Eleven years in 911 communications taught one dispatcher that purpose isn’t defined by a headset. In a heartfelt letter, Samantha Hawkins reflects on fear, resilience and finding a new way to serve public safety.
As severe storms swept through Abilene Sunday evening, bringing damaging winds and heavy rain, dispatchers were working behind the scenes to answer an unprecedented number of emergency calls.
Three of four new members to the FirstNet Authority board have backgrounds featuring significant experience in 911.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has appointed four new members to the FirstNet Authority board—three of whom have resumes featuring significant experience in 911—according to an announcement today issued by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
FORT ATKINSON — The Fort Atkinson Police Department is seeking monetary approval to become a primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), rather than a secondary one.
Police Captain Ben Lindsey introduced the Public Safety Answering Point to the Common Council.
Recently there have been several stories describing what public safety interoperability is and how FirstNet users should “enjoy” the benefits of interoperable networks. The authors apparently aren’t familiar with the history of public safety communications or how public safety interoperability has been established or defined in the past, but, regardless, they’ve missed the mark. Interoperability isn’t about being able to access as many networks as possible; It’s about first responders being able to access a single network on a prioritized basis with cost effective devices that meet their complex mission critical needs.
