Russ Waxter
Commercial security system installer
ADT Security Services, Columbia
Salary --$43,000
Age --56
Years on the job --31
How he got started --Waxter had a friend who worked at ADT so he decided to apply. He landed a job first as a helper, then moved up to an assistant technician. He now works as a lead commercial installation technician.
Typical day --Waxter is one of about 20 ADT technicians in the Baltimore area who install security systems for commercial customers. Waxter typically works alone and is responsible for meeting with the client to discuss the service ordered. He then installs the system, which can consist of access control devices, fire alarms, burglar alarms and video surveillance.
Some jobs take a day, while others will take several months to complete. The security system uses existing telephone lines with a radio backup. Wiring typically goes behind the walls.
Waxter must also decide where to mount monitors or cameras. "Some days can be physically demanding and some days it can be mentally demanding, depending on the job. I just do the best I can."
Specialization --Much of the work he does is installing burglar alarms and video surveillance cameras for local branches of a national banking company.
The good --Autonomy. "Most of the time I'm by myself. It's like being in business for yourself, but you're really working for a company."
The bad --"Keeping up with technology. It's always changing."
The Baltimore connection --Although ADT is based in Florida, it started in Baltimore as American District Telegraph in 1874 when 57 district telegraph delivery companies - located throughout the country - merged to form a messenger company. Call boxes were used by customers to send a signal to the telegraph office and couriers would carry the messages to alert the fire or police departments.
As technology evolved and telephone usage increased in the late 1800s, the messenger business declined and the signaling business evolved. In the early 1900s, ADT was part of Western Union and AT&T.;
Memorable job --He said he often gets a behind-the-scenes peek at businesses that the average person doesn't have access to. One job that sticks out was an installation at Aberdeen Proving Ground where he was working in a building that housed foreign military equipment. "That's what I like. You see stuff you normally wouldn't see. They were really neat and interesting."
Dirty job --Waxter said he's seen it all when it comes to bugs, rats and spiders. "It can be disgusting. Some of the buildings can be pretty dirty. But it doesn't bother me."
Fear of heights --While critters might not give Waxter pause, climbing up a fully extended 40-foot ladder did. "I was working in an old warehouse and I climbed up the ladder. I couldn't move. I came down and someone else had to be called in to do the job."
Philosophy on the job --"I try not to irritate the customers and just try to put in a neat job for them."
Nancy Jones-Bonbrest Special to The Sun