The APCO Young Professionals Committee is proud to recognize Ben Smith as our young professional spotlight. He was nominated for being a great role model to others, regardless of their age or years of service in public safety.
Starting as a frontline telecommunicator, he is now the director of his center. Ben has helped his agency achieve APCO’s Agency Training Certification, as well as earned his own RPL and ENP certifications…
In 2020, first responders faced no shortage of emergencies — from responding to a global pandemic to battling a historic number of wildfires and hurricanes. Throughout it all, our nation’s responders fought tirelessly to protect their communities. But as the frequency and intensity of incidents continue to grow, first responders are increasingly turning to modern technologies to aid in response and operations.
To ensure first responders are prepared to use these technologies, emergency planners are beginning to integrate broadband into training and exercises…
By Doug Harder, Senior Public Safety Advisor, First Responder Network Authority
In 2020, first responders faced no shortage of emergencies — from responding to a global pandemic to battling a historic number of wildfires and hurricanes. Throughout it all, our nation’s responders fought tirelessly to protect their communities. But as the frequency and intensity of incidents continue to grow, first responders are increasingly turning to modern technologies to aid in response and operations.
To ensure first responders are prepared to use these technologies, emergency planners are beginning to integrate broadband into training and exercises.
The idea of public safety underlies numerous public policy decisions and laws, as well as many of the choices that each of us make in our everyday lives. But, what is it? What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “public safety”?
[I]n February 2021, Austin added a “mental health” option to the 9-1-1 triage script. When you call 9-1-1 in Austin, dispatchers will now ask if need Police, Fire, EMS, or Mental Health services. Callers that choose Mental Health services are then routed to a trained mental health responder… READ MORE
The FCC submitted the report pursuant to section 301 of the Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services (RAY BAUM’s) Act of 2018. The report explored the public-safety benefits, technical feasibility and cost of providing the public with access to 9-1-1 services using Wi-Fi access points and other alternative means during times of emergency when mobile service is unavailable…
The International Association of Fire Chiefs is urging congress to pass the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act of 2021, which will provide $15 billion to update the infrastructure of the country’s emergency network.
The legislation is part of LIFT America Act, and it was introduced in the House of Representatives’ Energy and Commerce Committee on March 11…
