MEET THE INSTRUCTORS

Shawn Rafferty and Ian Rafferty

Shawn (Dad)

Meet Shawn, a seasoned security professional with over 25 years of experience in diverse security and risk management roles. From his service in the Marines to his work as a police officer, federal agent, and protective security specialist in high-threat regions worldwide, Shawn brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. In KIDS FIRST, he shares invaluable tips, techniques, and tactics honed through years of training and real-world encounters.

Ian (Son)

Ian is a high school junior with a passion for creating video content, car racing, kickboxing, soccer, video games, hanging out with friends, and playing the electric guitar. After high school, he plans to attend college, join the military like his mother, and become an officer. Ian's insight into the preparedness needs of his peers brings a relevant perspective to the training content that Shawn can't provide.

WHY WE CREATED KIDS FIRST

For years, Shawn has worked in active shooter preparation, helping schools, businesses, and houses of worship get ready for the unthinkable. He was shocked to discover many schools and businesses still aren’t training their staff effectively. This lack of preparedness got him thinking about students, especially if teachers are incapacitated. With his own kids in mind, Shawn created KIDS FIRST.

Shawn teamed up with his son Ian to develop KIDS FIRST, aiming to make a lasting, life-saving impact. Ian, still a student, knew most kids aren’t taught what to do in such emergencies and wanted to help. Shawn, realizing he’s not exactly a teenager anymore, knew Ian should be the face of the training. Meanwhile, Shawn takes on the comic relief role, keeping things light and fun. He believes making kids laugh while they learn is a perfect way to ensure they remember the lessons.

PARENTS CONSIDER THIS

As parents, we can't always be with our kids. They're at school, with friends, or busy with activities. We want to protect them, but we can't be everywhere. So, what happens if you're not there, and your child faces a life-or-death situation?

Let's be real: kids often think we're too old to get it. Teaching them crucial safety info can be tough when they won’t listen. That's where KIDS FIRST comes in. As outsiders, we can grab their attention. Plus, some parents might not know this info themselves. It took Shawn 25 years to learn, and now he's sharing it.

Parents, ask yourselves: if your child faced an active shooter at school, with friends, or even with you, would they know what to do? If you're unsure, get KIDS FIRST. It can give your kids the knowledge and confidence to stay alive.

 

Take the next step. Make your kids safer with KIDS FIRST!

START NOW