Kingswood Security Consulting

Good News Story Georgia Passerby Heroically Saves Man from Burning Home In a remarkable act of bravery, a Georgia man was saved from a potentially fatal situation by a passerby who kicked down a storm door to rescue him from his burning home. The incident occurred in Winterville, Georgia, where David McConnell was napping when a fire started in his garage. Dylan Betts, who was driving home from work, noticed the smoke emanating from McConnell's house. Without hesitation, Betts stopped, ran to the storm door, and forcefully kicked it open to gain entry. Inside, he navigated through thick black smoke to reach McConnell, who was disoriented by the smoke and unaware of the severity of the situation until the fire alarm sounded. Betts's quick thinking and fearless actions led him to McConnell, who managed to respond to Betts's calls and make his way to safety. Reflecting on his courageous deed, Betts simply stated, "Why not? That’s America," underscoring his selfless attitude. The local community has hailed Betts as a hero, with McConnell and his family expressing their immense gratitude by offering Betts tickets to a Georgia/Tennessee football game as a token of their appreciation. The Athens-Clarke County Fire Department reported that the fire likely started in the garage and quickly spread, leading to significant damage, including a roof collapse. Fortunately, no injuries were reported thanks to the timely intervention. For more details on this heart-stopping rescue, read the full story here: https://shorturl.at/VCAYm

How Can Struggling Institutions Protect Their Legacy? Fire Destroys Historic Knoxville College Building A fire on Monday night reduced the administration building of Knoxville College, a historically Black institution, to ashes. The building, over 100 years old, had been boarded up for decades as Knoxville College works toward regaining its accreditation. There were no injuries, but Knoxville Assistant Fire Chief Mark Wilbanks confirmed the building is a total loss. Knoxville College, founded in 1875, lost its national accreditation in 1997 as enrollment declined. Although it was allowed to resume courses online in 2018, it has yet to reopen its physical campus. The blaze is the latest in a series of break-ins and fires that have plagued the campus, which has been boarded up for safety. Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon called the fire a “sad day” for the city, while Frank Shanklin Jr., a member of Knoxville College’s Board of Trustees, emphasized their determination to rebuild and reopen. Key Takeaways: -Challenges of Preserving Historic Institutions: The fire highlights the difficulties in maintaining the legacy of long-established institutions, particularly HBCUs. When campuses face financial and accreditation challenges, safeguarding historical buildings becomes even harder. Importance of Community Support: Shanklin’s call for prayers and support underscores the community’s role in preserving Knoxville College’s future. Efforts to reopen and secure accreditation will require partnerships with local stakeholders, including the city and county. -Security Measures for Vacant Buildings: Knoxville College’s boarded-up buildings have experienced break-ins and fires, illustrating the need for enhanced security for vacant structures. Struggling institutions might consider securing funding for preventative measures to protect their campuses. Read Full Story Here: tinyurl.com/PyTbm9 Photo Credits to @KnoxvilleFire via X.com #HBCU #HigherEd #CampusSafety #KnoxvilleCollege

Looking to secure funding for your church or school’s safety initiatives? Join our Free Live Webinar on Dec. 2 to learn from Kingswood's expert team, who have successfully guided organizations through the FEMA NSGP Grant process. ?? Hear how they helped Johnson Ferry Baptist Church and School secure a $150,000 grant for enhanced safety measures. Don't miss this chance to get valuable insights and a step-by-step blueprint for your own success! ?? Reserve your spot now ?? ?? Register for Dec. 2 (1 PM): https://lnkd.in/gaS64w3T ?? Register for Dec. 2 (6 PM): https://lnkd.in/gqjnEKvm #ChurchSecurity #ChurchSafety #FreeWebinar

How Safe is Your Church? ?? At Kingswood Security Consulting, we specialize in empowering churches with tailored, expert-driven security strategies. Recently, we helped a multi-site church transform its approach to safety, building a centralized plan that addressed unique challenges, from high-risk locations to staff training. Explore how our solutions create safer spaces for worship — swipe to learn more. #ChurchSafety #SecurityConsulting #SafeWorshipSpaces #KingswoodImpact

