NOTE: This article is a case study provided by Skool Dogs.
In Vineland, New Jersey, at Cumberland County Technical Education Center (CCTEC), an extraordinary guardian is protecting students and staff while bringing a sense of comfort and security to the community.
School safety remains a top concern nationwide, with educators, parents, and communities searching for effective solutions to prevent potential threats. Enter K9 Meadow, a four-legged protector who is not just a security measure but a beloved part of the school community. From walking the halls to interacting with students, Meadow seamlessly integrates into the daily rhythm of school life while maintaining an unwavering readiness to respond to emergencies.
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Meadow is part of a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by Skool Dogs, a company operating state-of-the-art training facilities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. With a mission to address safety concerns in schools, places of worship, and public spaces, Skool Dogs patented Active Shooter Response Program equips K9s with the skills to identify and respond to potential threats. These dogs are trained to detect firearms, ammunition, explosives, narcotics, and more — a critical capability in today’s world.
CCTEC Superintendent: Skool Dogs K9 Meadow ‘Truly Part of Our Family’
Meadow, named in honor of Meadow Pollack, a victim of the Parkland, Fla., school shooting, works tirelessly to ensure the safety of students and staff at CCTEC. Handled by Steve Manera, Meadow exemplifies the dedication and effectiveness of the Skool Dogs program, bringing both security and a sense of community to the school.

Skool Dogs K9 Meadow protects Cumberland County Technical Education Center and also provides comfort to students and staff. (Image Source: Skool Dogs)
What sets Skool Dogs apart is their commitment to proactive safety measures. Unlike traditional security approaches, which often involve reactive responses, Skool Dogs’ K9 units live within the schools they protect during school hours. This unique approach allows them to build relationships with students and staff while fostering a sense of peace and safety in the school environment. For students at Cumberland County Technical Education Center, seeing Meadow each day offers a reassuring presence—a constant reminder that their safety is a priority.
“Having K9 Meadow at our school has been transformative,” says Dina Rossi, school superintendent at CCTEC. “Not only does she provide an added layer of security, but she also brings joy and comfort to our students and staff. Meadow is truly part of our family.”
Skool Dogs’ innovative program is the brainchild of co-founders Joe Nick and Brandon F. Womack, both of whom are security and law enforcement professionals with a deep passion for protecting communities and children. Their K9 units are already deployed across several states, providing safety at schools, community events, places of worship, and even large-scale gatherings. The goal is simple: to prevent threats before they escalate and to offer peace of mind to those they serve.
Skool Dogs K9 Colby Protect Village School in Naples, Fla.

Skool Dogs K9 Colby, pictured here with SRO Daniel Bledsoe, protects and comforts students and staff at The Village School in Naples, Florida. (Image Source: Skool Dogs)
In addition to Meadow’s presence in New Jersey, Skool Dogs is making an impact in Naples, Florida, where K9 Colby protects students and staff at The Village School. Additional Skool Dogs are actively deployed in schools and communities across the country, ensuring safety and peace of mind for countless students, educators, and families. Colby, like Meadow, integrates seamlessly into the school’s daily life while remaining prepared to respond to potential threats. For students and staff alike, Colby represents a proactive and heartening approach to safety.
In a time when headlines are filled with troubling stories about school safety, the presence of K9s like Meadow and Colby offers hope. Their stories are a testament to the power of innovation and community collaboration in creating safer spaces for children to learn and grow.
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For more information about Skool Dogs and their mission, visit their website at www.skooldogs.com. You can also watch a video below featuring testimonials from Cumberland County Technical Education Center, Vineland, N.J.
Together, we can shed light on this critical issue and celebrate the heartening solutions that are already making a difference. K9s Meadow and Colby are more than security dogs; they are symbols of safety, connection, and the promise of a brighter, more secure future for schools and communities everywhere.
Skool Dogs K9 Nova was unsurprisingly a big hit at the 2022 Campus Safety Conference.