Cranford Schools Makes Strides To Improve Emergency Communications

CRANFORD, NJ — The Cranford Public School District is improving its communications with first responders by joining FirstNet — a platform just for public safety.

While Cranford Police and Fire Departments already use this service, a new feature on FirstNet will allow first responders to communicate directly with school officials during "critical incidents."

"FirstNet is designed to improve communications across public safety entities nationwide, allowing first responders to easily and quickly communicate with one another during everyday situations, big events or emergencies," the Cranford Police Department stated. "This is integral to solving for the common roadblock that communications issues have posed on past public safety responses."

The police said in their announcement that integrating Cranford Public Schools, and specifically Cranford High School, into this same platform will allow for "immediate and direct communication" between first responders and Cranford High School’s administration and staff using FirstNet’s enhanced push-to-talk application.

The new technology will use cellular boosters that will be placed throughout Cranford High School. This will replace the current aging point-to-point radio system and allow for more immediate communication with police officers during a crisis.

"With Cranford High School being the largest school within the school district, it is being used as a pilot location for the Cranford Board of Education," police explained.

According to Superintendent Dr. Scott Rubin, there are plans to expand the program throughout Cranford Schools.

“The safety of our school community will always be our number one priority and we are committed to exploring new practices while enhancing existing ones,” Rubin said. “We look forward to providing this service districtwide in the very near future and want to thank our amazing safety professionals for their continued partnership.”

This joint venture was facilitated by Cranford Police Department Captain Guy Patterson, Cranford High School Principal Mark Cantagallo and FirstNet Sales Consultant Joseph Greco with the support of the Cranford Public Schools Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Rubin and Business Administrator Robert Carfagno.

“In any response, reliable communication is paramount to our ability to get the necessary resources on scene to provide assistance," Captain Patterson said. "The Cranford Board of Education partnering with the Cranford Police Department to utilize FirstNet’s suite of applications will enhance our responders’ ability to communicate directly with school staff as an incident unfolds."

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