Fairland Schools Getting Big Security Upgrade Thanks To Grant

Fairland Public Schools and the Fairland Police Department will soon be getting significant safety upgrades worth nearly $75,000.

It's the result of a federal grant totaling about $55,000 and about $18,000 from the school district. 

These upgrades include new security systems, surveillance cameras, communication upgrades, and even two different types of metal detectors to make sure students in the Ottawa County school district are safe.

"That is a lot of money that is going to go a long way to help secure our students in our schools here," said Chief Aaron Richardson, Fairland Police Department.

Chief Aaron Richardson says the money came about through a Justice Department grant. It totals about $55,000 along with an $18,000 pledge from the district that will help implement and bolster the security infrastructure. 

"Camera systems, alarm systems, updated wireless, updated high definition systems that can keep the video longer," Richardson said.

The district will also get metal detectors, and radios to communicate with staff members and emergency services. Parents say this is a big deal, especially for a smaller school system, and they are excited about the improvements. 

"It makes me feel a whole lot better, actually, given the climate of our country right now and so many things have happened across the nation," said parent Jennifer Andrews.

"It makes me feel safer and really excited for our kids."

Chief Richardson says these safety improvements will not only help with faster response time, but first responders will be able to get and share vital information quicker. 

"We can decide what we need to do how we need to respond, what type of emergencies services need to come to help," he said.

The money will also pay for school safety training. The school has two years to implement everything.