City of Richmond’s security contractor, Top Guard Security, transitions to new employer

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to accurately reflect the circumstances surrounding the contracts' ending, shared by a Top Guard Security spokesperson.

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A notice filed with the state last week appeared to show 79 Top Guard Security employees in Richmond were being laid off. But company officials confirmed on Friday that these employees will actually be transitioning to a new employer.

According to Chris Stuart, Vice President of Top Guard Security, the company's contract with the City of Richmond ends on midnight on Friday, Oct. 31. A new contract will begin on Saturday, Nov. 1, with a California-based security company.

Top Guard Security is reportedly contracted by the City of Richmond to provide security at city buildings.

Stuart clarified that this is a transition to a new employer rather than a layoff.

The initial filing of warn notices is the result of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, which helps to ensure that advance notice is given for company closings and mass layoffs.

First reported by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Top Guard Security reported a warn notice of what was believed to be layoffs of 79 employees in Richmond to the Virginia Workforce Network’s Rapid Response program on Oct. 23.

City leaders contracted Top Guard Security in 2021 to provide services at city buildings, including City Hall and Richmond Public Libraries.

The company has three Virginia offices, with one in Chesterfield, Norfolk and Hampton.

Stuart said that Top Guard Security has two new contracts beginning later this year,