How Protos Delivered Rapid, Discreet and High-Stakes Asset recovery
During unpredictable crises, organizations with high-value assets must be prepared to respond swiftly, discreetly and with precision. When a natural disaster disrupts operations, especially at a high-profile location, the stakes are measured not only in dollars, but in reputation, client trust and operational continuity.
This case study examines how Protos Security delivered a seamless, high-stakes recovery for one of the world’s largest financial institutions following the January 2025 Pacific Palisades wildfire. Our proven approach to crisis response and asset protection demonstrates the critical elements of a successful recovery operation, including:
- Deployment of off-duty law enforcement trained in sensitive asset recovery
- On-the-ground coordination with law enforcement, city officials and internal stakeholders
- Strategic crowd management and media mitigation in high-visibility environments
From Disaster to Deployment: Protos’ Swift Response to the Palisades Fire
Background:
Protos Security has safeguarded a major financial institution nationwide since 2012. This case study shows how their response to the Palisades fire strengthened the partnership and set a model for future deployments.
Situation:
In January 2025, the Palisades fire devastated Los Angeles County, destroying thousands of structures and impacting local businesses. One of the client’s Pacific Palisades branches was severely affected, requiring urgent, sensitive recovery support for cash assets and safety deposit boxes.
Solution:
The client engaged Protos Security to lead a sensitive, high-profile recovery operation, deploying a specialized team of off-duty law enforcement for security, scene management, and stakeholder coordination. With expertise in high-value transport, crowd control and emergency response, Protos ensured discreet execution and secure transfer of assets to a protected facility.
Results:
This operation showcased Protos’ ability to execute high-stakes recoveries with discretion, precision, and professionalism. Their seamless coordination and tactful approach earned praise across client departments as one of the most effective security responses to date.
Strategic Implications:
The January 2025 Palisades fire underscored the need for scalable, coordinated response plans in high-stakes industries. Protos’ rapid deployment safeguarded assets, preserved operations, and supported the client through a highly sensitive disruption.
Discreet Asset Recovery Expertise
When millions in cash and safety deposit box contents are at stake, discretion is non-negotiable. Protos deploys plainclothes/off-duty law enforcement trained in high-value transport, crowd control and emergency response. In Pacific Palisades, our specialized team secured sensitive assets without drawing unwanted media attention.
Coordinated Multi-Agency Response
From day one of planning to the final secured transfer, Protos worked seamlessly with the client’s real estate leadership, the Los Angeles Police Department, city officials and internal stakeholders. Our on-site leadership ensured smooth decision-making, rapid adaptation to evolving conditions, and full compliance with restricted-access protocols during one of the most visible recovery efforts in the client’s history.
Rapid Mobilization, Zero Incidents
In less than four weeks from request to execution, Protos assembled the right personnel, vehicles and logistics to complete the operation in under 10 hours on recovery day. The result: $2–3M in cash and $2–10M in safety deposit assets secured all while maintaining operational integrity and client trust.
Download the case Study
High-Profile, High-Stakes Recovery: Protos deployed a specialized team of off-duty law enforcement to discreetly secure $2-3M after the Pacific Palisades branch was devastated by the January 2025 fire.
Precision Under Pressure: Within four weeks of request, Protos executed a 10-hour operation with zero escalations despite public visibility and tight timelines.
Proven Strategic Partner: The seamless coordination, tactful presence, and operational excellence reinforced a 13-year client partnership and set a model for future high-stakes deployments.
