SJBiz_Profile_KDNFS_0122_Profile 1 / 13 / 22 2 : 10 PM Page 1 PROMOTION profile on their variety of strengths . “ The team of experts we have was built to focus on school safety and security , ” Mullins Strengthening Security , emphasizes . “ It’s not just [ DiPatri ] and I : It’s a whole cooperative team of subject - matter experts BY who can identify a gap here and a gap there . ” KDNFS is cognizant of how carefully they MADELEINE must proceed in making a scary reality acces - MACCAR Reducing Risk sible to a younger audience . That’s why most of their programming focuses on training fac - The team behind KD National Force Security ulty rather than students about situational awareness , contacting authorities to report their is setting the standard for school and workplace location , and knowing a school’s floorplan safety by empowering others to be their in case an incident arises while they’re in an communities ’ — and their own — best line of defense . unfamiliar part of campus . Earning the trust of the schoolchildren in turn off the lights and shelter out of sight , but theircare comes by visibility and approachabil - that’s just an initial response — that’s not your ity instead . last response . We train people what to do as “ Students know that KDNFS’s security an incident evolves to improve the level of specialists are here to keep them safe , ” DiPa - response and ultimately shorten the duration of tri says . “ We start at an early age so they get the emergency . ” used to us and , as they progress through the “ It’s all about shortening the duration of district , they’re seeing these familiar faces . an incident and reducing response times , ” It helps build confidence when they have a DiPatri adds . “ Shaving off seconds saves lives . ” relationship with their security specialist . ” A commitment to protecting lives and “ It’s a nurturing program that’s designed maintaining safe environments means going specifically to directly connect with the students beyond state minimums for civilian security per - who are our eyes and ears , ” Mullins adds . “ If sonnel to achieve the highest degrees of safe - there’s a breakdown in that communication , if ty . KDNFS’s security specialists are retired law theylack trust or confidence in us , then we won’t enforcement experts with supervisory back - knowwhen something bad’s about to happen . ” grounds and at least 20 years ’ experience , TheNJ Department of Education’s mem - among other stringent requirements . Pairing orandumof agreement establishes a roadmap James Mullins and Kevin DiPatri what they already know — and , as times , re - differentiating between law enforcement sources and threats change , are constantly learn - experts ’ and security professionals ’ roles to evin DiPatri and James Mullins might ing — with a proven ability to manage people furtherdefine how KDNFS operates as a secu - have retired from the New Jersey State andincidents ensures the success of KDNFS’s rity provider . Its team has the ability to work KPolice almost a decade ago but that School Security and Safety System . after hours and offsite , too , from providing doesn’t mean they hung up their sense of civic Thoseprofessional security personnel and securityduring sporting events and , as COVID duty with their uniforms . school security specialists are invited into aca - modifieseveryone’s duties , even lending a hand The retired captain and lieutenant , respec - demic , professional and other private commu - during things like lunch distributions . tively , now spearhead KD National Force Secu - nities , teaching others how to reduce risk and Being so emotionally invested in the com - rity ( KDNFS ) , which provides both emergency identifyweaknesses in their security procedures munities they’re serving and educating ampli - response and preparedness training primarily to whiledeveloping their confidence as protectors . fies the payoff of watching people take their schools and also businesses , houses of worship Whatgives KDNFS’s programs and system an roleas confident protectors seriously . And one and municipal governments of all sizes through - advantage is how they’re proactively developed of the most rewarding moments , DiPatri and out Delaware and South Jersey since 2013 . andtaught , with DiPatri and Mullins designing Mullins agree , is the confirmation that their “ Based on our professional experience programsbased on the most modern training efforts are working . working with school districts in Southern New Jer - andassessment methods available . “ Thebest piece of the program is when you sey , we realized and identified a need for “ The thing we’re most proud of is our start to realize you’re making an impact , ” says school security , ” explains DiPatri , estimating that continualeducation program and professional DiPatri . “ For me , personally , knowing that we KDNFS is partnered with upward of 30 schools . development , ” DiPatri says , which includes con - havestudents who feel safe , who are glad to see w With help from a former superintendent flictresolution and diversity and equity inclusion . us is how I know we’re doing our job . ” serving as their educational consultant and “ We continually improve as we evolve , as our strong professional ties to area schools , DiPa - teammembers are learning , as things change . ” KD National tri and Mullins specialize in developing securi - It’s about more than personnel safety Force Security ty drills and lessons that resonate with the adult trainingand installing highly trained profession - audiences KDNFS works with . als as visible , trusted security measures : It’s 3122 Fire Road , Suite B210 “ The reality is that teachers and faculty about addressing the vulnerabilities in an or - Egg Harbor Township areemergency responders who have to know ganization’ssecurity measures while empow - ( 609 ) 635 - 5037 how to safeguard their students , ” Mullins eringpeople to confidently navigate a threat , KDNFS.com notes . “ Everyone knows how to lock the door , which starts with a multifaceted team drawing 10 | SOUTH JERSEY BIZ | VOLUME 12 ISSUE 1 | SouthJerseyBiz.net