911Cellular develops and leverages the latest technology so that campuses can elevate their safety solutions. The company was founded by CEO Chad Salahshour after the death of his niece at the hands of a terrorist bomb. As a police officer he recognized the limitations of the emergency communications offerings on the market.
“I decided to combine my law enforcement background and computer programming skills to create 911Cellular, a company dedicated to providing the highest quality technology and support with emergency communications software,” he says.
In this interview, Campus Safety spoke with 911Cellular Marketing Director Todd Pazicni on the company’s latest panic alarm/mobile duress products and how 911Cellular can help schools, colleges, and healthcare facilities improve safety and security on campus.
Campus Safety: What is the top panic alarm/mobile duress system or app from your company, and what makes it special? How does it apply to healthcare facilities, schools and/or higher education security, public safety and/or emergency management?
Todd Pazicni, Photo courtesy 911Cellular
Todd Pazicni: The 911Cellular Mobile Safety App is an extremely popular panic alarm that provides additional features allowing security teams and campus administrators to be proactive with their safety and security initiatives. The customizable smartphone app gives users a seamless, lock screen activation experience, meaning they do not need to unlock their smartphones to activate the panic button feature. In addition, activation locations can be identified down to the floor and room number (even if on the move). This granular location is achievable without any expensive BLE beacons or additional hardware. It works via your organization’s existing Wi-Fi, getting first responders the information they need to respond quickly without outrageous system fees.
We’ve also been able to achieve high app download rates by providing popular features like “Anonymous Tips.” App users prefer to remain anonymous and will gladly submit crucial information anonymously to improve their campus environment. With this feature, app users can even start a chat with security teams while remaining anonymous. Tips received this way have helped to diffuse and even prevent security threats before they become full-blown emergencies.
CS: What other products or offerings would you like to highlight, and what are some of their qualities and benefits?
Pazicni: Our software-only Keyboard Panic Buttons are a unique shift from the conventional panic alarm offerings. With mass installation and testing possible in just a few clicks, these cloud-based, discreet panic alarms are the bread and butter of campus security coverage.
For on-the-go protection, staff can utilize the BadgeR+ Wearable Panic Button, which is a slim device that can fit easily behind badges and provides one-touch, easy access to emergency assistance. The great thing about the BadgeR+ is that it’s rechargeable via standard USB-C cables (yet still provides about a three-month battery life between charges).
Both the Keyboard Panic Buttons and the BadgeR+, along with all 911Cellular panic alarms, are WiFi compatible and can achieve room-level accuracy via their Wi-Fi connections.
CS: How do your company and its offerings address the needs of hospitals, schools and/or universities?
Pazicni: Hospitals continue to struggle with the implementation of effective security solutions to combat the rising threat of workplace violence. 911Cellular gives hospitals a full suite of accessible panic alarms for staff to have on hand wherever they may be when a threat arises. This includes coverage on desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches and with other wearables like the BadgeR+.
At schools, students struggle to stay engaged with the majority of safety apps forced upon them. By providing features like “Anonymous Tips,” which can be used more regularly (and in non-emergency situations), students become more familiar with the safety app that may save their life one day. 911Cellular also provides hands-on support and a materials package for each app that assists in spreading awareness of the app to your campus community.
CS: What else is new or noteworthy about your company for 2024?
Pazicni: In 2024, 911Cellular is working to further expand its diverse product offerings and integrations. We’ve developed exciting partnerships with Singlewire, Mutualink, Navigate360, and others to bolster our panic alarm capabilities with hardware and service providers both nationally and internationally.
CS: What is your company’s overall value proposition to schools, universities and/or hospitals? Why should they do business with you?
Pazicni: 911Cellular offers a full suite of high-quality panic alarms and mass notification products, which sets us apart in the critical communications industry. When an emergency happens, no one is going to expect it, which is why having a variety of panic alarms that can be activated from any device is crucial.
Smartphones are not always accessible, neither are desktops, and in some cases, even smartwatches may not be easy to reach for. At 911Cellular, we focus on providing affordable coverage while developing high-quality, gapless panic alarms.
On the other end of the communication spectrum is how the security teams and administrators respond. We’ve got that aspect covered as well. We offer a full-service emergency notification system that can send alerts via 10+ methods (including webhooks). So, when an emergency happens, we also make sure you can notify your campus community and other interested parties fast. 911cellular.com
