Peter Clemons discusses 5G’s possible impact and the factors that must be considered by the critical comms industry and society as a whole if we are to realise its full potential
In just over a century we have discovered how to harness the power and value of the electromagnetic spectrum – just as we did in bygone eras with fire, agriculture, domesticated animals, steam and fossil fuels. And yet, in spite of our growing list of achievements, each generation forgets at its peril the fragile nature of our continued existence on Earth.
There are clear signs that the established order is breaking down; terrorism, national financial crashes and increasingly polarised politics to name a few. We struggle to find the right answers to crises because we are asking the wrong questions and still using an analytical framework that no longer serves us in these times of change.
We need a new way of thinking and a new way of seeing the world. People looking for simple yes-no values for their big data experiments and concrete answers to justify clean-cut hypotheses will be disappointed. We need new conceptual tools to manage the data that we are being bombarded with.
We are moving through an uncertain present towards a future that is still far from clear. In the area of mobile communications this period coincides with the move from a relatively stable 2G (GSM/TETRA) world of the early 2000s to an end-game 5G world by the end of the 2020s, passing through a very messy 3G/4G (UMTS/LTE) world where different technologies collide, producing friction.
We stand on the edge of a new era – the 5G era of smart cities, smart grids, Internet of Things, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and Blockchain – where ubiquitous networked sensors, actuators, algorithms, robots and other devices embedded with powerful capabilities will demand new ways of creating, distributing and storing value. We will have new methods of organising ourselves, and new legal and social norms for dealing with a contemporary generation of conflicts and co-ordination problems.
Can we cope when we are forced to compete against alternative forms of intelligence, created by us, but in many ways much more powerful than ourselves? Who will get to play God in the 5G era?
What will 5G bring?Although we have no clear idea yet what the 5G era will look like (and there are bound to be infinite surprises along the way) a growing number of players are beginning to articulate likely scenarios. The Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Alliance published a whitepaper last year detailing a number of use cases that highlight the major challenges facing governments, developers, operators, investors and potential users. These groups are all required to deliver and embrace a holistic 5G vision within a reasonable timeframe, based on the hard realities facing all stakeholders in 2016:

Broadband access with peak data rates of 10 Gbps and an average of one Gbps in dense urban environments to allow “pervasive video”.
Broadband access everywhere with speeds of 50 Mbps and up.
Higher user mobility, especially on transport such as trains and aeroplanes.
The massive Internet of Things – sensor networks with millions of nodes within a single square kilometre; massive capillary networks with no single point of failure and no single point of security weakness.
Extreme real-time communications. Tactile internet with haptic feedback for remote control.
Lifeline communications for public safety, emergency services and natural disaster relief operations.
Ultra-reliable communications for emergency calls, e-health, mission-critical operations, automated industrial procedures, and connected cars.
Broadcast-like services – immersive experiences that enable “being there” without being there, virtual and augmented reality without the motion sickness.

There is no way that we will be able to deliver this vision by building 5G networks based on a single air interface, a single architecture and particularly not on an ageing internet based on TCP/IP and other current protocols. This society will require critical communications all the way to its edge. We will need new mechanisms to deliver universal coverage, or else this ambitious vision will fail.
A global 5G research programme is a noble endeavour and we cannot turn away from following this path, but we need to start taking a longer-term view of what can be achieved and how long it will take to arrive, rather than setting unrealistic deadlines that will lead to poorly-designed systems.
New answers to new questionsThe recent ETSI Summit ‘5G: From Myth to Reality’ on April 21 raised a lot more questions than answers about the why of 5G. During the opening policy session, European Commission representatives talked about a new wave of innovations lifting Europe out of recession and creating a new dynamic economy. However, the speakers in the rest of the sessions were fairly evenly split. On the one hand are non-technical people focusing on the all-singing-all-dancing new applications that will transform society. On the other are the more technically-minded presenters who clearly understand the enormous challenges and the huge amount of work that will need to be done to convert the current plethora of ‘nice toy’ solutions into fully secured, affordable, useful services.
Where do we start when building a full list of the serious challenges facing our community?:

The need for adequate, available, harmonised spectrum on a global scale;
The need for global standards for the next-generation, secure and private-by-design internet that must replace the current one being constantly patched up from crisis to crisis. This will allow the fully secured smart cities and smart grids that will drive future societies;
The new governance models, business models, legal requirements and consensus protocols that will underpin this new society;
The re-structuring of education and healthcare systems to prepare the current and future global workforce for a world populated by autonomous vehicles, machines and robots;
The 100 per cent geographical coverage required to deliver the full 5G era vision;
Sub-millisecond latency for more advanced applications such as tactile internet.

