Industry loses veteran Mike McGrath

BOCA RATON, Fla.--Mike McGrath, an industry veteran and the Florida sales and marketing director for COPS Monitoring, died on July 5 at the age of 66 following a long battle with cancer. "Mike was hired to run our sales and marketing force in Florida and shortly after he came over [following COPS' acquisition of Central One Monitoring in June 2006], he started his battle with cancer," said Jim McMullen, president of COPS Monitoring. Despite his illness, however, McGrath remained dedicated to his role with COPS. "Even after he got sick, he gave his personal commitment that he would do what could for us," said McMullen. "Even while he was going through chemotherapy, he still made phone calls to his customers." McGrath was well liked by customers and coworkers alike, said McMullen. "He was a true Irish guy. He was always in a good mood even when there were problems with customers; he always looked for a way to fix the problem instead of pointing fingers," he said. McMullen also said he was proud of the way the company supported McGrath throughout the course of his illness. "I can sleep better at night knowing we helped him," he said. McGrath is survived by his wife of 40 years, Diane McGrath, a son, Perry McGrath, and four granddaughters who live in Ireland. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to: Hospice by the Sea, 1521 West Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33486. Bart Weiner has since taken over McGrath's role as head of sales and marketing for COPS' Florida offices.