For U.S. Security Associates, the troubled national security firm, the bar just keeps getting lower.

We've mentioned before how the company is driving down standards in the security industry. The company has recently set another low bar in Colorado, where they bid the lowest out of 14 security firms for a contract to protect Larimer County residents -- and won the contract.

How could they afford to offer the lowest bid? By slashing wages, getting rid of good jobs that our communities need.

In the deal with USSA, veteran officers at the Larimer County Justice Center were told they could only keep their jobs if they accepted a 25 percent pay cut. Bob Perino, a guard at the security checkpoint for four years, told Denver's 7News there was no way he could work for such low wages. Other officers shared a similar frustration over the county's decision to put both the officers' livelihood and the public's safety at risk.

"I will be unemployed... And hopefully I can find a new job," said Charles Hall, a security officer at the complex for three years, who felt the public should be concerned about the county's decision. "You're putting people's lives at risk for less money," he said.

During the previous contract, security officers at the center had kept stable employment at adequate wages -- gaining experience and building trust with the community while protecting the public from knives, guns and other weapons on a daily basis.

That's the way it should be. A good deal for workers and good value for taxpayers.

Instead of killing good jobs and putting experienced officers out on the street, USSA -- the fourth-largest security firm in the country -- should do its part to raise industry standards. USSA should maximize safety, protection and economic strength in all the communities where they do business. Until they do, we'll be watching the company closely.