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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...
Short staffing at Honolulu police dispatch leads to long 911 wait times, union says (HI)
Dispatchers at the Honolulu Police Department are being forced to work overtime because of short staffing. Some 911 callers are waiting as long as 20 minutes to ask for help. Employees face “vitriol and verbal abuse ” from supervisors. The allegations were outlined in...
Comment Dates Set for Proposed Rules on Improvements to Next Generation 911 Networks
On June 4, 2025, the FCC released a Public Notice announcing the due dates for comments on a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) proposing improvements to ensure the resiliency, reliability, interoperability, and accessibility of Next Generation 911 (NG911)...
Fire Technology: Leveling Up 9-1-1 Dispatch
Jason Moore learned how technological innovation at a South Carolina 9-1-1 dispatch center eases the burden on call-takers, accelerates response to citizens in need and improves fire department effectiveness. Public safety answering points (PSAPs), which more commonly...
Peninsula Regional 911 Callers Can Now Share Real-Time Video and Photos (VA)
The Peninsula Regional Emergency Communications Center, which serves York and James City counties, and the cities of Poquoson and Williamsburg, recently announced the roll-out of new next-generation 911 tools that will help people better communicate with first...
Public safety coalition urges Senate to fund Next Generation 911 in ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’
WASHINGTON — A coalition of public safety leaders, emergency response professionals and industry groups has called on the Senate Commerce Committee to include critical funding for Next Generation 911 (NG911) technology in President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful...
N.C. 911 Board Celebrates Inaugural Graduates of 911 Communications & Operations …
N.C. 911 Board Partnered with Richmond Community College to Develop First-of-Its-Kind Program for 911 Telecommunicators In recognition of a milestone nearly five years in the making, N.C. 911 Board members and staff recently celebrated the inaugural graduates of...
Metro council seeks probe into 911 center workplace complaints (TN)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Metro Council has voted to ask the mayor’s office to investigate alleged toxic workplace conditions at the Davidson County Emergency Communications Center, which handles 911 calls for Nashville.
Catoosa opens $22M public safety complex with local 911 dispatch (OK)
A major upgrade to public safety services is now live in the City of Catoosa. The city has opened a new $22 million public safety complex, which includes a $6 million 911 communications center. For the first time in nearly three decades, emergency and non-emergency...
Ulster County breaks ground for $34.5M emergency communications center (NY)
Ulster County officials, emergency personnel, and the project team of lead architect Urbahn Architects, construction manager The Palombo Group, consulting architect Alfandre Architecture and others gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of...
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Support the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority to preserve public safety’s network
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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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Webinar
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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