National Security Expert Brian Harrell Joins Shooter Detection Systems in Advisory Role

  • Aug 23, 2022

Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company, welcomes Brian Harrell, former assistant secretary for Infrastructure Protection at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and former first assistant director for Infrastructure Security at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), as a member of the SDS Advisory Board and the company’s National Security Subject Matter Expert.

SDS works with education, business, government, healthcare, manufacturing and other customers to deliver smart, sensor-driven active shooter detection solutions to reduce response time during active shooter incidents. Harrell will help the company understand the national security implications of gun violence and active shooter threats. He will also serve to educate the public about solutions like gunshot detection and integrated security technologies and how they are essential to managing critical incidents and mitigating risk.

“Brian has an impressive and well-rounded background that is a perfect fit to help further the company’s mission of raising awareness and education about active shooter solutions,” said Rich Onofrio, managing director for SDS. “We very much look forward to working with Brian and gaining insights from his perspective that will help shape the future of SDS.”

In 2018, Harrell became the sixth assistant secretary for Infrastructure Protection at DHS by appointment of the president of the United States. He was also the first assistant director for Infrastructure Security at CISA. He also served at the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) where he helped protect North America's electric grid from physical and cyber-attack.

“As the United States continues to struggle with gun violence, part of the solution must be technology solutions that reduce risk and aid in law enforcement response,” Harrell said. “SDS has been on the forefront of providing security solutions to our nation’s critical infrastructure, schools, workplaces and mass-gathering events. I’m proud to be part of the team.”

Harrell has also spent time during his career in the Marines, and various private sector agencies with the goal of protecting the United States from security threats.

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