SONITROL Celebrates 60 Years In Business

SONITROL, a provider of integrated business security solutions, has achieved a significant milestone by reaching 60 years in business. The company will commemorate its six decades of achievements over the coming months and to mark the occasion has joined the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) in order to work with the education community to better secure schools and create safer learning environments.

In 1963 Robert Baxter met Al Cronk in Anderson, Indiana. Baxter was an inventor who coined the name SONITROL by combining the words sound and control, while Cronk was a local police officer who also owned an alarm company. After discussing how they could help eliminate false alarms by using technology to listen-in and verify whether intruders were in a building, they founded SONITROL in 1964.

"Like many successful businesses, SONITROL was the result of a great idea that solved a problem," commented Julie Beach, the company’s vice president. "Not only did Baxter and Cronk pioneer impact-activated audio sensor technology, but they took it to market via a franchise and distribution network. In 1968 SONITROL sold its first franchise in Detroit, Michigan, and its first project was to provide a school security system."

SONITROL soon became the largest franchise-based security network in the United States and now has a network of 71 franchises and 43 corporate offices across North America. This network of expert dealers provides cutting edge integrated verified security solutions for intrusion, video, access control and fire, providing some of the fastest police response times, lowest false alarm rates and the best apprehension record – over 187,000 and counting – in the security industry.

Given its proud history of working within educational environments, SONITROL has chosen to mark its 60th anniversary by becoming a PASS Partner. Established in 2014, PASS is a non-profit group that brings together expertise from the education, public safety, and industry communities to support a coordinated approach to proven security practices specific to K-12 environments, while enabling school administrators and school boards to make informed decisions on security investments. As a Tier 4 PASS Partner, which is the highest level of corporate partnership, SONITROL joins a select group of organizations that share a commitment to supporting PASS's mission of providing resources, guidelines, and best practices to help create safer environments for

students, educators, and staff. As well as being able to use PASS branding, SONITROL’s employees will have PASS access, five full days of on-site training and the availability of all PASS webinars.

"It gives me great pleasure to welcome SONITROL," stated Chuck Wilson, Board Chairman and co-founder of PASS. "PASS continues to develop valuable resources, such as the PASS Safety and Security Guidelines for K-12 Schools, which serve as a cornerstone for proactive safety planning. SONITROL’s support enables us to further our efforts in promoting comprehensive approaches to school safety, encompassing everything from infrastructure enhancements to emergency preparedness. Together, PASS and SONITROL will work tirelessly to ensure that schools remain safe, nurturing environments where students can thrive."

SONITROL is getting set to celebrate its 60th anniversary at its annual SONITROL National Dealers Association (SNDA) Convention, which this year takes place in Louisville, Kentucky, on March 14th-17th. Dealers, employees, and their families will gather to recognize the best in leadership, sales, marketing, administration, customer service, operations, human resources, and technical support throughout North America.

Attendees from the SONITROL dealer network will also be able to take part in product education sessions and there will also be an exhibit hall with a variety of vendors. There will also be a very special event at the famous Churchill Downs horse racing complex on Friday 15th to celebrate SONITROL’s 60th anniversary. An awards banquet will then be held on Saturday 16th, where various accolades will be presented to winners across the dealer network for their outstanding performance.

"2024 is a very special year for SONITROL and our 60th anniversary provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the company’s many achievements," concluded Julie Beach. "Given that Robert Baxter and Al Cronk built the early franchise network around providing impact-activated audio detection technology to schools, becoming a PASS Partner is particularly appropriate, and we are honored to contribute to the collective goal of safeguarding our nation's educational establishments. The SNDA Convention is a great opportunity to celebrate SONITROL’s past, present and future, and I look forward to welcoming members of our dealer network to Louisville."

Featured

  • Gun Violence Report Finds Retail Spaces, K-12 Schools Most Targeted

    ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, today announced the release of its annual Gun Violence Report, offering a deep dive into the landscape of gun-related incidents across the United States. This analysis extends beyond mass fatality events, providing a more nuanced understanding of when, where, and why shootings occur. Read Now

  • Agentic AI Will Revolutionize Cybercrime in 2025 According to New Report

    Malwarebytes, a provider in real-time cyber protection, recently released its 2025 State of Malware report, which reveals insight into the emergence of agentic artificial intelligence (AI), plus the year’s most prominent threats and cybercrime tactics. The report details a significant uptick in the number of known ransomware attacks, the total value of ransoms paid in 2024, and how IT teams can address them. Read Now

  • ESX 2025 Announces Expanded Schedule of Events

    ESX has announced its dynamic 2025 schedule, set to provide an unparalleled experience for professionals in the electronic security and life safety industry. Taking place June 16-19 at the Cobb Galleria Centre, this year’s event features an expanded lineup of educational sessions, hands-on workshops, inspiring main stage speakers, networking opportunities, and an engaging expo floor showcasing the latest technology. Read Now

  • City of New Orleans Launches NOLA Ready Public Safety App Before Super Bowl

    The City of New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) is pleased to announce the official launch of the NOLA Ready Public Safety App, powered by Motorola Solutions. This new mobile application is designed to enhance public safety and emergency preparedness for both residents and visitors. All individuals planning to attend major events in New Orleans, including the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, and other large gatherings, are encouraged to download the app. Read Now

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Hanwha QNO-7012R

    Hanwha QNO-7012R

    The Q Series cameras are equipped with an Open Platform chipset for easy and seamless integration with third-party systems and solutions, and analog video output (CVBS) support for easy camera positioning during installation. A suite of on-board intelligent video analytics covers tampering, directional/virtual line detection, defocus detection, enter/exit, and motion detection.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.