FireRescue1.com and Lexipol, leaders in the fire service, recently announced the merger of the two companies to offer a single, comprehensive platform addressing critical education, training and policy needs among public safety and local government agencies.
The combined company will offer a range of content and solutions unequaled in the public sector, including a library of 200,000 articles and reports, 16,000 policies and procedures, almost 4,000 training courses and a network of digital media communities that includes FireRescue1.com, PoliceOne.com, CorrectionsOne.com and their respective Academy online training platforms. The company’s existing reach includes more than 7,000 fire departments, police departments and municipalities, with nearly 2 million public safety professionals and local government leaders who rely on the properties for mission-critical information, training and policies.
In an era of escalating threats to communities nationwide, fire departments, public safety agencies and local government are struggling to more effectively respond, be better prepared and mitigate risks. These challenges require multi-faceted solutions, which often requires agencies to work with multiple systems and vendors.
The combined company exists to address that fundamental challenge, with a single platform offering robust content and product solutions that educate, engage and connect individuals, agencies, municipalities, insurers, organizations and the companies that serve them. Those solutions include online training and learning management, state-specific policies and procedures, grant assistance and marketing solutions. All are delivered through the company’s award-winning online communities, such as FireRescue1.com, which is one of the top online destinations in the world for firefighting professionals.
FireRescue1 founder and CEO Alex Ford has been named CEO of the newly-merged organization. He will be supported by an experienced management team from both Praetorian Digital, FireRescue1’s parent company, and Lexipol, including Michael Davis, current CEO of Lexipol, who will be joining the board of directors for the combined company.
“This merger joins two complementary offerings together in pursuit of our mission to use digital content and technology to revolutionize the way in which firefighters, departments, municipalities, companies and organizations keep our communities safe and reduce risk,” Ford said. “I’m excited to work with our talented combined team to solve the many critical threats and challenges faced by our nation’s first responders and local government entities.”
“Helping public safety agencies protect their communities is at the heart of what we do at Lexipol. The addition of Praetorian’s robust learning platform will increase the value we provide to our current and future customers,” said Michael Davis, current CEO of Lexipol. “We are excited to join forces in offering the most comprehensive policy and training solution available in the industry and to expand our reach to new markets.”
Lexipol was founded over 15 years ago by Gordon Graham and Bruce Praet, attorneys and former law enforcement officers with extensive experience in risk management. The company provides state-specific policies and related training for law enforcement, fire and rescue, corrections, probation and juvenile detention agencies.
Founded in 1999, Praetorian Digital has grown to support 2 million first responders and municipal leaders with access to articles, videos and training courses through 25 topical websites and e-newsletters and five learning platforms. In addition, its Grant Services division, which includes FireGrantsHelp.com, has helped secure more than $200 million in funding for public safety and local government agencies to date.
The newly combined company is owned by The Riverside Company, a global private equity firm focused on acquiring and in