Free, online, and invaluable—our webinar isn’t just another meeting. Discover how you can land a $150,000 grant for nonprofit security and ensure that safety is never compromised by budget constraints. Learn from experts, get your questions answered, and take a significant step toward securing your organization. ??? Dec. 2 at 1 PM EST ?? Secure Your Spot: https://shorturl.at/qubkv ??? Dec. 2 at 6 PM EST ?? Secure Your Spot: https://shorturl.at/H8I8r Have questions? Send us a message! We’re here to help guide you through the process. #NonprofitSecurity #ChurchSafety #FreeWebinar

Who Controls the Rights to a Mass Shooter’s Image? Parkland Families and Survivor Settle Legal Dispute The long-standing legal dispute over who has control of the Parkland shooter’s name, likeness, and potential profits has been settled. The agreement, signed by Circuit Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, gives equal ownership rights to survivor Anthony Borges and the families of victims Meadow Pollack, Luke Hoyer, and Alaina Petty, as well as fellow survivor Maddy Wilford. The settlement means that any attempt by Nikolas Cruz to profit off his story, including interviews or use of his name and image, must be approved by all five parties, who each have veto power. Additionally, they will equally split a $400,000 annuity Cruz could receive, though Borges’ share will go toward his extensive medical expenses. The victims' families and Wilford plan to donate their portions to charity. The agreement was reached just before a court hearing that would have decided whether to invalidate a previous deal Borges had with Cruz. That original settlement would have given Borges full control over Cruz’s publicity rights, but other victims' families felt blindsided by the arrangement, leading to months of heated legal and public disputes. Key Takeaways: -Collective Control Over Shooter’s Publicity: The settlement ensures that no party can act unilaterally regarding Cruz's publicity rights. This collective decision-making process could prevent any exploitation of his story, which the families view as crucial for maintaining dignity and preventing media sensationalism. -Use of Annuity Funds: The split of Cruz’s annuity reflects the differing needs of the survivors. Borges requires financial support for his ongoing medical care, while other families intend to use their shares for charitable purposes, illustrating the lasting impact of the tragedy on both physical and emotional levels. -Broader Legal Context: This settlement comes amid unresolved legal battles, including a pending lawsuit against former Broward County sheriff’s deputy Scot Peterson. Victims argue that Peterson’s failure to act during the attack contributed to the massacre’s severity. The outcome of this case could set further precedents in accountability for school safety. Read Full Story Here: shorturl.at/85zyf Photo Credits to Carline Jean/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP #LegalNews #ParklandShooting #VictimsRights #SchoolSafety #schoolsecurity

Good News Story California Deputy Bravely Rescues Child with Down Syndrome from Burning Home In a heroic display of courage, Tulare County Deputy Alfredo Flores saved a 12-year-old boy with Down syndrome from a burning home in Orosi, California. The incident occurred just as Deputy Flores was finishing his shift. Responding to an emergency call, he rushed to the scene where he faced intense smoke and flames. The rescue, captured on body camera footage, involved Deputy Flores entering the smoke-filled house three times. Each attempt to reach the boy was hampered by the thick smoke, forcing him to exit for air. On his third attempt, he heard the boy's voice from a back bedroom, ran towards it, and found the child standing there. Alejandro Fajardo, the boy's brother, had attempted to rescue him but was overwhelmed by the smoke. The family and community are immensely grateful for Deputy Flores’s determination and bravery, which ultimately led to the safe retrieval of the boy. Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux commended Flores for his heroic actions, highlighting that despite the deputy's humble nature, his actions speak volumes about his dedication and bravery. Flores, who described the rescue as part of his duty, exemplifies the selflessness and courage that law enforcement officers strive to embody. For more details on this heartwarming rescue, read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gmhk_x7S #HeroicDeeds #CommunityHeroes

