04/08/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SSOP NPC APPOINTS LIONEL GAFNEY AS COMMUNITY RESPONSE MANAGER
Roodepoort, Gauteng – SSOP NPC is proud to announce the appointment of Lionel Gafney as its new Community Response Manager, following a transparent and structured selection process involving member nominations, a community vote, and final interviews with the SSOP NPC Executive Committee.
Lionel's appointment was unanimously approved by the Executive Committee after he successfully demonstrated his leadership vision, commitment to volunteer development, and passion for strengthening community safety across the areas served by SSOP.
As Community Response Manager, Lionel will be responsible for leading and developing SSOP's growing Community Response Division. His role will focus on the recruitment, mentoring and support of responders, strengthening operational readiness, maintaining professional standards, and ensuring that SSOP's volunteers continue to provide exceptional service to the communities they serve.
Lionel brings with him extensive experience within the private security industry, having served in close protection and operational management roles within armed response. In addition to his professional experience, he has been actively involved with community safety organisations for more than 26 years.
Speaking about his appointment, Lionel said:
"Community safety has always been a passion of mine. Every person deserves to feel safe in their home and within their community. I am honoured to have been entrusted with this responsibility and look forward to working alongside our responders, the Executive Committee, the OCC, and our many community partners to continue building a professional, united and community-focused response team that serves with integrity, commitment and pride."
SSOP NPC Chairperson Leon Marinus welcomed the appointment, saying:
"The Executive Committee is delighted to welcome Lionel into this important leadership role. Throughout the selection process he demonstrated a clear vision for the future of our Community Response Division, a strong commitment to volunteer leadership, and a genuine passion for serving our communities. We are confident that his experience, leadership and dedication will help strengthen our responder programme and further enhance the services that SSOP provides."
The appointment also forms part of SSOP NPC's continued organisational development. As the organisation expands its services and volunteer network, SSOP has introduced a more defined operational leadership structure to support sustainable growth, strengthen accountability, and provide responders with dedicated leadership and support.
The Community Response Manager is an operational leadership role that works closely with the SSOP Operations Control Centre (OCC) and reports directly to the Executive Committee through the Chairperson. The position is responsible for the leadership and development of SSOP's responder network while supporting the organisation's mission of creating safer communities through partnership, professionalism and volunteer service.
SSOP NPC congratulates Lionel Gafney on his appointment and looks forward to the positive impact his leadership will have on the organisation, its responders, and the communities it proudly serves.
About SSOP NPC
SSOP NPC is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing community safety across the West Rand through volunteer first responders, a 24-hour Operations Control Centre, CCTV integration, community partnerships, emergency coordination, and public safety initiatives. Working alongside law enforcement, emergency services, security partners and local communities, SSOP is committed to creating safer communities through collaboration, professionalism and service.
