The HERO Program’s Perspective on the Evolution of School Safety

 

In recent years, with a significant uptick in school-related incidents, the conversation surrounding safety protocols within educational institutions has surged. Since Columbine, there have been 304 fatal school shootings. This trend demands a pivotal question: How are we equipping our students and educators to face these imminent threats, and is there a more effective way to communicate school safety procedures tailored for children?

On this episode of Icom, host Jon Paul Beauchamp engages with Adam Coughran, President of Safe Kids Inc. and the Hero Program. They delve deep into understanding the foundation of school safety, focusing on Adam’s vast experience in law enforcement and the creation of a child-friendly protocol to navigate threatening situations.

During their insightful conversation, the following topics were highlighted:

  • Adam’s Transition from Law Enforcement to active shooter response
  • Genesis of Safe Kids Inc. and the birth of the HERO program was aimed at filling this critical gap.
  • The HERO Program Explained: A brief overview of what HERO stands for in various age groups

With two decades in law enforcement in Southern California, Adam Coughran has worked on everything from active shooter response teams to domestic counterterrorism, policy procedures, and safety training. His unique experience in ensuring safety in high tourism areas coupled with his passion for teaching, led him to address a glaring gap in the current educational system: appropriate safety education for kids.

Listen to Radios in Action on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Recent Episodes

The significance of high-quality audio solutions tends to be overlooked as technological advancements often prioritize and cater to the visual appeal. But clear and intelligible sound is very much a crucial factor in many types of environments, which can range from large stadiums to modern museums. Poor audio quality can lead to fatigue, frustration,…

The defense sector is increasingly turning to advanced simulation technologies and simulated environments in defense to better equip military operators for the complexities of modern combat scenarios. The stakes are high—technological advancements in modeling and simulation (M&S) not only enhance operational readiness but also serve as a critical deterrent against adversaries. Recent developments highlighted…

Trade shows have long been a cornerstone of industry evolution, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, education, and innovation. As the Pro AV and integrated systems community navigates a rapidly shifting landscape, ISE (Integrated Systems Events) continues to stand out as a global leader. With over 1,600 exhibitors and attendees from 160+ countries, ISE 2025…