“Human beings make mistakes in high-stress situations. Even those who have received extensive training may freeze or forget their protocols, which can lead to tragic outcomes.” – Ryan Petty
Personal Tragedy Caused by Personnel Failures
At the 2025 ISG Annual Fall Meeting in Grapevine, TX, XSponse executives Ryan Petty and Andy Pollack shared their personal tragedies from the horrific Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School shooting in Parkland, FL in 2018. Pollack lost his daughter, Meadow, an 18 year old senior, and Petty lost his daughter, Alaina, a 14 year old JROTC freshman.
Both shared how extreme failures both from the school staff and delays from law enforcement officials resulted in the deaths of 17 people and allowed the shooter to escape. Even with information already in place to identify the suspect as he arrived, procedures were not correctly followed, personnel froze and tragedy ensued.
Both Petty and Pollack became advocates for school security, not only in Florida, but nationwide, and eventually joined XSponse as representatives for their advanced emergency notification and detection solutions.
Legislative Changes & Technology Improvements
More than half a decade later, their advocacy has made changes in school safety and security laws across the US. Also, many companies now offer solutions that can help to prevent school violence, speed up police response and provide real-time information to first responders.
Petty and Pollack both shared their stories and their endeavors through local, state and federal agencies to improve student and staff safety, and integrate different solutions to deter future incidents.
They also shared how XSponse solutions, such as X-Alert, X-Detect and X-Shield can help recognize potential issues, identify individuals and notify the appropriate authorities. Their X-Wearable ID badge accessories also make it super easy for staff to issue campus wide alerts without having to fumble through their phones or get to a panic button when in the middle of a crisis.
Learn more about the tragedy at Parkland through the video below, and why being prepared at your school or other campus is so vital.
School Security Solutions from the ISG
The Identification Systems Group (ISG) is a nationwide network of local system integrators, providing high quality, cost-effective solutions backed by the local support and strength of its Professional Services Certification program. Each company works together to provide seamless nationwide support in the USA and Canada.
Our members are certified distributors for XSponse enhanced detection and emergency notification solutions, and Evolv weapons detection solutions. With the ISG, your employees, patients, residents and visitors can all feel safe and actually be safe when entering your healthcare facilities.
Contact the ISG today to find your local member dealer or chat with us about how XSponse and Evolv solutions can work for your organization.
