Secured

In a recent episode of Secured, host Mike Matranga and guest Izzy Fried delved into the importance of prioritizing school safety with American-made products. Fried, originally from New York and now based in Texas, shared the story behind the innovative ASSESS board, a ballistic dry erase board designed to provide mobile ballistic protection in schools and offices.

Fried explained that the ASSESS board, which offers 24 square feet of protection, was inspired by the tragic events at Uvalde. Watching officers with ballistic shields being ineffective in a school shooting scenario led him to develop a practical solution for students and staff. The board looks like a typical classroom item but can protect multiple people in an emergency, buying time until professional responders arrive.

He recounted how, during the pandemic, he used his newfound welding skills to create the first prototype from ballistic fiberglass. Homeland Security quickly approved it, recognizing its potential for school safety. Since then, the ASSESS board has been installed in various educational settings, providing a discreet yet effective layer of protection.

Matranga emphasized the need for schools to have a solid safety plan before investing in products like the ASSESS board. He highlighted the importance of listening to various stakeholders, from administrators to students, to accurately assess safety needs. Both Matranga and Fried agreed that while advanced security products are essential, their effectiveness hinges on proper prioritization and integration into comprehensive safety plans.

In their discussion, they also touched on the broader challenges of school safety, including the limitations of metal detectors and the importance of tailored security solutions. Fried's approach at Fox Two Sierra involves careful consultation and understanding client needs, ensuring that any security measures implemented genuinely address the specific vulnerabilities of each school.

In conclusion, the episode underscored the necessity of prioritizing and correctly implementing school safety measures. With innovative solutions like the ASSESS board and a focus on comprehensive safety planning, schools can create a safer environment for students and staff.

In a recent episode of Secured, host Mike Matranga and guest Izzy Fried delved into the importance of prioritizing school safety with American-made products. Fried, originally from New York and now based in Texas, shared the story behind the innovative ASSESS board, a ballistic dry erase board designed to provide mobile ballistic protection in schools and offices.

Fried explained that the ASSESS board, which offers 24 square feet of protection, was inspired by the tragic events at Uvalde. Watching officers with ballistic shields being ineffective in a school shooting scenario led him to develop a practical solution for students and staff. The board looks like a typical classroom item but can protect multiple people in an emergency, buying time until professional responders arrive.

He recounted how, during the pandemic, he used his newfound welding skills to create the first prototype from ballistic fiberglass. Homeland Security quickly approved it, recognizing its potential for school safety. Since then, the ASSESS board has been installed in various educational settings, providing a discreet yet effective layer of protection.

Matranga emphasized the need for schools to have a solid safety plan before investing in products like the ASSESS board. He highlighted the importance of listening to various stakeholders, from administrators to students, to accurately assess safety needs. Both Matranga and Fried agreed that while advanced security products are essential, their effectiveness hinges on proper prioritization and integration into comprehensive safety plans.

In their discussion, they also touched on the broader challenges of school safety, including the limitations of metal detectors and the importance of tailored security solutions. Fried's approach at Fox Two Sierra involves careful consultation and understanding client needs, ensuring that any security measures implemented genuinely address the specific vulnerabilities of each school.

In conclusion, the episode underscored the necessity of prioritizing and correctly implementing school safety measures. With innovative solutions like the ASSESS board and a focus on comprehensive safety planning, schools can create a safer environment for students and staff.

On a recent episode of Secured, Host Mike Matranga and Izzy Fried discussed a crucial issue in school safety: the misallocation of resources. While the fear of an active shooter is understandably traumatic, its probability is minuscule compared to other daily violent events on school campuses.

Despite this, many companies focus on selling high-tech solutions for active shooter prevention. Technologies like Zero Eyes' AI weapons detection, OmniAlert, and Databui's gunshot detection and triangulation are impressive. However, the issue lies in prioritizing these purchases over more immediate safety needs.

