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Fort Worth takes steps to streamline 911 response time using AI, merging dispatch services (TX)
Emergency calls to 911 in Fort Worth a year ago were answered and serviced in ways very different from such calls made today — differences that, ideally, the caller doesn’t notice.
Chesterton officials call for investigation, resignation of Porter County 911 director (IL)
Chesterton’s Town Council and Chesterton Police Chief Tim Richardson are calling for the immediate resignation of Porter County E-911 Director Debbie Gunn, accusing her of false statements regarding the performance of the Chesterton/Porter joint dispatch center during...
Mayor Brown highlights the dangers of Spokane Regional Emergency Communications’ January contract deadline (WA)
Following a vote by the Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) Board to end their contract for dispatch services for the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) on January 1, 2026, City of Spokane replied with plans to create their own emergency communications system....
Communications center renamed to honor long-time chief (MO)
Phelps County Communication Center has been renamed the Paula Volkmer 9-1-1 Center in honor of its long-time chief. “She gave her life to a purpose,” said Steve Zap, Phelps County Emergency Services District board chairman said June 19 just before the board meeting....
NENA Names John Provenzano as New CEO
Today, NENA: The 9-1-1 Association announced the appointment of John Provenzano as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 14. The announcement came at the start of the NENA 2025 Conference & Expo in Long Beach, California. READ FULL ARTILCE
Fort Smith, Sebastian County work to consolidate 911 services (AR)
Fort Smith and Sebastian County are working to consolidate all emergency calls into one location. The City of Fort Smith will operate the new consolidated 911 call center. A board made up of city and county leaders will oversee the facility, but they only have about...
AT&T to Enhance Emergency Response with Advanced Features for Next Generation 9-1-1
Forthcoming additions to AT&T ESInet™ like improved picture messaging and automatic vehicle crash alerts represent the latest milestone in AT&T’s commitment to building the future of 9-1-1. READ FULL ARTICLE
Reps. VanderWall, Morgan introduce bills creating grant program to modernize public safety (MI)
Reps. VanderWall, Morgan introduce bills creating grant program to modernize public safety communication Harnessing technology to modernize the way public safety agencies interact and communicate with their citizens is the hallmark of the legislative proposal in House...
Can AI fix 911’s biggest problems — or make them worse? – Police1
Key takeaways AI improves 911 response times and dispatcher efficiency: Artificial intelligence in emergency dispatching helps prioritize 911 calls, reduce dispatcher burnout and streamline non-emergency call handling for faster police and EMS response. AI-powered 911...
Nearly 50 years of Service by Tri-Com Emergency Communications Center (IL)
Most people don’t give much thought about 9-1-1—until they need to call. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a fire, or a crime in progress, that quick phone call can make the difference between life and death. Behind the scenes, a highly coordinated system is in...
Meet Archie, Summit County’s new 911 dispatch dog (OH)
A 911 dispatch center can be a high-stress work environment. To combat this, Summit County’s Emergency Communications Center recently added a new employee who’s ready to jump into action when a dispatcher starts to feel the stress of the job. His name is Archie.
APCO Joins International 5G Standards Meetings to Advance Public Safety Communications
Last week APCO took part in international 5G standards meetings held by 3GPP in Prague, Czech Republic to develop technical specifications for the 4.9 GHz spectrum band, an important step towards bringing 5G services to the public safety community in the U.S. READ...
Dearborn police dispatcher heads to medical school after cancer battle (MI)
DEARBORN, Mich. (WXYZ) — A 27-year-old Dearborn police dispatcher is pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor after overcoming a rare cancer diagnosis that nearly derailed his plans. READ FULL ARTICLE
Iowa first responders discuss changes after Reynolds signs bill on 911 reimbursements
DES MOINES — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds approved the full state standings budget, Senate File 659, Wednesday after emergency response systems officials asked her to veto a provision over concerns it would lead to budget uncertainty for local 911 boards. A state board on...
Know when to call: Inside the life-saving work of 911 dispatchers (WA)
Tucked inside Bellevue City Hall is NORCOM, a regional public safety communications agency where trained professionals are on duty around the clock. It’s one of 11 Public Safety Answering Points in King County where dedicated 911 professionals respond daily to support...
Washington D.C. Mayor Bowser Unveils Modernized Public Safety
Mayor Muriel Bowser has officially reopened the newly-renovated Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC), following an $18.5 million upgrade aimed at enhancing the city's emergency response capabilities. Joining the mayor at the event were Deputy Mayor for Public...
Four organizations ask Senate committee for NG911 funding
Leaders of four key organizations ask members of the Senate Commerce Committee to include federal funding to pay for the deployment of IP-based, next-generation-911 (NG911) technology in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” reconciliation legislation that the Senate is...
The hidden price of independence: Why re-keying PSAP CAD data into your own system is costlier than you think
Many agencies underestimate the cost of operating even a modest 2-position dispatch center. On paper, it sounds manageable — just two dispatchers, right? But let’s break it down READ FULL ARTICLE
Calhoun County celebrates launch of new public safety radio system (MI)
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority celebrated its newest radio communication system going online on Tuesday afternoon. The department celebrated the upgraded technology that comes from a 9-1-1 millage approved in 2022.
Brown County using text follow-ups for 911 hang-ups to ensure public safety (WI)
BROWN COUNTY (WLUK) - So far this year, Brown County emergency operators have received about 4,000 hang-up calls. People inadvertently or unknowingly calling 911and then hanging up because they don't have an emergency. Technology can be helpful in times of need, but...
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Podcast
FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz Spectrum
This episode dives into the critical evolution of public safety communications, focusing on the recent FCC decision to establish a nationwide Band Manager framework for the 4.9 GHz spectrum, and discuss the evolution and deployment of the FirstNet System. Host Chris Tubbs interviews Chief Jeff Johnson, a leader in public safety technology and the development of FirstNet. Together, they explore the history, governance, and transformative potential of FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz spectrum in enhancing public safety operations with emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and augmented reality. The discussion emphasizes the importance of protecting and optimizing public safety spectrum, the lessons learned from past advocacy efforts, and a call to action for public safety leaders to remain engaged in ensuring the spectrum’s effective use and governance.
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Accessing Federal Resources When an Emergency or Major Disaster Strikes
In light of the major disasters that our nation has recently experienced, PS Grants is offering this FREE webinar to review Disaster Assistance Programs and how to access them. Learn what federal funds and resources are available through Disaster Assistance, understand the process of requesting assistance, know what to expect before, during, and after, and find out who to contact for help.
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