History
Established in 1982 by Elwin and Joleen Kirkwood, Sundown is a revered family-owned business dedicated to safeguarding both our clients and community. Starting with event and business security, including night patrols in Billings, MT, our scope expanded in 1991 to encompass secure cash transportation, armored courier, and ATM services for financial institutions and retail businesses in Montana and Wyoming. The shift to a larger facility in 2017 was a strategic move to enhance support for our esteemed clients and committed team. Under Derek Kirkwood's leadership, who assumed the role of COO in 2016 and later purchased the business in 2023, we maintain a tradition of community-oriented service and steadfast support for our employees. Our pursuit of excellence isn't just a commitment; it reflects our enduring principles. Every member of our security team is dedicated to providing top-notch services with a personal touch, prioritizing our clients' needs above all else in our partnership-focused approach to business.
Leadership Team
PRESIDENT, OWNER, chief operations officer
Derek Kirkwood
Derek has grown up in the business, and worked side by side with his mom and dad for more than 20 years. Purchasing the company upon Joleen’s retirement in 2023, Derek believes with all of his heart in the service model Elwin and Joleen created, and has been a crucial part of the company’s growth. When Derek isn’t working with his team to ensure the security and safety of his staff and clients, you’ll find him focused on one of his MANY hobbies. Derek is a true Montanan through and through, and enjoys archery and rifle hunting, flat track and hill climb racing, camping and fishing all around the state of Montana. His wife and fellow leadership team member, Morgan, have a 15 year old son, who is growing up to follow in Derek’s hobby footsteps. Derek is a hard working and honest person. He leads his staff with integrity, and that will always be a priority value at Sundown Security.
VICE PRESIDENT, corporate secretary, chief financial officer
Morgan D. Kirkwood
Joining the company in 2021, Morgan was excited to bring her 10 years of diverse management experience to the table, strategically planning for growth for her family’s business. Morgan loves to learn, grow, and connect with people, building relationships with clients and staff, always looking to how the company can take a good experience to great. Morgan is a problem solver, creating custom solutions for Sundown clients. When Morgan isn’t connecting with clients or crunching numbers, you’ll find her volunteering in various capacities. She’s full of creativity and joy, and enjoys the local comedy scene, as an improv and stand up comedian. Morgan is the loudest parent at the baseball field during one of her and Derek’s son’s baseball games, cheering for both teams. She believes in leading from a place of understanding and empathy, and collaborating with others to create valuable solutions. Approaching every challenge with kindness, Morgan take’s care of her clients, their customers, and her team. Kindness will always be a priority value at Sundown Security.
field supervisor, senior armed security guard
Brian Haun
Brian is one of the best in his field, having worked for Sundown for more than 14 years, and was promoted to Field Supervisor in 2018. Brian came to Sundown with a wealth of experience, having worked in law enforcement and corrections. He ensures security and safety protocols are the focus out in the field, while the team delivers on their services with a smile on their face. When Brian isn’t working the field, you’ll find him relaxing by a campfire with his wife and 2 kids, or teaching his daughter about business selling her homegrown chicken eggs. Brian ensures the security and courier staff work as a team and that the service they deliver is something the client can always count on. Brian and his team are dependable and that will always be a priority value at Sundown Security.
Office & OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Natasha Blattenberg
Natasha joined Sundown Security in September 2025 as an Office Assistant and quickly grew into her current role as Office & Operations Coordinator. With more than 10 years of customer relations experience, she brings a people-first approach to keeping the many moving pieces of Sundown’s daily operations organized and on track. She enjoys solving problems, helping others, taking on new challenges, and—as she likes to say—helping “run the show.” When she isn’t in the office causing a little ruckus, Natasha enjoys spending time with her family and relaxing at home with her fiancé (soon-to-be husband!), their dogs and cats. She can also be found playing games, riding motorcycles, or getting lost in a really good book. What Natasha values most about Sundown Security is being part of a team that people can count on—both within the company and throughout the community we serve. She believes dependability is built through listening, following through, supporting one another, and showing up with compassion when people need us most. Dependability will always be a priority value at Sundown Security.
Business & Services Manager
Natasha Abel
Tasha is a Montana native with more than 20 years of customer service experience and a genuine passion for helping people. With bachelor’s degrees in accounting and criminal justice, she brings a unique combination of business knowledge, attention to detail, and people-first service to her role. Tasha works closely with clients, vendors, and her team to build strong relationships, and make sure people feel supported along the way. Outside of work, Tasha is a proud mom of 3 and grandmother to a treasured grandbaby. Family is at the heart of who she is and has helped shape the hard work, compassion, and perseverance she brings to both her personal and professional life. When she has some time to herself, you’ll find her traveling, biking, geocaching, quilting, or looking for her next opportunity to learn or explore something new. Tasha believes great service starts with listening, following through, and treating people like they matter. She is committed to creating positive experiences for our clients and supporting the team behind the services we provide. Customer Service Excellence will always be a priority value at Sundown Security.
“Our values are simple: Kindness. Integrity. Customer Service Excellence. Dependability.”
“They’re not just customers son, they’re family.”