DHS S&T Expands Pilot of Cybersecurity Tech for Emergency Communications Centers

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is expanding pilot testing of a technology to improve the cybersecurity defenses of the nation’s emergency communications infrastructure.

S&T funded Odenton, Md.-based SecuLore Solutions in the research and development (R&D) of a cybersecurity defense solution based on predictive analytics and cyber data that helps detect and mitigate cybersecurity attacks against legacy emergency communications systems and new Next Generation 911 (NG911) and Internet Protocol-based technologies… READ MORE

Voices Above The Storm

Voices Above The Storm

Much has been written about the guardians who serve us daily:
the police, fire fighters, and EMS personnel. Their positive contributions to
our wellbeing are often profound … and visible. Yet there is another class of
sentinels whose contributions are just as profound. They are the men and women
populating 911 centers across the country, serving the public in a crucial
capacity who are heard, but almost never seen—the invisible guardians…

It’s working in Eugene, Olympia, Denver: More cities are sending civilian responders, not police, on mental health calls

NEW YORK – Mildred Galarza and Hawa Bah wish it were someone other than armed police officers who first encountered their loved ones when they were having mental health crises.

Galarza’s brother, Ariel, 49, died in 2016 after being Tasered three times by police when a neighbor in the Bronx called 911 to report a man with a knife who was pale, screaming and breathing heavily, a state report said…

 

April is National 9-1-1 Education Month and Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) Reminds Residents to “Help Us, Help You” (IL)

Calling 9-1-1 in an emergency is vital to getting the help needed. During April, which is designated as National 9-1-1 Education Month, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is increasing public outreach efforts. The National 9-1-1 Education Month program encourages all to learn how callers can help 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers provide the appropriate resources to Chicagoans and visitors in emergency situations… READ MORE 

The Path Ahead to Fix Rural 911 (VA)

A workgroup formed to research problems in Virginia’s 911 system recommends striving to retain staff and developing plans about how to transition into updated technology. In a meeting Wednesday, the E-911 Border Response Workgroup reviewed its recommendations that it will make to the General Assembly. The workgroup was created through an amendment to the 2020 budget, by Del David Reid (D-Loudoun)… READ MORE

Mission Critical Partners: Kevin Murray Selected to Receive NG911 Institute’s Leadership Award

Mission Critical Partners (MCP) announced today that Kevin Murray, the firm’s cofounder and executive chairman, was selected to receive a 911 Honor Award from the NG911 Institute, in the Industry Professional category. The NG911 Institute works to advance deployment of Next Generation 911 systems nationwide.

Murray was honored in part for his work to foster seamless data management and information exchange throughout and between the public safety and justice ecosystems… READ MORE