Good News Story Teen Reunites with Trooper Who Saved His Life During Runaway Car Incident In a heartfelt reunion, 18-year-old Sam Dutcher and his mother, Catherine, expressed their profound gratitude to Minnesota State Trooper Zach Gruver, who heroically intervened during a runaway car incident. The ordeal, which spanned two states, began when Catherine, following her son in another car, realized Sam’s vehicle had malfunctioned and promptly called 911. Trooper Gruver's quick thinking and decisive action on September 17 were crucial in preventing a potentially fatal crash. With Sam’s car speeding uncontrollably at up to 113 miles per hour, Gruver positioned his patrol car to take the impact, successfully bringing the runaway vehicle to a stop. The dramatic rescue, captured on body camera footage, showcases the intense moments leading to the safe halt of the speeding car. Sam walked away with only minor injuries, a testament to the trooper’s calculated and courageous efforts. Following the incident, the Dutchers have taken the vehicle to a dealership for a thorough inspection, as recommended by Honda. For more on this incredible story of bravery and quick action, Read Full Story Here: https://lnkd.in/gZjTrHZf. #HeroicActs #CommunitySafety

Is Mandating Bible Teaching in Public Schools Constitutional? Oklahoma Faces Legal Challenge Over New Directive A lawsuit has been filed in the Oklahoma Supreme Court challenging a state directive that requires schools to teach the Bible, with plaintiffs arguing that the mandate violates the Oklahoma Constitution’s separation of church and state. The suit, filed by over 30 community members—including parents, teachers, and faith leaders—seeks to block the $3 million allocation to purchase 55,000 Bibles for use in public schools. The plaintiffs argue that State Superintendent Ryan Walters, a Republican, is overstepping his authority by mandating Bible teaching, claiming it infringes on their religious freedoms. Walters, known for his conservative policies on education, contends that Bible instruction is essential for understanding U.S. history, stating that he won’t be “bullied” by outside opposition. However, plaintiffs assert that the mandate pushes Walters' religious beliefs onto students and unlawfully reallocates funds from other educational expenses. The directive has drawn national attention, especially in light of similar controversies, including a Louisiana law requiring Ten Commandments displays in public schools, which is also facing legal scrutiny. Legal experts suggest these cases could impact future discussions on religion's role in public education. Key Takeaways: -Church-State Separation at Stake: The lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate around the separation of church and state, particularly as more conservative states advocate for religious instruction in public schools. Legal experts caution that such directives may blur constitutional boundaries. -Diverse Opposition to the Mandate: The plaintiffs include both religious and secular community members who believe that public education should not endorse a particular religion. This diversity emphasizes the shared concern across different beliefs regarding government-mandated religious content. -Implications for Curriculum Control: The case raises questions about the authority of state education departments in determining academic content. Opponents argue that decisions regarding curriculum materials should rest with individual school districts, not state officials. Read Full Story Here: https://lnkd.in/gvnrghyc Photo Credits to D-Keine/E+ #SchoolLaw #ReligiousFreedom #SchoolSafety #SchoolSecurity

Good News Story Community Rallies for Worship After Fire at Arizona Church In the wake of a devastating fire that damaged St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Casa Grande, Arizona, the community's spirit remains unbroken. Hundreds of congregants gathered at the church’s community center for Mass, showing resilience and solidarity. The fire, which occurred last week, might have been arson, though investigations by local authorities and the ATF are still ongoing. Church attendee Betty Zambrano expressed her heartache, reflecting the sentiment of many: "I cried when I learned about it," she said. Despite the grief, the community's response has been one of overwhelming support and unity. Father Ariel Lustan, the church’s pastor, emphasized the community's determination to overcome this tragedy, saying, "We will rise from this." The church, while facing significant interior damage, continues to hold Mass and other services such as confessions, weddings, and quincea?eras in its community center, demonstrating unwavering commitment to its parishioners during this challenging time. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson and the church’s insurance company are actively involved in the restoration efforts, ensuring that St. Anthony’s remains a beacon of hope and faith in Casa Grande. For more details on this inspiring story of community resilience, Read Full Story Here: https://shorturl.at/ZlG7A #FaithInRecovery #CommunityStrength #ChurchSafety #ChurchSecurity