Dispatcher shortage at Harbor Police has agency eyeing retirees to fill positions (CA)

Fourteen dispatchers are supposed to staff the Harbor Police communications center. But by March, so few were available that cross-trained police officers were helping answer emergency calls.

Eight of the dispatcher jobs were filled, but two people were out on leave, and two others were trainees, still learning the job and working under the supervision of a training officer.

Lessons from deadly disasters: The case for reauthorizing FirstNet

What makes FirstNet such a functional and irreplaceable system is not only its technological capacity but also the institutional knowledge built over more than a decade. The Response Operations Group is composed of former first responders who understand past failures and anticipate problems, while maintaining direct, trusted relationships with local, state, and federal authorities. 

SOURCE: MSN

DATE: April 26, 2026

Congress must pass HR 7386 without delay. If it works, don’t touch it.

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Critical Linx Joins AT&T Alliance Channel as a Solutions Provider, Expanding Connectivity Options for Public Safety

Critical Linx, part of the Hughes Fire Affiliates, announced today that it is collaborating with FirstNet®, Built with AT&T to strengthen first responder communication by selling FirstNet services to eligible public safety customers.

Built specifically for public safety, FirstNet provides first responders with priority and preemption capabilities designed to help ensure reliable communications when it matters most. By combining FirstNet connectivity with the operational expertise and long‑standing public safety relationships of Critical Linx, this collaboration is designed to strengthen readiness, coordination, and response capabilities nationwide.

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County commission aims to solve 911 dispatcher shortages (WI)

GREEN BAY (NBC26) — County Executive, Troy Streckenbach, is directing staff to create a 911 Study Commission; the goal is to address retention and recruitment issues at the Brown County 911 Dispatch Center.
  • Past reporting found 911 dispatchers speaking up about being overworked and under paid.
  • The new commission will include past law enforcement officers and current and former Brown County Board Supervisors.
  • The commission is expected to be operating within weeks.

Portland public safety improvements at risk under proposed cuts to 911, 311 services (OR)

Portland’s public safety could be facing some major cuts.

On Monday, Mayor Keith Wilson released his proposal in an effort to close a $171.6 million budget gap. In that proposal, Wilson suggested cuts to the city’s 911 operating system, the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC), including cutting two positions and reducing overtime and training.