Lockdown Company donates $40,000 towards school door safety project.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

The Lockdown Company, which is installing The Boot door safety device in local schools, has donated $40,000 towards the project, which is being funded through community donations. Rob Couturier, company founder, said Mason County has been unlike any other community his company has worked with.

“The community support for this project has just been amazing,” Couturier said. “Our company has seen tremendous growth in the past few months and it is directly because of the people of Mason County.”

Couturier said news stories and social media postings have boosted awareness of the company and its products.

The cost to install Boots into the thresholds of every doorway in Mason County schools is $193,370. To date, $103,960 has been raised, according to Sheriff Kim Cole, who is leading the fundraising efforts through the Friends of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office fund.

“Every time we walked into a school we were greeted by the superintendent,” Couturier said. “Those superintendents have been talking to superintendents at schools around Michigan and it’s brought a lot of business our way. Plus, the teachers and other district employees have just been great to work with.”

Installation of The Boots is expected to be completed next week with only doorways at Ludington High School remaining. The devices have been installed at Mason County Eastern, Mason County Central, Ludington Area Schools, Covenant Christian School and Ludington Area Catholic School. Some daycares have also requested the devices, Couturier said.

“It was a no-brainer to donate the money,” Courturier said. “We are getting more sales, not only in Michigan but all over the county and it’s because of people in Mason County.”

“We just couldn’t be happier with the community support we have received in this project,” Sheriff Cole said. “I am truly humbled by what I have seen the community accomplish in this fundraising effort and certainly couldn’t be more proud to live here in Mason County.”

Those wishing to donate, may write a check to the Friends of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, c/o Community Foundation for Mason County, PO Box 10, Ludington, MI 49431. Note in the memo line: Adopt A Door.