rick is an esteemed professional, highly respected by his peers. He has consistently strived to advance the safety and security of the venues under his purview and the wider sports community,” said Dr. Stacey Hall, NCS4 executive director and professor of sport management. “Not one to settle for the status quo, Rick has been at the forefront of implementing innovative security measures, training and technologies throughout his career. He also encourages his colleagues to pursue professional development opportunities and is genuinely invested in their career growth.”
“Rick has been an avid supporter of NCS4 from its inception and has served in many leadership roles, including chairing the National Advisory Board, the Certified Sport Security Professional (CSSP) Program Commission and the NCS4 Best Practices Program,” continued Hall. “We are excited to recognize Rick for his accomplishments and thank him for his service to the industry.”
For more information about the conference or to register, visit the conference website. For more information about the awards, visit the awards recognition website.
About the 17th Annual National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition
The National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition will be held June
23-25, 2026, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, Calif.
The conference will attract over 500 attendees and 70 exhibitors representing professional
sports, intercollegiate athletics, interscholastic athletics, marathon and endurance
events, sports and entertainment facilities, and those who provide safety and security
products and services to the industry. Visit the conference website for more information.
About NCS4
Established in 2006, the NCS4 is the nation’s only academic center devoted to the study and practice of sports
safety and security. The NCS4 is partially underwritten by grants from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The NCS4 mission focuses on three key pillars - Training and Education, Research, and Outreach.
Click here for more information about NCS4 or call 601.266.6183.