Newton post-9/11: Emergency tech, communication improvements crucial (MA)

As New York firefighters struggled to find and rescue victims in the Twin Towers during the chaos of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, critical communication weaknesses contributed to the deaths and injuries of multiple emergency workers.

“You can have the best fire protection systems in the world,” said Ed Murphy, Newton’s fire chief at the time, but “you don’t have a formula for what we witnessed in New York.”

Since the attacks, emergency and safety departments around the country made changes and continue to advocate for improved technology and ongoing training to increase safety…

How Arlington Will Mark the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 This Weekend (VA)

How Arlington Will Mark the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 This Weekend (VA)

Ceremonies and events will be held in Arlington this weekend to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on Saturday.

The events will pay tribute to those who died as well as to Arlington’s first responders, whose response to the Pentagon attack has been hailed as a “model for the nation” by the 9/11 Commission.

Among the events on tap are a wreath-laying ceremony, a memorial 5K, a bike ride, a softball tournament, and a private event at the Pentagon for the families of the victims…start at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, and will feature the Armed Services Color Guard, the 3rd Army Old Guard Ceremonial Fife and Drums Corps, and the fire department.

Tragedy to Triumph: Reclaiming 9/11 as a Day of Unity

Twenty years ago, 9/11 changed our lives as we know it. Everyone who lived through the horrific events of that day will never forget what they witnessed.

As we take this time to reflect on the loss we all experienced that day, I also vividly recall what I, and countless others, observed in the immediate aftermath. I saw humanity working together at its best in the wake of immeasurable tragedy. I saw a fighting spirit that wouldn’t let evil get the best of them. I saw unyielding support for the heroes who ran toward danger to help their fellow man.

That’s why FirstNet ® is proud to work with the nonprofit 9/11 Day to channel the emotions from the annual remembrance of 9/11 into a worldwide day of unity and doing good…

EMS Communications Overhaul Led by Sheriff Is Still a Work in Progress (MA)

EMS Communications Overhaul Led by Sheriff Is Still a Work in Progress (MA)

An ambitious regional project to upgrade the Dukes County radio communications network from an analog to a digital system has faced significant hurdles in providing adequate Islandwide emergency response coverage, with police reporting dead spots and missed calls since the system went online in June.

Although public safety officials praised many aspects of the new system, saying in interviews that the transition has led to far clearer and more powerful radio signals when transmissions are received, they confirmed instances of missed emergency service calls and spotty signals in down-Island towns and buildings. The issues have been mainly in Edgartown, parts of Circuit avenue and West Chop…

Lexington 911 dispatcher named Kentucky Telecommunicator of the Year

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – On Thursday, a Lexington first responder we don’t typically see working on the front lines was honored.

Heather Moncrief is a 911 communications supervisor for Lexington. She’s answered 911 calls in Lexington for 18 years, and now, her peers in the state have recognized her as the Kentucky Telecommunicator of the Year, through the National Emergency Number Association, and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials.

Every day Moncrief walks into work, she’s prepared for any kind of emergency.

“There are people out there who need help, so you can’t crush under pressure,” Heather said…

COVID funds help 911 upgrade (KS)

COVID funds help 911 upgrade (KS)

To improve public safety and the efficiency of the Barton County Communications Department in light of COVID-19, the County Commission Tuesday morning OKed purchase of a four-person dispatching console for 911, utilizing federal pandemic relief funding.

On Aug. 12, Barton County invited proposals for an integrated IP-based, four-position dispatch console that would work with existing equipment in the Communications Center, 1300 Stone, Great Bend. Sealed bids were accepted until Aug. 24, with the only bid coming from Motorola for a MCC 7500E station at total cost of $ 634,436, said Grant Coordinator Sue Cooper.

“There is a wait time to get the equipment built, programed and shipped,” Communications Director Dena Popp said. It is a minimum of four to six months before it would arrive here…