ABOUT US
Empowering Organizations to Navigate Crises with Clarity, Compassion and Strategy.
Our Story. Our Vision.
Guardian Communications was founded in April 2023, born from discussions among public relations professionals who recognized a gap in how crisis communication was handled and felt compelled to address it. Many departments invest minimal time in training their media teams or rely on the city’s communication teams, but often, that’s where the effort ends. While we understand that muscle memory is key during crises, this same principle should apply to our communication teams.
In the midst of a crisis, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, and that’s where we come in—to guide you through the fog. Many of the crises we see on national news happen in small towns or rural areas where people believe “it won’t happen here.” But in today’s world, it’s not about if something will happen, it’s about when.
What Sets Us Apart?
While several public relations firms exist, few specialize in the unique needs of first responders. At Guardian Communications, we are that firm—one that won’t take advantage of your agency or your community during a time of crisis. We’ve been doing this work for years out of a passion for helping those who need it most. We don’t require long-term contracts or burdensome commitments. Instead, we listen to your needs, collaborate with you, and develop a strategic plan that works for your situation.
Guardian Communications is here to help you protect your reputation, maintain the trust of the public, and foster strong relationships by creating strategic communication solutions for your most critical moments.
Meet The Team
Sarah Connolly
Co-Founder & Principal
Sarah Connolly is a 20-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department. As she ascended through the ranks, a majority of her tenure included various assignments in the Special Investigation Section, in addition to developing new and innovative programs within the department. As a lieutenant, Sarah spent several years working as the Deputy Director of Media Relations as well as the Director of the Document Compliance Unit (FOIA). In both positions, she represented the police department with daily media interactions, serving as a spokesperson, managing messaging, and strategy development. After a brief retirement in 2019, Sarah was asked to join the Baltimore County Police Department as their communications strategist. While serving in that position, she was responsible for advising on and formulating communication strategies. Those strategies included creating a formal messaging plan with a focus on increased internal communications, rebranding external communication, and an overall focus on building trust and legitimacy through transparency.
Sarah is a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership Program, where she received her master’s degree in management from Johns Hopkins University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Gordon College and a certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership from the University of Maryland University College. An instructor with FBI-LEEDA (Law Enforcement Executive Development Association) since 2019, Sarah teaches both the Media and Public Relations and Master PIO courses. She is also a member of the organization’s Curriculum Review Board. While an expert in her field and a master instructor, she is a firm believer in being a continual student. Sarah has two children—her eldest is majoring in public relations, and her youngest is a competitive high school lacrosse defender. She is an avid dog lover and an average pickleball player.
Matthew Fagiana
Co-Founder & CEO
Matthew is a highly experienced trainer and consultant in crisis communications, media relations, and brand management for law enforcement agencies. His expertise has been honed through years of serving as the agency's Public Information Officer and leading public-facing communications efforts. He currently serves as an instructor for the FBI-LEEDA, where he delivers training to law enforcement executives nationwide on these critical subjects. In addition to his work in communications and leadership, Matthew serves as an Academy Instructor, overseeing scenario-based training, and as an assistant instructor for Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) at the Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy in East Tennessee. He has also been a Teaching Associate for the University of Tennessee's Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC), instructing courses on Cultural Competency and Advanced De-escalation Techniques. In 2005 he attended the prestigious Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy (FLETC) where he obtained his Physical Security Specialist Certification. Additionally, Matthew has been featured on several nationally recognized law enforcement podcasts and has contributed to Fox News Digital as a law enforcement expert.
Matthew holds a Bachelor's Degree in Emergency Services Management from Bethel University and is a licensed Advanced Emergency Medical Technician. Beyond his law enforcement career, he served as Chairman of the Loudon County Local Emergency Planning Commission from 2016 to 2022. His leadership and community involvement earned him recognition as one of Knoxville Business Journal's "Top 40 Under 40" in 2017, and in 2021 he was named Patrol Supervisor of the Year by Sheriff Tim Guider. Currently residing in Niceville, FL, Matthew is a proud husband to an active-duty Special Forces Army doctor and a "dog dad" to two. He enjoys international travel, flying as an FAA-licensed private pilot, and passionately cheering on the University of Tennessee Volunteers.
Matthew Fagiana retired from the Loudon County Sheriff's Office in May 2022 as a Patrol Sergeant and Public Information Officer, following 22 years of distinguished service in law enforcement. His career began in 2000 with the Gatlinburg Police Department before he transitioned to the Tennessee Highway Patrol shortly after the events of 9/11. Over the course of his career, Matthew held a variety of specialized roles, including serving on the Motor Unit, Crash Reconstruction Team, Riot Squad, Honor Guard, Tennessee Highway Patrol Funeral Detail, the state Critical Incident Stress De-Briefing Team, and the Regional Gang Investigations Unit. In his final years with the Loudon County Sheriff's Office, he was appointed Squad Commander, overseeing the midnight shift operations. In addition to his patrol supervisory responsibilities, Matthew managed the agency's social media presence, coordinated public events, and administered both state and federal grant programs. He also served as the primary point of contact for media relations, handling interviews, news conferences, and media inquiries.
READY TO GET STARTED?
In Times of Crisis, Clear and Compassionate Communication Can Make All the Difference.
At Guardian Communications, we’re here to provide you with the tools, training, and strategies your organization needs to navigate challenges with confidence.
Contact us today to discover how we can support your communication needs with tailored strategies designed for budgets, communities, and departments of all sizes.