Have governments started a serious debate with their citizens about how we are going to organise ourselves in a better way as a global society to make sure we iron out inconsistencies and minimise the chances of something really bad happening on a global scale once everything is connected? Of course not.
We can’t stop the 5G era from happening and even if we could, we should not. However, we do need to educate the public about the challenges and opportunities of moving to this new world. We must also study all the possible consequences of embracing these new technologies.
In a complex, contradictory world we cannot leave the messy decisions to robots, algorithms, governments or technology companies. We all need to have a say, using new tools to enhance our intelligence, but definitely not to replace it. The 5G era is approaching and an open, honest, public debate needs to start now. We cannot allow the usual suspects at the top of our current social hierarchy to play God in such an interconnected world. We need to find the right way of engaging society in this conversation.All communications become criticalThe critical communications sector has traditionally been focused on building private, highly secure, robust and resilient networks for government, public safety, transport, utilities, oil, gas & mining and other industrial facilities, that required ICT networks separated from the public. During the 1990s and 2000s global standards such as TETRA, P25 and DMR were developed to cater for the needs of these highly-demanding users, who pay a certain premium for greater control and special services beyond that offered by commercial operators.
However, each generation of mobile communications technology requires greater investment, as well as a global standards approach to achieve the faster speeds and the evolved form factors desired by a global user community.Following the financial crisis governments have been looking for ways to reduce spending on public services, including critical communications networks for emergency services. This has led to the development of public safety LTE by 3GPP, the global standards body that has adapted, enhanced and hardened commercial solutions within its latest releases to incorporate some of the functionality required by emergency services and other professional users.
Governments and emergency services around the world have now started the long process of switching to new critical communications solutions. In the United States the government has assigned 2×10 MHz of spectrum and $7 billion for the development of a new nationwide broadband network – FirstNet – dedicated to public safety. In the United Kingdom the government has decided to replace the existing dedicated national TETRA network with a commercially-sourced, LTE-based solution with no dedicated spectrum.
Europe is taking a sensible, long-term approach by renewing TETRA networks and testing hardened LTE solutions until global standards and harmonised spectrum allow the next generation of solutions to emerge. The rest of the world is looking at options ranging from dedicated and/or commercial spectrum, publicly- and/or privately-funded, publicly- or privately-operated models and everything in-between. Over the next decade or so each country will try different models to see which ones work and which ones don’t.
As if the current situation were not complex enough, society faces ever greater disruption at ever higher speeds as the 5G juggernaut appears on the horizon. But just what is 5G? And do we really need it? Can we define it and explain it more clearly to a sceptical public and move beyond bits and bytes, speeds and gimmicks, to focus on real products and services that people can understand and accept?
How do we make sure we get it right?
How many steps are there from 2G to 5G? As many as necessary with an honest, comprehensive evaluation of progress at regular staging posts along the road to make sure that 5G is as inclusive and useful as possible to the maximum number of people.
Quixoticity has recently joined ETSI and 3GPP to play a greater role in the critical work that is underway globally to define this exciting 5G era. We must move forward carefully and conscientiously, but also firmly and resolutely, identifying the real problems facing society and starting to address them before the cracks that have appeared in our current system become too large to be filled in. This will require unprecedented global effort because of its size and scope, based on new design principles, new governance principles and new ways of collaborating and working together. We must have flexible, agile ecosystems based on robust, resilient infrastructure with security and privacy baked into the fundamental fabric of the system from the very beginning. We do not have a lot of time, but we have enough to make sure that solid foundations are in place for a new society and economy that can be more resilient than the imperfect systems we currently have.
This new world will require a Global Critical Alliance that will slowly emerge from our current structures and organisations. Quixoticity is also developing a Global Critical Index that will map out the steps required by critical infrastructure and emergency communications providers to get us from where we are now to where we need to be. Such an Index – built on new principles and radically new criteria and variables than the reports and indexes of recent times – will focus on the search for best practice in a common-sense framework. We will have to take into account sensible timeframes and adequate business and operational models that keep us safe by combining the best of old and new, public and private, commercial and critical and that provide a basic, universal service to all global citizens wherever they are and however rich or poor they might be. The Global Critical Index will be explained in greater detail in future articles.
We must use all available talent, skills and experience to ensure we make the right choices. We cannot leave them to a traditionally narrow dominant class within a traditionally hierarchical global society. In the 5G era there must be no sun gods who decide the winners and losers. It requires greater accountability and transparency. The 5G era also needs a new way of distributing wealth so that everyone can participate in the global society. It requires humans to rediscover meaning and significance within their lives and for everyone to receive the tools they need to reach their full potential for the collective good.
This world will not arrive in 2020. Not even in 2030. The future stretches out ahead of us and there are many forks in the road. Which path will we follow? Will we rush into the 5G era without thinking carefully about the global society and economy we wish to create, and pay a heavy price? Or will we all become more engaged in a long, stimulating, evolving process of discovery where we lay the foundations of a safe, secure and richer society where the possibilities are limitless and we are all allowed to succeed and fail without fear?

