Security Firms Aid Black Churches

A consortium of security systems manufacturers plans to donate more than $1 million in materials over the next few years to help prevent damage to black churches.

The Security Industry Coalition announced its plans to work with the Congress of National Black Churches earlier this month.

Richard Chace, communications director for the Security Industry Coalition, based in Alexandria, Va., said more than 300 manufacturing companies in the coalition have pledged to assist churches identified by the Washington-based church organization.

“It really is ongoing maintenance, plus equipment, plus consulting services,” said Juliette Davis, the church organization’s public relations director, who estimated that the donations will total more than $1 million over three to five years.

Chace said the donations will vary from church to church.

“Some churches might need far more elaborate systems for fire and burglary than others,” he said. “Small churches . . . don’t need something as extensive.”

Chace said the coalition hopes to have systems installed in 50 churches by year’s end.