Lack of Wisconsin license leads GTAC to suspend use of security firm

Gogebic Taconite says it will suspend use of a private security firm after reports it wasn’t licensed to operate in Wisconsin.

GTAC President Bill Williams said Wednesday that while Arizona-based Bulletproof was licensed with federal agencies, it wasn’t licensed in Wisconsin. So, the company will no longer use the group for security around the iron mining site in northern Wisconsin until the Department of Safety and Professional Services approves its license.

“We have been utilizing multiple security arrangements and will rely on those other assets until this vendor is licensed,” said a company statement.

Bob Seitz, a spokesman for GTAC, indicated “multiple security arrangements” included cameras, local law enforcement and another security firm.

A spokeswoman for DSPS confirmed Bulletproof has submitted a license application.

The use of Bulletproof’s armed guards to perform surveillance and security of the mine site drew criticism from two Democratic lawmakers, Sen. Bob Jauch of Poplar and Rep. Janet Bewley of Ashland. They called on the company to stop using the firm. The company has argued the firm is needed to keep vandals away from the site.

Jauch railed against GTAC for hiring an unlicensed company.

“These actions demonstrate that GTAC has no respect for the public and no regard for the law,” Jauch said. “Had GTAC not been in such a hurry to hire a militia that’s armed more for war than defense of property, they could have hired a legally licensed Wisconsin firm and provided Wisconsin workers the opportunity to provide a safe working environment at the job site.“

See the G-Tac statement

See Jauch’s reaction