The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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  • C.L. Garvin

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August 15, 2008

Security guard greets each fair-goer with a smile

By Debbie Schwarz Simpson

FAIRLEA — “Come right in, hon,” is the greeting folks get from Saundra Simms when they come through the main gate at the State Fair of West Virginia.

Simms, a guard for Securitas, the security company for the fair, is cut out for her position.

“She’s very funny and she gives you a lift. She’s always smiling and she likes to joke and have fun,” Jim Pack of Dawson said.

“I’m a friendly person and I like my job,” says Simms, who works eight-hour shifts at varied positions on the fairgrounds.

“I lost my husband and I decided to try the security (position) at the State Fair and I love it,” she says with enthusiasm.

Simms has experienced only a few minor problems at the entrance gate. Most of the problems have revolved around parking, she said.

“I just tell them the rules, laugh and give them a big smile,” she said.

Simms interrupted the interview several times to welcome fair folks.

“I’m so glad to see you back,” she said to a woman in a wheelchair.

“Have a nice (carnival) ride,” was the greeting she gave to a young girl.

Former owner of a fast-food business and a construction and computer business in Greenbrier County, Simms decided to seek a job at the State Fair following her husband’s death.

“I take seniors to dances and to senior centers in Alderson and Lindside,” she said of her activities.

According to Simms, her parents, Mabel Bennett and the late Robert Bennett, taught her the importance of volunteerism.

“My mom and dad took care of all the elderly people in the community,” she recalls.

“I’m a Fayette County girl,” says Simms, who was one of seven children. She grew up in Danese and graduated from Nuttall High School.

“I’ve lived in Greenbrier County for 40 years,” she says.

Simms has three children, Melissa Swann, Cindy Meadows and Curtis Simms.

“I taught them good manners and good morals and to treat other people like they would want to be treated,” she said.

And Simms practices what she preaches.

“Thank you, hon,” Simms said to a motorist who handed her his gate ticket to be stamped.

Simms’ sense of humor is contagious.

“Some of them (the people) called me a duck when it rained because I had my yellow jacket on,” she said.

“Standing on my feet,” the outgoing Simms said when queried about the downside of her position.

“But it’s worth it because I meet so many nice people.”

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