Ironwood Memorial Building to Receive Enhanced Security Upgrades

City Commission approves $28,533 to install new door-locking system for greater employee safety

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Ironwood City Commission has approved a plan to enhance the security of the Ironwood Memorial Building, where city offices are based. The $28,533.55 project will install a new door-locking system with fob and keypad access, managed through a secure web-based platform. The system will provide greater security for the building's offices and allow access control to common areas like the gym. The decision comes after recent incidents of threats against city employees, as well as issues with the building being left unlocked inadvertently.

Why it matters

The security upgrades aim to create a safer work environment for Ironwood city employees following recent threats and incidents of unauthorized building access. The new system will allow the city to better control and monitor who has access to the Memorial Building, which houses critical municipal offices.

The details

The new door-locking system will be installed by Great Escape Technologies Inc., a Wisconsin-based security firm. It will provide fob and keypad access, managed through a secure web platform, and allow for office lockdown capabilities. The Ironwood Public Safety Department already uses a similar system, and the city's finance and utility offices have had restricted access via keycard for years.

  • On Monday, the Ironwood City Commission approved the $28,533.55 security upgrade project.
  • As recently as the day of the meeting, the city had an incident of a person threatening to get a gun in relation to utility shutoffs.

The players

Ironwood City Commission

The governing body of the city of Ironwood, Michigan that approved the security upgrade project for the Memorial Building.

Great Escape Technologies Inc.

A Wisconsin-based security firm that will install and manage the new door-locking system for the Ironwood Memorial Building.

Paul Anderson

Ironwood City Manager who cited recent threats against city employees as a reason for the security upgrades.

Jennifer Jacobson

Ironwood City Clerk who explained the new system will provide greater security and access control for the building.

Bob Tervonen

Ironwood's retiring Utilities Director who was honored by the city for his 32 years of service.

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What they’re saying

“As recently as today, we had a person threatening to get a gun in relation to utilities being shut off. We're just trying to create a safe environment for our employees.”

— Paul Anderson, City Manager (The Globe)

“The new system will allow for office lockdown capabilities.”

— Paul Anderson, City Manager (The Globe)

“He's a walking encyclopedia. He remembers a lot of fine details of our water and sewer system.”

— Paul Anderson, City Manager (The Globe)

“I've gotten in some good training. He's been extremely helpful.”

— Devon DeRosso, New Utilities Manager (The Globe)

What’s next

The new door-locking system is expected to be installed and operational in the coming months, providing enhanced security for the Ironwood Memorial Building and its city employees.

The takeaway

The security upgrades to the Ironwood Memorial Building highlight the city's commitment to ensuring a safe work environment for its employees, especially in light of recent threats and incidents of unauthorized building access. The new system will give the city greater control over who can enter the building and when, helping to prevent future disruptions or safety concerns.