At the end of June, we did something I’ve wanted to do for a long time; we brought leaders from (almost) our entire Security Division together—alongside our Consulting team, our Advisory Board, and leaders from across the country—to take a hard look at how we’re supporting schools… and how we get even better.
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Friend,
At the end of June, we did something I’ve wanted to do for a long time; we brought leaders from (almost) our entire Security Division together—alongside our Consulting team, our Advisory Board, and leaders from across the country—to take a hard look at how we’re supporting schools… and how we get even better.
How We Got to Work We kicked things off the way we always do—grounded in mission, clear on why we show up, and ready to dig in.
Across sessions, we rolled up our sleeves and got into the work. Not just big-picture ideas, but the actual mechanics of safety: how we prepare staff for day one, how we build consistency across campuses, how we lead during reunification, lockdowns, de-escalations—and the quiet days in between.
We had Campus Safety Officers sitting next to consultants, site leads asking questions of former FBI and military leaders, heads of school uniting the team around leadership, and Security Directors challenging one another on what great really looks like. Every voice mattered. Every role counted. These conversations led to the kind of clarity and direction that shows up in how we serve schools.
We left with a clearer, stronger operating model. We aligned our field and consulting teams more tightly than ever. We updated our tools and set a new standard for how we grow and support every safety professional we place on campus.
Why It Matters to You
Most vendors can fill a post—that’s not what we do. At Joffe, we’re a team, a mission, and bring real operational backing from people who’ve led in schools and know what it takes when it counts. This kind of investment in our people? It’s not extra. It’s the work. And it’s what makes the support you receive more consistent, more thoughtful, and more aligned with the culture you’re building.
Why It Matters to Me
I'm deeply committed to the conversation we (you and I) started last month and moving forward toward a Joffe that is more united, more integrated, more activated than we've ever been before. This was step 1!
What's step 2? (I'm assuming you've asked). It's introducing our new Membership Program. Over the next few weeks, we'll share with you our new membership program which is proud to be already serving dozens of schools by creating community around safety. It's not just for safety lightning rods (though they're very much invited), nor is it just for Heads, CEOs, etc. It's for the entire school. Because just as you serve a whole child, we serve a whole school. I can't wait to share the details with you. For now, know this: If you're already enrolled in a Joffe program, you will have early access. Everyone will have access in August!
This year, we’re not just showing up. We’re showing up better. And we’re just getting started... In fact, read on to learn about a new member of our Advisory Board. As our fire risk expands, our leadership around the area does, too.
With gratitude,
Chris Joffe
Founder and CEO
Twitter: @JoffeChris
Safety Spotlight: Joffe Support
If you’ve had a school safety conversation with Joffe, chances are you’ve talked with Colleen Scheetz. As our Partnerships Manager, she brings relevant experience from the field and a steady hand to every team looking to strengthen their emergency readiness.
In her latest blog post,Leading Through Crisis: 10 Essential Safety Trainings Every School Needs, Colleen outlines the key trainings that empower school staff to respond with clarity and confidence, before, during, and after a crisis. From trauma-informed response to reunification planning, this guide offers a roadmap for building safer, more resilient campuses.
Whether you're refining your current strategy or exploring new ways to prepare your people, Colleen is here to help you take the next step.
Heroes in Action: Life-Saving Teamwork at Cobb Energy Centre
We’re proud to highlight a major win for our Event Safety Team and the incredible responders who made it possible. On November 23, 2024, while working off-duty at the Cobb Energy Centre, Cobb County Police Captain Steve Roberson suddenly collapsed and became unresponsive. Joffe Emergency Services medics were immediately on the scene and quickly determined that Captain Roberson was in cardiac arrest.
EMTs Mary Catherine Hartley and Kris Campbell, along with Director of Operations Jamie Wheeler and Army Captain Braden Bauerly, sprang into action—administering CPR and deploying an AED.
Thanks to their fast, skilled response and seamless teamwork, Captain Roberson was stabilized and rushed to the hospital. He was later diagnosed with a "widow maker" heart attack, a life-threatening condition with only a 12% survival rate outside of a hospital. Because of their actions, Captain Roberson beat those odds.
This remarkable outcome was recognized at the Cobb Galleria Centre in a special ceremony held on May 21, 2025, honoring the responders for their heroic efforts.
We are incredibly proud of EMTs Mary Catherine and Kris and all involved for embodying the highest standards of emergency response.
Welcome Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, Advisory Board Member
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell to the Joffe Advisory Board, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Moore-Merrell brings over 25 years of experience in fire safety, emergency response, and public health, having most recently served as the U.S. Fire Administrator. Her impressive career includes leading transformative initiatives and advancing data-driven solutions for first responders.
Dr. Moore-Merrell's strategic vision and leadership will be a valuable addition as we continue our commitment to improving safety and emergency response systems. To learn more about her background and the impact she will have on Joffe’s mission, read our blog introducing her.
At Get CPR Done, we make lifesaving training something your staff will actually enjoy. Our CPR and First Aid classes are upbeat, hands-on, and built to keep schools compliant without putting anyone to sleep. Whether you’re training teachers, admin, or your entire team, our certified instructors bring the skills—and the good vibes. We partner with schools across the country to make safety training simple, stress-free, and unforgettable. Let’s get your team certified the fun way.