March 6, 2014
10 Ohio Schools Now Connect Directly to First Responders with Interoperable Radio System from Motorola Solutions, SchoolSAFE Communications
CHARDON, Ohio – March 6, 2014 – Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: MSI) and Chardon Area Schools today announced the launch of the SchoolSAFE Solution, providing school district staff with an instantaneous link to first responders in the event of an emergency. Officials from Motorola and SchoolSAFE are conducting interoperable radio training today with Chardon Schools’ staff and local public safety officials to review communications procedures and best practices in incident control.
The SchoolSAFE Solution software enables interoperable radio communications between school personnel and first responders and is in compliance with guidelines set by the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The area schools’ new system will automatically link the Motorola ASTRO™25 and MOTOTRBO™ radios used by school personnel with 9-1-1 dispatch center and public safety radios used by local and state first responders on their Project 25 interoperable network. This mission-critical communications link will help Chardon Schools implement comprehensive school safety planning and training, along with a quicker and more efficient response by school safety personnel to all emergencies.
KEY FACTS
- Approximately 250 radios equipped with the SchoolSAFE Solution have been provided to personnel at 10 Chardon Area Schools. Additionally, the system will allow individual schools to communicate with each other for inter-school and district-wide interoperable radio communications.
- This level of communications interoperability with local first responders enables Chardon Area Schools to meet and exceed current school safety requirements.
- The State of Ohio uses the statewide MARCS public safety radio system, developed by Motorola, for interoperable communications throughout the state. In collaboration with Motorola, MARCS developed what is known as the MARCS In-School Radio System providing mission critical voice and data services to over 700 user agencies. More than 40,000 subscribers benefit with highly reliable, shared communications services from the 218 radio tower sites deployed statewide.
SUPPORTING QUOTES
Michael P. Hanlon, Jr., Ph.D., Superintendent, Chardon Local Schools
“School districts continue to identify methods that can improve the flow of information between first responders and on-site school personnel in case of an emergency. The Chardon Local Schools are pleased to have been selected by Motorola Solutions and SchoolSAFE for the implementation of this program, and appreciate the strong relationship we have with our local government officials and first responders. This positive working relationship and the addition of the newly-developed SchoolSAFE technology will enhance our ability to offer a safe and secure school environment within the Chardon Schools.”
Mark Kroh, vice president, North America Channels, Motorola Solutions
“Schools are an instrumental part of our communities and Motorola Solutions is pleased to be working with Chardon Area Schools and SchoolSAFE on this innovative communications solution to help build an even safer environment for teachers, students and staff. Chardon schools will benefit from an interoperable radio system providing direct contact and instantaneous communication between school staff and first responders, leading to a well-coordinated rapid response.”
SUPPORTING RESOURCES
Website: Chardon Schools
Website: Motorola Solutions
Website: SchoolSAFE Communications
Facebook: Motorola Solutions
Twitter: Motorola Solutions Public Safety
About Chardon Area Schools
Located in Northeast Ohio, approximately thirty miles east of Cleveland in Geauga County. Approximately 3,200 students attend Chardon Local Schools, which is home to six school buildings: one high school, one middle school and four elementary schools. Additionally, four private schools reside in district including: St. Mary’s School (K-8), Notre Dame Elementary School, Notre Dame Cathedral Latin High School and Notre Dame Educational Center.
About SchoolSAFE Communications
SchoolSAFE Communications is a web-enabled, two-way radio based solution, it allows for mission critical communications interoperability between school radios and public safety radio systems, utilizing existing radios. Remote activation and de-activation software enables and controls all bridging and notification functions. Specialized NIMS/ICS based training is part of the solution to ensure highly effective communications between public safety and school/district-based personnel.
About MARCS In-School Radio
Governor Kasich signed HB59 on June 30, 2013. One of the provisions in the bill establishes the School Security Grant Program, which includes $12 million in capital funds allocated to enhance security in public schools. MARCS is the State of Ohio’s statewide public safety radio/communications network. MARCS provides network connectivity and coverage throughout the State of Ohio. MARCS in collaboration with Motorola developed what is known as the MARCS In-School Radio. MARCS In-School Radio offers state of the art, mission critical devices for school communications. The radios operate on MARCS as a shared service, providing instant communication and rapid response in moments that matter.
The SchoolSAFE Solution can tie directly into the MARCS In-School Radio to provide interoperability between schools, cities, counties, along with State and Federal Agencies.