Maryland businesses strengthen community safety by playing a crucial role in supporting local first responders through partnerships. From equipping firefighters with advanced tools to providing resources for emergency medical teams, the collaborative efforts of local businesses and first responders create a stronger, more prepared community. Defender Secure is proud to be among these companies, fostering partnerships that ensure first responders have the support they need to safeguard lives and property. This article highlights the ways Maryland businesses like Defender Secure contribute to these life-saving efforts and the profound impact such initiatives have on local communities.


The Importance of First Responders

First responders—including firefighters, police officers, and paramedics—serve as the backbone of emergency management. Their quick, decisive actions often mean the difference between life and death. Every day, these professionals tackle crises ranging from fires to medical emergencies, often putting their lives at risk to save others.

Several factors make their role indispensable:

Despite their critical importance, first responders face growing challenges, including budget cuts and limited access to modern equipment. Businesses play a vital role in addressing these issues by contributing funding and other support to meet operational needs.


How Maryland Businesses Support First Responders

Local businesses in Maryland often lead initiatives to support first responders, enhancing their ability to perform under pressure. These efforts go beyond monetary donations to include creative, impactful forms of collaboration.

Here are common ways businesses provide support:

These partnerships not only help first responders but also demonstrate businesses’ commitment to the communities they serve. Additionally, this goodwill fosters stronger customer loyalty, creating a positive cycle of trust and support.


Defender Secure’s Commitment

Defender Secure stands as a proud ally of Maryland’s first responders. By providing resources and expertise, Defender Secure plays an active role in strengthening emergency preparedness. This partnership goes beyond basic support, ensuring meaningful improvements in safety infrastructure.

Here’s how Defender Secure makes a difference:

These actions show Defender Secure’s dedication to being more than a business—it’s a partner in community resilience. Every initiative underscores its belief in the importance of secure, prepared communities.


Collaborative Community Impact

Collaboration between businesses and first responders produces tangible benefits that extend to all aspects of community life. When organizations work together, their combined efforts create a ripple effect of positive change.

Key benefits of these collaborations include:

Maryland has consistently demonstrated the power of these partnerships, proving that the best outcomes come when businesses and first responders unite.


Consider the Above

The role of Maryland businesses in supporting local first responders is essential to building safe, connected communities. Defender Secure exemplifies this partnership through its dedication to providing resources, fostering relationships, and promoting public safety. Clients who work with Defender Secure contribute to these efforts, becoming active participants in shaping a brighter, more secure future for Maryland residents.

Chad Emrick

Scheduling Adminstrator

As Scheduling Administrator, Chad leverages twenty years of administrative and management experience to enhance Defender One’s operational excellence. For Chad, the scheduling process is like putting together a puzzle—finding just the right pieces to fill every slot. His strategic mindset and knack for process optimization have consistently elevated his organizational efficiency. The security industry is 24/7. Thus, Chad’s methodical preparation and adaptable management style keeps our operations running smoothly.

When not orchestrating schedules at Defender One, Chad dedicates himself to his treasured role— a devoted family man. He and his wife Wanda have raised four remarkable children. Most recently, adding a new dimension to his life’s joy is his grandson, Leo.

Phil Kline

Regional Manager – Baltimore Metro Region

Phil’s career began in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a Military Police Officer. His training as an Internal Response Unit member equipped him with essential skills in safety, security, and crisis management. One of his most fulfilling experiences was responding to Hurricane Sandy, where he played a vital role in assisting those affected by the disaster.

Following his military service, Phil transitioned to the building supply industry, where he spent a decade as an Operations and Sales Manager. During this time, he honed his leadership, process improvement, and industry analysis skills. His passion for identifying opportunities and driving positive change has been a constant throughout his career.

With a strong foundation in problem-solving and a resilient mindset, Phil is dedicated to applying his expertise to create impactful solutions. Whether leading teams, optimizing processes, or tackling complex challenges, he approaches every task with integrity and a focus on results.

Outside of work, Phil is an avid motorcyclist and enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, and camping. One of his most memorable adventures was conquering the challenging hike to the top of Angels Landing in Zion National Park, Utah.

Walter Leslie Jr.

Operations Manager

Walter is an observant and vigilant, safety-driven security professional with 14+ years of leadership experience across commercial, residential, and corporate security sectors. Walter offers extensive expertise in developing and executing comprehensive physical security procedures and protocols. Specializing in risk assessments, he has successfully implemented mitigation strategies for clients, reducing potential security threats.

Outside of work, he is family-oriented and enjoys traveling with his wife Jackie, and their dog Aries. He is an avid sports enthusiast and loves the Washington Commanders and Washington Nationals.

Cynthia Cox

Human Resources Manager

With 21 years of management experience across various industries, including staffing, transportation, small business ownership, accounting, and operations, Cynthia brings a wealth of knowledge and a robust skill set to Defender One. Her diversified background has equipped her with a keen understanding of multiple business domains, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

Matthew Goodman

Assistant Director of Operations
Matt currently serves as Defender One’s Assistant Director of Operations. Matt is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Defender One and works closely with the Director of Operations & Training to implement goals and objectives for the company. As a nationally certified School Resource Officer and Force Science Analyst, Matt brings an interpersonal and holistic approach to the industry. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from York College. Outside of work, Matt is an avid outdoorsmen, spending time perfecting his landscaping skills. Matt also enjoys quality time with his wife Ashley, and two cats, Ollie and Leo, as well as watching the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens.

Jennifer Krieger

Director of Human Resources
Jen currently serves as Defender One’s Director of Human Resources, managing our HR and back end finance teams. Jen has 30 years of experience in healthcare benefits administration, retirement benefits, financial planning and human resources. Jen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Master’s Degree in Finance from Loyola University. Jen prioritizes an employee focused and driven company, with an emphasis on client and employee satisfaction. Outside of work, Jen enjoys running, watching her daughter play Division 1 Lacrosse, and playing with her grand-dogs.

Jared Krieger

Director of Operations & Training

Jared serves as the Director of Operations & Training at Defender One, where he oversees the company’s operations and staff training programs. He holds a Master of Science in Homeland Security & Disaster Management and a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security & Counterterrorism. He is a Certified Security Project Manager and is board-certified in security management. He is also board-certified as a Physical Security Professional by the American Society of Industrial Security. As an accredited law enforcement instructor, Jared specializes in multiple disciplines, including Firearms, OC Spray, Expandable Baton, Handcuff Techniques, Taser, Defensive Tactics, and Force Science Analytics.

Outside of work, Jared enjoys traveling and spending time with his girlfriend and their three dogs.

Jon Krieger

Owner
Jon is the President and Founder of Defender One. Jon started Defender One in 2009, with the goal of bridging the gap between conventional security guards and law enforcement. Jon had a long and distinguished career in a large metropolitan police department for over 30 years, holding supervisory positions in several units, including patrol, internal affairs, traffic and community outreach. Jon has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, College Park. Outside of work, Jon spends his time spoiling his grand-dogs Fred and Barney, supporting the Ravens and Orioles, and watching his daughter play Division 1 Lacrosse.