Schools often invest heavily in these technologies, potentially overlooking more common threats. A more balanced approach, including mental health support, anti-bullying programs, and conflict resolution training, could create a safer environment for students.

The key takeaway is not to undermine active shooter preparation but to ensure that schools prioritize their purchases effectively. By addressing the most common issues, we can better protect our children and make the most of available resources.

In a recent episode of the Secured podcast, host Mike Matranga discussed the pressing issue of K-12 security with Izzy Fried, CEO of Fox2Sierra. The conversation highlighted a crucial shift needed in how schools approach safety, emphasizing the importance of foundational training over reliance on advanced technology.

Matranga expressed his frustration with the current focus on active shooter scenarios in school security discussions. “Active shooter incidents, while extremely traumatic, are statistically rare compared to other violent events occurring daily on school campuses,” he noted. Despite this, many companies prioritize selling solutions for these rare events, often neglecting more common safety concerns.

Fried echoed this sentiment, underscoring the need for comprehensive training. “Training should be foundational,” he said. “It's cheaper, offers more return on investment, and equips people to handle a variety of situations, not just active shooters.”

The conversation touched on the importance of prioritizing resources effectively. Matranga cited an example where a school considered spending $6,500 on a single access control panel. Instead, he suggested investing in professional grant writing, which could secure significantly more funding for broader security measures.

Fried shared insights from his work with Fox2Sierra, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially focused on community assistance, the company evolved to provide security training for various organizations. “We helped a house of worship secure $150,000 for security improvements by bringing in the right professionals,” Fried explained.

One of Fox2Sierra's innovations is the Assess Board, a ballistic whiteboard used for training and real-world scenarios. “Our approach is about filling gaps and providing comprehensive training,” Fried said.

Matranga emphasized the need for sustainable relationships in the security space. “Continuous training ensures people are prepared for various scenarios, not just the ones making headlines,” he said.

The episode highlighted the importance of human interaction and community-based solutions in school security. While technology can play a role, the foundation must always be people. The conversation between Matranga and Fried serves as a call to action for schools to rethink their security strategies, prioritizing effective training and community involvement to create safer environments for everyone.

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In a recent episode of the Secured podcast, host Mike Matranga discussed the pressing issue of K-12 security with Izzy Fried, CEO of Fox2Sierra. The conversation highlighted a crucial shift needed in how schools approach safety, emphasizing the importance of foundational training over reliance on advanced technology.

Matranga expressed his frustration with the current focus on active shooter scenarios in school security discussions. “Active shooter incidents, while extremely traumatic, are statistically rare compared to other violent events occurring daily on school campuses,” he noted. Despite this, many companies prioritize selling solutions for these rare events, often neglecting more common safety concerns.

Fried echoed this sentiment, underscoring the need for comprehensive training. “Training should be foundational,” he said. “It's cheaper, offers more return on investment, and equips people to handle a variety of situations, not just active shooters.”

The conversation touched on the importance of prioritizing resources effectively. Matranga cited an example where a school considered spending $6,500 on a single access control panel. Instead, he suggested investing in professional grant writing, which could secure significantly more funding for broader security measures.

Fried shared insights from his work with Fox2Sierra, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially focused on community assistance, the company evolved to provide security training for various organizations. “We helped a house of worship secure $150,000 for security improvements by bringing in the right professionals,” Fried explained.

One of Fox2Sierra's innovations is the Assess Board, a ballistic whiteboard used for training and real-world scenarios. “Our approach is about filling gaps and providing comprehensive training,” Fried said.

Matranga emphasized the need for sustainable relationships in the security space. “Continuous training ensures people are prepared for various scenarios, not just the ones making headlines,” he said.

The episode highlighted the importance of human interaction and community-based solutions in school security. While technology can play a role, the foundation must always be people. The conversation between Matranga and Fried serves as a call to action for schools to rethink their security strategies, prioritizing effective training and community involvement to create safer environments for everyone.

