GROVELAND, Mass. – John Guilfoil Public Relations (JGPR) and Guardian Communications are today announcing a strategic collaboration that will expand communication strategy, training, technology and crisis management support availability to public safety agencies and government organizations nationwide.
The collaboration brings together two organizations with compatible philosophies, complementary strengths and a shared commitment to helping public safety leaders communicate effectively, protect credibility and strengthen community trust.
JGPR, founded in 2013, is one of the nation’s leading communications and media relations consultancies, with nearly 500 clients in more than 20 states. The firm was founded by John Guilfoil, former deputy press secretary to the late former Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and employs a trained staff of public information officers and former newspaper journalists with more than 100 combined years of experience.
Guardian, founded in 2023, brings a sworn officer perspective to public safety communication. Co-founder Sarah Connolly is a retired police lieutenant with 20 years of service to the Baltimore Police Department. She brings a unique combination of executive leadership experience, operational knowledge and communication expertise to her work with public safety and government organizations nationwide. Co-founder Matthew Fagiana is a former sergeant and public information officer with the Loudon County, Tenn. Sheriff’s Office. Today, he also serves as federal public affairs officer and spokesperson based in Miami. Both Guardian founders are nationally sought-after trainers and instructors at the municipal and university levels, and both are instructors for FBI-LEEDA.
Through the collaboration, clients will have access to a unique combination of JGPR’s breadth and depth of services and the Guardian team’s sworn law enforcement experience and perspective. Together, the two companies can offer a broader range of combined services to public safety agencies and municipal governments nationwide.
JGPR provides public relations, media relations, digital strategy, creative services, crisis management and on-scene communication support to public safety agencies and municipalities across the country. JGPR also manages hundreds of police, fire, municipal and public school websites through its digital division.
Guardian Communications brings specialized experience rooted in law enforcement, crisis and critical incident communication, executive messaging, media relations and scenario-based training.
This combination allows JGPR and Guardian to deploy in person, support or stand up website assets, manage social media, write/produce content, design graphics and train/prepare clients to give speeches or speak to the press. The partnership also promises to offer new and expanded training courses, including training in strategic communication planning, crisis response, media relations, executive leadership and realistic scenario-based exercises.
The two companies will also coordinate to provide a force multiplier of public information officers and communication professionals with boots on the ground nationwide at critical public safety incidents, during both sudden and well-forecasted events. Both companies also draw upon a freelance team of some of the most well-respected and experienced law enforcement, fire and EMS public information officers in the country.
“I am extremely excited about the sheer number of ways the collaboration between JGPR and Guardian Communications can benefit our clients and agencies nationwide, particularly during a crisis or critical incident,” said JGPR Principal John Guilfoil. “By working together, we gain the ability to activate as many as two dozen highly trained and experienced communications professionals during the most serious of incidents and to deploy quickly when our clients need it the most.”
The organizations intend to jointly seek opportunities and to respond to requests for proposals/requests for quotes, allowing the companies to work cooperatively on projects and opportunities where their combined capabilities will provide value to clients and serving agencies before, during and after the moments that can define them.
Public safety agencies, schools, municipalities and other organizations interested in strengthening their communication strategies, preparing their leaders or expanding their crisis communication capacity, wherever you serve, are encouraged to connect with JGPR and Guardian Communications.
“Effective communication doesn’t begin when a crisis occurs. It is built long before, through preparation, relationships, and a commitment to earning and maintaining public trust,” said Co-Founder Connolly, speaking for both herself and Co-Founder Fagiana. “With decades of law enforcement experience, we understand the challenges public safety leaders face and the importance of being prepared when it matters most. This partnership brings together complementary expertise and a shared philosophy that communication is not simply a response to a crisis, but an essential part of leadership. Together, we can provide agencies with greater support to prepare for the unexpected, navigate challenges and build relationships they have with the communities they serve. Communication that makes a difference.”
About John Guilfoil Public Relations
John Guilfoil Public Relations is the go-to public relations and communications consultancy for police chiefs, fire chiefs, school superintendents, health directors and municipal managers throughout the U.S. We are a globally recognized team of innovators that connects leaders with their communities. We set the standard in strategic communication and creative messaging by distributing critical information, amplifying stories and providing the tools, technology and support needed in an ever-changing world.
Guardian Communications is a public safety communication consulting and training firm specializing in strategic communication and crisis management. Founded in 2023 by former law enforcement professionals, Guardian brings firsthand operational experience and a practical understanding of the challenges leaders face. The firm works with law enforcement agencies and government organizations nationwide to strengthen communication practices and build public trust. Through customized training and expert guidance, Guardian helps leaders communicate effectively in their daily operations and confidently navigate a crisis, providing strategic solutions for critical moments.
###
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.