Our Story
A Pioneer in Safety and Crisis Training
It Began With a Mission
Established in 1989, M.C. Kimball and Associates, Inc., began with a focused mission: enhancing officer safety and survival through training in situational awareness, self-defense, use of force, and de-escalation for law enforcement. Over the decades, the company has evolved into a forward-thinking safety solutions provider, addressing societal concerns and adapting its offerings based on the needs of its diverse clientele.
A Legacy of Safety and Adaptation
Early 1990s - M.C. Kimball and Associates is Born
The journey of M.C. Kimball and Associates, Inc., is one of adaptability and responsiveness. Beginning in the early 1990s—before the tragic Columbine incident—the company collaborated with the State of California to enhance active shooter prevention and response readiness.
1998 - Focus Expands to Civilian Personnel
By 1998, our focus expanded to civilian responses, particularly for non-sworn personnel in law enforcement-adjacent roles, such as code enforcement officers and inspectors, people who face unique safety challenges.
2010 to 2015: Active Crisis Training is Created
From 2010 to 2015, our curriculum began to shift toward civilian active shooter prevention and response. During this period, M.C. Kimball and Associates, Inc., partnered with Homeland Security to deliver training nationwide. At this time, our workshops were delivered to a variety of organizations, including schools, houses of worship, hospitals, universities, businesses, and even the hospitality industry. This experience revealed unmet needs in specific areas, such as school bus safety and the protection of professionals in probation and code enforcement roles.
The insights gained during this time led to the creation of the Active Crisis Training program, a comprehensive approach to equipping civilians with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to crisis situations.
2015: We've Got Your Back™ is Launched
The We’ve Got Your Back program for K-12 was developed in response to increasing requests from schools. Unlike traditional crisis training, this trauma-informed, inclusive, and student-centered program stands out in its innovative approach.
This student-facing program emerged from collaboration with educational leaders, psychologists, and safety experts. The executive team includes luminaries like Dr. Kendall Zoller, author of Heart Space; Dr. Chris Mason of Yale University, known for her work on compassionate school practices; and Dr. Summer Prather-Smith, a superintendent specializing in family engagement and school safety. Together, they crafted a curriculum that incorporates mindfulness, wellness, situational awareness, and age-appropriate strategies for teaching youths student safety.
The hallmark of We’ve Got Your Back is its unique use of animation, storytelling, and interactive learning to teach situational awareness and crisis response. Collaborating with industry professionals, including animators from Pixar and Marvel, the program content is engaging and relatable for students. Each animation undergoes rigorous review to ensure alignment with trauma-informed practices, educational principles, and family engagement strategies.
While the program initially included a limited number of resources, it has evolved to include the following:
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Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Integration: Teacher guides aligned with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies and Common Core State Standards.
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Parent Engagement Materials: Guides to bridge safety concepts between school and home.
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Situational Awareness Trading Cards: Focused on the four elements of situational awareness (conscious awareness, spatial awareness, sensory awareness, and informed awareness).
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Teacher Talking Point Cards (TTPs): Sets of 20 cards with classroom activities and discussion prompts.
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Student Materials: Graphic novels for middle and high school, workbooks for elementary students, and downloadable online workbooks for high school.
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Visual Aids: Posters, coloring sheets, decision-making charts, and action plans.
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Project-Based Activities: Classroom and home projects designed to reinforce safety readiness.
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When/Then Scenarios: Activities to build mental scripts for decision-making in emergencies.
2015 to Present: Continuous Evolution and Improvement
As the We’ve Got Your Back program continues to expand, it remains a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and client-driven solutions. We will continue to adapt and evolve, ensuring that our training programs meet the ever-changing needs of schools and communities.
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We’ve Got Your Back has undergone a remarkable journey of growth and transformation since its inception. Initially developed to address the needs of high school students, this innovative safety program has expanded and evolved to include tailored approaches for all grade levels, incorporating cutting-edge educational tools and methodologies.
With its focus on wellness, situational awareness, and age-appropriate crisis training, We’ve Got Your Back has become an award-winning resource for schools and families alike, ensuring safety readiness while fostering trust and engagement within school communities.