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In a recent episode of the Secured podcast, host Mike Matranga welcomed Izzy Fried, CEO of Fox2Sierra, for an insightful conversation about service, resilience, and the power of community. The episode highlighted Fried's remarkable journey from New York City to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and his experiences that shaped his commitment to public service.

Fried, who grew up in New York City, shared stories of his youth, inspired by his grandfather's World War II service. At seventeen, driven by a sense of purpose and adventure, he bought a one-way ticket to Israel. Despite knowing little about the country or its language, Fried enrolled in Rockland Community College's Jerusalem campus and eventually volunteered for the IDF. His experiences in the IDF, where he served during the early 1990s, taught him resilience and the importance of community.

One of the standout moments in the episode was the introduction of Scout, Fried's support dog. Scout, trained by former Army Ranger Julian Trent McDonald, exemplifies the deep bond between handler and canine, a relationship rooted in trust and mutual support.

The discussion also touched on the recent events in Israel, particularly the tragic events of October 7th. Fried offered his perspective on why global empathy seemed lacking, attributing it to a societal shift initiated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd incident. He emphasized that the constant flow of information through electronic devices has replaced personal, empathetic communication, leading to desensitization.

Matranga and Fried delved into the importance of face-to-face interactions and civil discourse in fostering empathy. They stressed that meaningful conversations and understanding different perspectives are crucial in today’s digital age.

Fried's journey from a rambunctious teenager to a committed public servant underscores the transformative power of service and resilience. His story is a testament to the enduring importance of community and the human connection in an increasingly digital world.

Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on the Secured podcast, where stories of service and resilience continue to inspir

In a recent episode of the Secured podcast, host Mike Matranga welcomed Izzy Fried, CEO of Fox2Sierra, for an insightful conversation about service, resilience, and the power of community. The episode highlighted Fried's remarkable journey from New York City to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and his experiences that shaped his commitment to public service.

Fried, who grew up in New York City, shared stories of his youth, inspired by his grandfather's World War II service. At seventeen, driven by a sense of purpose and adventure, he bought a one-way ticket to Israel. Despite knowing little about the country or its language, Fried enrolled in Rockland Community College's Jerusalem campus and eventually volunteered for the IDF. His experiences in the IDF, where he served during the early 1990s, taught him resilience and the importance of community.

One of the standout moments in the episode was the introduction of Scout, Fried's support dog. Scout, trained by former Army Ranger Julian Trent McDonald, exemplifies the deep bond between handler and canine, a relationship rooted in trust and mutual support.

The discussion also touched on the recent events in Israel, particularly the tragic events of October 7th. Fried offered his perspective on why global empathy seemed lacking, attributing it to a societal shift initiated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd incident. He emphasized that the constant flow of information through electronic devices has replaced personal, empathetic communication, leading to desensitization.

Matranga and Fried delved into the importance of face-to-face interactions and civil discourse in fostering empathy. They stressed that meaningful conversations and understanding different perspectives are crucial in today’s digital age.

Fried's journey from a rambunctious teenager to a committed public servant underscores the transformative power of service and resilience. His story is a testament to the enduring importance of community and the human connection in an increasingly digital world.

Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on the Secured podcast, where stories of service and resilience continue to inspire.

On this episode of the Secured Podcast, hosts Mike Matranga and Mike Monsive delve into the critical importance of effective communication systems in schools, highlighting the gaps and inefficiencies in current practices.

Many schools lack the fundamental ability to initiate panic alarms from front desks, which historically could be done through hardwired intercom systems. These systems allowed any room to communicate directly with the front office, but many schools have replaced them with phone systems that are less effective for emergency communications due to code restrictions, poor speaker quality, and other limitations.

The hosts emphasize the importance of reliable, hardwired communication systems, suggesting that schools should have simple, accessible panic buttons under counters and at remote stations. These systems should be part of a comprehensive approach to safety that includes regular inspections, similar to fire alarm systems, which have successfully prevented fire fatalities in schools since 1953.

