Read Full Article | View Source

The Boise Fire Department is taking steps to help ensure we have effective communication tools for everyday situations, big events or emergencies. Our department recently obtained equipment connecting us to FirstNet, a nationwide, high-speed broadband communication platform purpose-built specifically for first responders and the extended public safety community.
“As a regional response agency and knowing that we are the most remote city of our size, it’s important for our department to have reliable and modern communication tools,” said Special Operations, Division Chief Paul Roberts. “The rural landscape around Boise oftentimes does not have the most reliable cell phone or radio coverage. From wildfires to isolated accidents, this technology offers another form of connectivity to our first responders on a scene.”
We recently acquired a Compact Rapid Deployable (CRD) from FirstNet to act as a deployable network asset that will provide coverage for first responders anywhere at any time. CRDs link to FirstNet via satellite and do not rely on commercial power availability, making them ideal for use during emergencies in rural and remote areas, as well as areas where communications may be temporarily unavailable…