PHOENIX, AZ, January 1, 2025 — To further enhance school safety across the country, Knox Company, makers of the KnoxBox and other innovative rapid access systems for first responders, has partnered with The “I Love U Guys” Foundation, a national nonprofit that offers programs and training to standardize crisis response programs in schools. The collaboration aims to endorse support for schools nationwide to implement the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), which is a uniform, planned, and practiced response to any incident.
“Knox Company is proud to partner with the ‘I Love U Guys’ Foundation in our shared mission to enhance school safety nationwide,” says Knox VP of Sales and Marketing Chris Rovenstine. “Together, we are committed to empowering educators and first responders with the tools needed to effectively implement the Standard Response Protocol. By fostering a culture of preparedness and collaboration, we can ensure that every student, teacher, and community member feels safe and supported in their learning environment.”
The KnoxEntry for Schools program features secure lockboxes that store critical access items, such as interior and exterior master keys, access cards, and floor plans that law enforcement can easily access, allowing for quick entry to an emergency situation. These key boxes are the preferred alternative to sorting through multiple keys, managing a combination lock, searching for a spare set of keys for the internal doors, waiting on the arrival of the facility key holder, or breaching equipment. KnoxBoxes are affordable, maintenance-free, and do not require electricity or batteries.
Lockboxes are mandated in K-12 schools in Texas, as per the recent passing of Texas House Bill 3 (HB 3), and other states are considering similar legislation. Lockboxes for law enforcement access are included in the risk assessment portion of NFPA 3000, the world's first active shooter standard, developed collaboratively by law enforcement, fire service, and emergency medical services representatives. Also included is the Partnership Alliance for School Safety (PASS), which offers the most comprehensive information available on best practices for securing school facilities. In its report on the Robb Elementary School shooting, the U.S. Department of Justice recommends key boxes such as a KnoxBox for law enforcement needs.
“The partnership between Knox Company and The ‘I Love U Guys’ Foundation marks a significant step toward creating safer environments for students and educators across the nation,” says Neal Zipser, Knox Company industry affairs manager. “Advocating for the widespread adoption of a Standard Response Protocol and providing critical resources like KnoxBoxes enhances emergency preparedness and fosters a sense of security within our schools. This collaboration aims to empower communities to respond effectively to crises, ensuring that every student and staff member can learn and thrive in a safe, supportive setting.”
About Knox Company
Since 1975, the Knox Company has successfully developed innovative rapid access solutions for first responders and fire and life safety executives with products that provide fast, safe, and secure entry into commercial, industrial, educational, and residential properties, while minimizing damage and maximizing safety. Today, more than 15,000 fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies, as well as schools, universities, and corporations, depend on Knox products to gain access to over one million buildings/properties and to protect their most critical assets. For more information, go to SchoolEntry.com.
About The “I Love U Guys” Foundation
The "I Love U Guys" Foundation was started in 2006 by Ellen and John-Michael Keyes following a school shooting that took the life of their daughter, Emily. Today, the Foundation is led and supported by survivors, family members, first responders, educators, and community members with a vested interest in safety, preparedness, and reunification in schools.
The "I Love U Guys" Foundation's programs for crisis response–the Standard Response Protocol (SRP)--and post-crisis reunification–the Standard Reunification Method (SRM)--are used in more than 50,000 schools, districts, departments, agencies, organizations, and communities around the world. They are created through the research-based practices of school administrators, psychologists, public space safety practitioners, families, and first responders. To learn more about The "I Love U Guys" Foundation, visit www.iloveuguys.org.