Saferwatch, a security platform aimed at improving emergency response for both public and private sectors, has seen more interest from Fortune 500 companies looking to enhance protection for their executives and their families.
This uptick in inquiries followed the shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December in New York City.
Many of these companies are exploring the Saferwatch LTE panic button, a mobile alert system that provides quick access to emergency assistance.
“All of these companies are asking, ‘How do we keep executives safe? How do we protect families? How do we secure the key people running this business?'”
There’s also rising demand from affluent clients wanting to improve family safety. For instance, Loefaro indicated that they are looking to equip children who are heading off to college.
Loefaro described this trend as the “Luigi Effect,” referencing Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate charged with shooting Thompson outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, 2024. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to federal charges connected to Thompson’s murder, with the trial set to begin in 2026.
While executives may feel secure in their offices, Roefaro noted that companies are increasingly focusing on their safety while traveling internationally.
“One of the biggest inquiries we receive is how executives can protect themselves when they leave the office,” Roefaro mentioned, noting that providing physical security for every executive and their family isn’t feasible or cost-effective, especially for smaller businesses.
Roefaro co-founded Saferwatch with Shannon Donev after witnessing the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, which sparked their mission to create quicker safety solutions for a broad spectrum of users. They engineered specific devices to help executives and their families seek help discreetly.
“I think we all have a gut feeling when someone is following us, right?” Roefaro remarked, suggesting that if Thompson had that apprehension, he could have used a panic alarm.
Pressing the button connects users either to a 24/7 resource center or directly to 911, depending on the service chosen. Roefaro noted that the Direct 911 Access is a premium option, ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, with around 70% of users opting for it.
According to the Saferwatch website, their technology minimizes simple questions typically asked when calling 911, like the caller’s name or details about the emergency. It also mitigates delays caused by misrouting to incorrect 911 centers. In educational facilities, for instance, when an alert is triggered, staff—including officers and principals—are instantly notified.
While the service comes at a steep price, Roefaro emphasized their goal of making this technology available to everyday citizens, not just high-profile executives and wealthy individuals.
The company collaborates with over 6,000 organizations across 31 states, including schools and businesses of various sizes.
In New York City, for example, local bodegas have installed Saferwatch panic alarms under their counters, enabling staff to send silent alerts during emergencies.
In addition to the panic button and 24/7 operational support, the company also has nearly 20 retired law enforcement officials on board for strategic assistance.
The platform includes an anonymous reporting system through a mobile app, allowing users to report suspicious activity. This system instantly shares the user’s location with administrators and law enforcement to speed up response times, according to their website.
