Approximately 100 education leaders, school and district safety teams, law enforcement officers, and emergency managers attended the Keeping Kids Safe (KKS) Symposium on October 23, 2024, at the BCIU Main Office. Since 2009, the BCIU and its partners have organized annual KKS programs for educators, emergency responders—including law enforcement, first responders, and EMS personnel—elected officials, and mental health and community partners. These symposiums are designed to provide participants with training, tools, and resources to enhance emergency preparedness across Berks County’s education community. Together, the BCIU and its partners are committed to the safety and well-being of Berks County’s more than 70,000 students and 5,000 staff members, ensuring they are equipped to respond effectively in emergencies.
Coordinated by Russell Del Rosario, BCIU Safety and Security Program Administrator, the symposium featured opening remarks by Berks County District Attorney John Adams. The event included a presentation titled “Recognizing and Reporting Human Trafficking,” by Jonathan Barry, Senior Engagement Manager for the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign; “Child Sex Trafficking: Empowering Our Community to Prevent Exploitation,” presented by Jason Swan, United States Secret Service Ambassador for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; and “Berks County Human Trafficking Awareness,” presented by Lieutenant Steve Brock of the Spring Township Police Department, and Brad Ortenzi, Human Trafficking Task Force Coordinator and Eastern USA Regional Director for ZOE International.
Dr. Jill Hackman, Executive Director of the Berks County Intermediate Unit, shared, “Our goal of the symposium is to equip attendees with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to create a safe school environment where students are protected from the threat of trafficking and other forms of exploitation. With more than 70,000 students in Berks County, our responsibility is immense, and through continued collaboration and learning, we can build a network of support that empowers our schools and communities to be safe and secure spaces for all.”