Norris has been working very closely with the Maine State Society or the Protection of Animals for the last couple years. They have been working hard, meeting with the client on a regular basis to understand their special and evolving needs. Norris has designed and installed communications, life-safety, and video-based security systems for the Society’s newly renovated facility in Windham, Maine (it’s having it’s grand opening the weekend of October 26-28).

The full scope of Norris’ projects involved installing new communications and network capabilities to cater to the campus’ layout and special needs. Because there were so many buildings that needed video coverage, it made sense to set up radio communications. Norris also installed, monitors, tests and inspects and services and maintains the new facility’s fire alarm system. Norris’ Systems Integrator, Jim Allmon handled design and implementation of the fire alarm system.

Meris J. Bickford, Esq. Is MSSPA’s CEO.

“Prior to receiving assistance and services from Norris, we had worked with another security company that was not able to address the sometimes challenging logistics of the farm site on which we work.  We really needed to upgrade our overall approach to monitoring the horses while staying on budget and focusing on our work, not on becoming tech wizards ourselves,” Bickford said. “During our interactions with Norris, we have worked with numerous, talented and dedicated folks. Two really stand out for us. Thoseare John Wolfe and Jeff Hinckley.  Many other Norris folks have also helped us keep the horses safe as well.”

Jeff Hinckley is Norris’ Systems Integrator for video surveillance and is Norris’ networking and communications expert. John Wolfe is Norris’ Remote Services Director and a systems design and installation expert.

“Radios interconnect the sites/barns,” Hinckley said, noting that traditional hardwiring would have required either trenching or running special aerial cable—both very expensive and labor-intensive propositions. “There are also wifi cameras connected to the Video Management System that they can move in case there are sick horses.”

The Farm shelters a lot of horses with varying levels of care required.

“We shelter and rehabilitate up to 40 horses at any given time,” said MSSPA Volunteer Coordinator Robert Sheckler. “It depends. Many are animals that have been treated so badly. Law enforcement intervenes and takes them.We try to get them rehabilitated and adopted pretty quickly, but sometimes that can take a while.”

Norris put cameras in the barns that shelter the horses and also on the exteriors of buildings to watch the grounds. The MSSPA has lots of volunteers—some from the prison across the street who volunteer as part of a reentry into society program—and also many daily visitors who come to see and interact with the horses. The MSSPA farm is open to the public daily from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. June through August and until 4:00 p.m. September through May.

“There are cameras inside and outside of all facilities. They use the video system 24/7 to monitor and watch after the horses,” Hinckley said. “Most of these horses are or have been in distress, and the camera system is a vital component that allows them remote viewing via client applications and mobile devices.”

The MSSPA started construction on their new facility—the Lawrence J. Keddy and Marilyn L. Goodreau Equine Rehabilitation Facility—in June. The facility houses an 80 x 120 indoor riding arena, classrooms and administrative offices—previously the admin portion of the organization were offsite.

“It’s been so important,” MSSPA’s Sheckler said. “And it has been such an improvement in efficiencies to get those admin offices here. But the real centerpiece is the arena where we can really help rehabilitate our horses.”

MSSPA’s Bickford said that the society’s needs were specific and sometimes challenging.

“The MSSPA’s life safety and security needs are primarily related to the protection and well-being of the horses we are rehabilitating at River Road Farm.  We want to safeguard the animals and premises when staff are not present and also be able to visualize the interior of the barns, arena, and public access areas of the horse shelter,” Bickford said. “During the hours that we welcome the public, we are also mindful of the safety of MSSPA guests.”

Bickford said she has been thrilled with her decision to trust Norris with the safety and security of the horses and the campus’ employees, volunteers and guests.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Jeff and John as well as the whole Norris team who have exceeded our expectations.  Their commitment to helping the MSSPA achieve its security goals, responsiveness when a problem does exist, and creativity to overcoming obstacles in our particular farm environment has been remarkable,” Bickford said. “Thanks to Norris and its extraordinary employees who understand the work we do, we have the comfort that comes from knowing the horses are safe and the shelter’s premises are secure.”

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What is the MSSPA all about?

The MSSPA is New England’s largest horse rescue and rehabilitation facility. It receives no government funding. The MSSPA does not have investigative and enforcement authority, but does assist individuals in reporting suspected animal abuse. Additionally, the MSSPA partners with state and local law enforcement to provide for abused or neglected horses. To find out more about the facility grand opening, visit the event page contact the MSSPA at 207-892-3040 or email them.

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What is Norris all about?

Norris, Inc.—a South Portland, Maine-based life-safety and security systems integrator with satellite offices in Bangor, Maine; Lee, New Hampshire; and Burlington, Vermont—was founded nearly 40 years ago by two brothers, Brad and Harty Norris. The brothers remain on the board of directors today and continue to help steer the enterprise toward its goal of advancing life-safety, security, and communications while striving to grow in its status as Northern New England’s leading systems integrator. Norris provides fully integrated life-safety and security solutions, comprising disparate systems including fire alarm, intrusion detection, access control, video surveillance, emergency notification, and communications.