Matranga and Monsive critique the proliferation of digital panic alarm systems that require extensive cabling, additional IT resources, and constant maintenance. They argue that these systems are often ineffective and that reliance on mobile apps or cell phones for emergency communication is flawed, especially in areas with poor cell coverage.

The hosts call for a return to basics with hardwired, consistently reliable communication systems. They also highlight the importance of proactive measures, such as employing behavioral analysts to sift through data and identify early warning signs of crises. This proactive approach, they argue, is more effective than reactive measures like panic alarms and can help prevent incidents before they occur.

In conclusion, Matranga and Monsive urge school administrators to prioritize proven, practical solutions over flashy, unproven technologies, advocating for a focus on proactive safety measures and reliable communication infrastructure.

On this episode of the Secured Podcast, hosts Mike Matranga and Mike Monsive delve into the critical importance of effective communication systems in schools, highlighting the gaps and inefficiencies in current practices.

Many schools lack the fundamental ability to initiate panic alarms from front desks, which historically could be done through hardwired intercom systems. These systems allowed any room to communicate directly with the front office, but many schools have replaced them with phone systems that are less effective for emergency communications due to code restrictions, poor speaker quality, and other limitations.

The hosts emphasize the importance of reliable, hardwired communication systems, suggesting that schools should have simple, accessible panic buttons under counters and at remote stations. These systems should be part of a comprehensive approach to safety that includes regular inspections, similar to fire alarm systems, which have successfully prevented fire fatalities in schools since 1953.

Matranga and Monsive critique the proliferation of digital panic alarm systems that require extensive cabling, additional IT resources, and constant maintenance. They argue that these systems are often ineffective and that reliance on mobile apps or cell phones for emergency communication is flawed, especially in areas with poor cell coverage.

The hosts call for a return to basics with hardwired, consistently reliable communication systems. They also highlight the importance of proactive measures, such as employing behavioral analysts to sift through data and identify early warning signs of crises. This proactive approach, they argue, is more effective than reactive measures like panic alarms and can help prevent incidents before they occur.

In conclusion, Matranga and Monsive urge school administrators to prioritize proven, practical solutions over flashy, unproven technologies, advocating for a focus on proactive safety measures and reliable communication infrastructure.

On this episode of the Secured Podcast, Mike Matranga and Mike Monsive tackle the critical issue of school safety, emphasizing the necessity of proactive measures and the inadequacies of current reactive strategies.

Matranga begins by reflecting on the Uvalde tragedy, wearing green Converse in memory of Matei Rodriguez. He stresses the importance of remembering the real victims and maintaining a commitment to honest, effective safety measures.

The hosts criticize Texas’ HB 3, which mandates an officer on every school campus but lacks proper funding, leaving districts with significant budget deficits. They argue that while having officers is essential, it is not sufficient. Historical data from Columbine, Parkland, Sandy Hook, and Uvalde demonstrates that officers alone cannot prevent these tragedies. Instead, they advocate for comprehensive, proactive strategies that address the root causes and early warning signs of such incidents.

Matranga and Monsive emphasize the importance of relationships and training in school safety. They highlight the often-overlooked role of front office staff, who possess invaluable insights into the school’s dynamics. True safety, they argue, starts with people—building strong relationships and understanding the community.

The conversation underscores the need for actionable intelligence and timely interventions. They share examples of how proactive measures, such as early intervention and proper training, can prevent potential incidents. Matranga recounts his own experiences of being on call 24/7, demonstrating the level of commitment required to ensure school safety.

In conclusion, Matranga and Monsive call for a shift from reactive to proactive measures in school safety, urging the industry to prioritize genuine solutions over quick fixes. They advocate for sustainable safety strategies that involve the entire school community, emphasizing the importance of dedication, training, and actionable intelligence in creating a safe environment for students and staff.