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Azusa Unified recognizes teachers after Syntegix alert helped prompt successful lockdown and apprehension
Summary
The district recognized two Valley Dale Elementary teachers after they used newly deployed Syntegix wearable alert devices to trigger a lockdown on Feb. 27; the suspect was detained and later determined to be carrying a replica firearm, district officials said.
Azusa Unified School District recognized two Valley Dale Elementary School teachers May 13 after they activated a wearable alert that helped prompt a campus lockdown and police response to a potential weapon threat on Feb. 27.
Latasha Jamal, assistant superintendent for business services, told the board the district rolled out Syntegix wearable badges to staff after receiving board and union approvals; a rapid triple‑click on the device can initiate an automatic lockdown and notify district staff and local law enforcement. "The batches are actually doing the job they're supposed to do," Jamal said as she described the response.
Jamal and other administrators recounted that staff at Valley Dale noted two individuals near campus who appeared to be brandishing a weapon. Teachers Diana Dennis and Doreen Dyer used the device to trigger a lockdown. Site administration, district office staff and Azusa Police Department responded; Jamal said the item the suspect carried was a toy replica, not a real firearm. "Luckily and thankfully, it was not a real firearm, but it was a toy, fake gun," Jamal said.
Principal Horacio (first name not specified in the record) praised the teachers for acting under pressure and protecting students. Board members commended staff for the early adoption of the alert technology. Board Vice President Sandra Benavides said she had been skeptical about how the technology would work and expressed appreciation that the system had been used successfully.
The district presented certificates honoring Diana Dennis and Doreen Dyer "for their quick and decisive action on 02/27/2025, which ensured the safety of students and staff during a potential threat at Valley Dale Elementary." Administrators said the incident demonstrated the value of the district's investment in an alert system that allows any employee to signal a campus emergency.
No disciplinary or operational changes were announced at the meeting; district staff said the response followed the established lockdown protocol and that Azusa PD handled the apprehension. The district emphasized that continuing training and staff awareness remain priorities as the alert system is used across sites.
