– John Gielow, Director of Digital Strategy
One week later, the northeast continues to recover from Super Storm Sandy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected.
Despite this hardship, SMZ’s NY/NJ-based client, SW24, has turned an incredibly difficult situation into a positive experience.
Although not officially open, SW24’s new high-tech Fusion Centre capabilities could not have come at a better time. The new security monitoring center resides in Moonachie, NJ which was devastated by the storm, including mass flooding throughout the community but spared the SW24 facility.
SW24 opened its doors to the community, essentially becoming an immediate emergency command post for first responders in the Moonachie fire and police departments. The Moonachie municipality and Moonachie Mayor Dennis Vaccaro were immediately invited to utilize the facility after so many municipal, fire department and public buildings were destroyed.
“This is our way of giving back something to the community … especially those less fortunate than we were,” said Jay Stuck, Executive Vice President, Sales and Chief Marketing Officer.
This unique situation went so far as to garner the attention of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Christie took time to visit Moonachie first responders, greeting about 50 Moonachie police, fire and government officials.
With this experience we truly can say it’s not just business; it’s personal. Despite losing expensive equipment of their own in the storm, including costly security vehicles, SW24 did the right thing by using their technology to help their local community when it needed them most.