Hero911

It is a new social network that is using the latest mobile technology to provide an increased level of protection during school shootings as they unfold. The Hero911 Network is a voluntary, nonprofit group of federal, state and local law enforcement officers nationally dedicated to reducing response times to active school shooting incidents.

The launch of the group's Hero911 app is designed to increase the number of officers, on or off duty, who can respond to these tragic school crimes to save as many students and teachers as possible. 

Any of the nearly 900,000 active federal, state or local law enforcement officers nationwide can download the Hero911 app for free on their iOS and Android smartphones.  Even retired officers who go through annual certification to carry their weapons are eligible to join this Social Protection Network.  Once applicants complete the signup process, they will be vetted to confirm they are actually law enforcement officers.  Once confirmed, their app will be activated and they will receive an emergency alert if they are in close proximity to an active school shooting.

The Hero911 app will work in concert with the Hero911 Network's new companion app for teachers and school staff called "SchoolGuard". The SchoolGuard app is a uniquely designed panic button for  smartphones that will allow a teacher to speed dial 911 while simultaneously alerting all other teachers and school staff, neighboring schools, and nearby on and off duty police via the Hero911 Network. SchoolGuard is currently being implemented in schools and school districts across the nation. The apps will display a Google map with the building's footprint and pinpoint the location within the school where the initial alert was triggered.  The responders and teachers can use this information for situational awareness of the incident and egress to safety.

Although only on the market for a few weeks, the Hero911 Network reports participation from state and local law enforcement officers in over 20 states; plus 5 federal agencies have expressed interest in the technology and network.  The Hero911 Network is the brainchild of a team of technology experts and law enforcement officers including Michael Snyders, a retired Illinois State Police Colonel. "Our goal is to enroll as many law enforcement officers as possible to the Hero911 Network nationally who can be of assistance during an active school shooting," says Snyders.  Officers are urged to download the free app so they will be alerted, whether on or off duty, if they are in close proximity to a SchoolGuard emergency alert.

In addition to the launch of these new technologies, the goal of the Hero911 Network is also to help provide training to the law enforcement community and financial support to families of fallen officers.

Click here for a link to Hero 911 App in the iTunes/Apple Store:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hero911/id724001857?ls=1&mt=8

Click here for a link to the Hero911 app in the Google Play Store:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.guard911.heronetwork