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 & President
Sarah Connolly is a nationally recognized instructor, conference speaker, and subject matter expert in strategic communication, crisis communication, and public safety media relations. A retired law enforcement lieutenant with 20 years of service, she brings a unique combination of executive leadership experience, operational knowledge, and communication expertise to her work with public safety and government organizations nationwide.
As the co-founder and president of Guardian Communications LLC, Sarah advises law enforcement executives, government leaders, and public information professionals on communication strategies that strengthen organizational credibility, protect reputations, and build public trust. She has worked extensively with state and local law enforcement agencies, universities, and government organizations across the country, providing executive consultation, crisis communication planning, media training, and scenario-based instruction.
Recognized for her expertise in communication best practices, Sarah is a sought-after speaker at national conferences, where she addresses the evolving challenges of public safety communication, crisis leadership, media relations, and public expectations. Her presentations combine established communication principles with practical strategies developed through decades of law enforcement experience and her work advising agencies nationwide.
Since 2019, Sarah has served as a national instructor for the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA), delivering advanced instruction in media relations, crisis communication, and executive communication strategies. Her work helps law enforcement professionals navigate complex communication challenges, manage high-profile incidents, and develop proactive approaches to organizational messaging.
A decorated law enforcement veteran and Bronze Star recipient, Sarah's professional foundation is rooted in leadership, accountability, and public service. Her experience provides a valuable perspective on the relationship between operational decisions, organizational reputation, and community confidence. Through Guardian Communications, Sarah also collaborates with organizations and industry professionals to expand access to specialized communication expertise, strengthen organizational preparedness, and provide comprehensive strategic support to public safety and government agencies.
Sarah holds a master's degree in management from Johns Hopkins University through its Police Executive Leadership Program, a bachelor's degree in sociology from Gordon College, and a certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership from the University of Maryland University College. She is also a graduate of FBI-LEEDA's Trilogy leadership program.
Throughout her career, Sarah has remained committed to advancing communication best practices and preparing leaders to communicate effectively under pressure. Her philosophy is straightforward: Public trust is earned through consistent actions, credible communication, and the ability to lead with transparency and accountability, particularly when circumstances are most challenging.
Sarah is the proud mother of two children. Her eldest graduated with a degree in public relations and is now working in New England, while her youngest is a competitive high school lacrosse (LSM) player. Outside of work, Sarah is committed to giving back to her own community, as an active member of her local Lions Club. She enjoys spending time with her two Goldendoodles and considers herself 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.