Nashville DEC director on leave after investigation reveals ‘culture of fear and mistrust’ (TN)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — An outside investigation has identified significant problems with the human resources operations at the Metropolitan Department of Emergency Communications (DEC), and Mayor Freddie O’Connell has placed its director, Steve Martini, on administrative leave.

Attorney Luther Wright, of Ogletree Deakins, investigated at the request of the city after concerns were raised by DEC employees, including a sexual harassment complaint filed by 911 dispatcher Hannah McGuire.

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Transforming Public Safety with Mission-Critical Broadband

Reliable mission critical communications (MCC) is the gold standard for any public safety agency. In plain language, reliable MCC translates into voice, video, and data communications that must get through no matter how chaotic the incident scene is. In fact, the more chaotic it is, the more reliable MCC matters to first responders. This is why FirstNet, the nationwide wireless broadband service dedicated to public safety, was created.

Public Safety Broadband Technology Association Applauds FirstNet Authority’s Network Expansion

Public Safety Broadband Technology Association Applauds FirstNet Authority’s Network Expansion

Las Vegas, NV (December 22, 2025) — The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) welcomes the announcement by the First Responder Network Authority to expand FirstNet through the deployment of more than 135 new purpose-built cell sites, enhanced indoor coverage solutions, and upgrades supporting future satellite-to-device capabilities for public safety.

These strategic investments will strengthen wireless broadband connectivity for first responders, particularly in rural, remote, and hard-to-reach areas, building on the network’s ongoing growth and addressing critical feedback from the public safety community.

“I want to thank the FirstNet Authority Board, under the leadership of Acting Chair Sheriff Michael A. Atkinson, which continues to demonstrate its commitment to and support for first responders on the front lines,” said Richard Carrizzo, President of the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association. “This is an important ongoing investment program to enhance FirstNet coverage, and withother reinvestment projects still pending more work lies ahead to ensure every first responder has reliable connectivity where and when they need it most.” We encourage the FirstNet Authority to move forward on the remain projects expeditiously as we move into the new year.

PSBTA remains dedicated to empowering the first responder community and advancing the success of the FirstNet ecosystem.

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About PSBTA
The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) is an organization focused exclusively on ensuring the success of the entire FirstNet ecosystem that includes the legal entity created by Congress, the network infrastructure, hardware and software, and the single most important component—the end users.

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