Towering rock formations, glittering stars, a glimpse of the Milky Way — and flashing red lights from a telecommunications tower?That could be what you see in the sky during your next visit to southeastern Utah.On Feb. 8, the San Juan County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a telecom tower within Bears Ears National Monument. The proposed tower would surpass the tallest building in Utah — the Astra Tower in Salt Lake City, which will be 449 feet tall when it’s completed — at 460 feet tall.The tower would be located on a parcel of land within the monument owned by the Utah Trust Lands Administration, which leases and sells land to generate revenue for the state’s public schools. Last month, the Utah Legislature and Gov. Spencer Cox rejected a land exchange that would have put this parcel in the federal government’s hands.(Christopher Cherrington | The Salt Lake Tribune)Vertical Bridge Development LLC, a Boca Raton, Fla.-based company and the largest private owner of communications infrastructure nationwide, proposed the project.“Our main objective is to make money for the trust, and this land benefits public schools,” Marla Kennedy, a spokesperson for the Utah Trust Lands Administration, said. “Any money we can make for public schools, we consider advantageous.”A San Juan County Planning Commission staff report summarizing the proposal says that the tower is “intended to fill communication gaps in the area as well as support infrastructure already in place to the southern part of the county.”The telecom tower would enable emergency services to quickly respond to 911 calls, enhance broadband needed for online school and work, improve residents’ ability to access telehealth services online and bolster economic activity in the area, according to the San Juan County Planning Commission.The proposed project will have to clear the San Juan County Commission.“It’s going to benefit everyone,” Commission Chair Jamie Harvey, also an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, told The Tribune. “Ultimately, it comes down to safety for our visitors coming to the area and helping out first responders.”“From a cultural perspective,” Harvey continued, “we gather wood up that way. I wouldn’t want to be stuck in a pickle in an area where I’m collecting wood and get stranded. Our elders are doing that, too. They don’t care how old they are; they just want to get wood so they can make it through the winter.”San Juan County Commission Vice Chair Silvia Stubbs and Commissioner Bruce Adams did not respond to a request for comment.Between the voices that recommend the telecom tower to improve public safety and internet access in remote San Juan County, some community members are not so sure.“I go out there quite a bit because it’s an area I like to go to when I need to get away and take a pause,” Davina Smith, a Diné resident of San Juan County running to represent District 69 in the Utah House of Representatives said.“I have no doubt that there are better solutions that do not include having a gigantic tower in the middle of nowhere,” she continued. “Let’s work with [the U.S. Forest Service] and the Bureau of Land Management. It should be about collaboration with these agencies rather than having this 460-foot tower.”The planning commission’s staff report includes that “the tower applicant is unaware of any impacts on endangered species, national historic sites, migratory birds, or Native American/Tribal lands,” though Smith raised concerns about those impacts.If built, the tower’s blinking lights — one at the top, and one halfway up — could be seen from Natural Bridges National Monument, which is located within Bears Ears’ boundaries. The International Dark-Sky Association, which works to protect dark-sky areas from artificial lighting, certified Natural Bridges as the first International Dark Sky Park in 2007.The National Park Service (NPS) did not respond to a request for comment about the proposed tower’s impact to Natural Bridges’ starry skies, but an NPS website on stargazing reads: “Due to its remote location, Natural Bridges preserves a primordial dark sky largely unaltered by modernity. The National Park Service wants to keep it that way.”The San Juan County Commission would have to modify the county code to allow for the construction of the tower. The maximum height for buildings where this parcel is located is just 35 feet.“If approved, this proposal would be disastrous for Natural Bridges and Bears Ears National Monuments and a real blight on the landscape,” said Neal Clark, wildlands director for the nonprofit Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. ”It’s the latest example of why Utah trust lands need to be urgently traded out of sensitive public lands and underscores the Trust Lands Administration’s shortsighted view of what it means to benefit Utah’s schoolchildren. We hope that the San Juan County Commission has enough respect for both the natural beauty and dark night skies of the Bears Ears landscape to deny the requested variance.”The San Juan County Commission has not yet made a decision on whether to approve the proposed telecom tower. Harvey said that the public will be able to make comments on the project when it is discussed.The commission’s meeting schedule and agendas can be found at this link.

The Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) has announced 25 dispatchers from across the state graduated from the Public Safety Dispatch Academy and are now ready to begin answering the call to aid both citizens and law enforcement officers of the Commonwealth.
“Thank you for answering the call of service,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “Your mission is an important one, as you are now the lifeline to those facing some of their darkest and scariest times. Thank you for being a hero and the ears to Kentucky’s first responders.”
Dispatch basic training is mandatory for any sworn or civilian employee who will dispatch law enforcement officers by radio at a Criminal Justice Information Systems agency. Graduates of the academy have successfully completed a highly structured and comprehensive curriculum to satisfy mandated training requirements. The graduates of Class 155 received 164 hours of academy instruction to satisfy these requirements over four weeks. Major training areas included identifying the role and responsibilities of the dispatcher, correct phone and radio procedures, handling emergency and non-emergency calls for service, emergency medical dispatch protocols and use of the state and national criminal databases.
“I am proud of your accomplishments while at the academy,” DOCJT Commissioner Nicolai Jilek said. “Your four weeks of training have laid a solid foundation for a rewarding career for years to come. I wish you the best of luck in your careers.”
DOCJT is a state agency located on the Eastern Kentucky University campus. The agency is the first in the nation to be accredited under the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies’ public safety training program designation.

Class 155 graduates and their agencies are:

• Elizabeth M. Baudino, Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office• Jeffrey Boone, Bluegrass 911 Central Communications• Taylor J. Bosley, Owensboro Police Department• Kimberly Bravo, Oak Grove Police Department• Erin F. Embry, Logan County ECC• Hannah M. Frymire, Hardin County 911• Lisa L. Gates, Lexington E-911• Kylee M. Godbey, Bluegrass 911 Central Communications• Cassidy Jackson, Hopkinsville Police Department• Christopher N. Johnson, Clinton County Emergency Services• Shelby Ranae Johnson, Boyd County PSCC 911• Tracy Lee Lightfield, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport AOC• Bailey B. Lucas, Georgetown Police Department• Savanna D. Miller, University of Louisville Police Department• Darian J. Mitchell, Greensburg Police Department• Austin Kunath Music, Pikeville Police Department• Lisa J. Norton, Bracken County 911• Shawn Marie Regis, Georgetown Police Department• Austin T. Rowland, Boone County PSCC• Amber TeShae Russell, Monticello/Wayne County 911• Jeri A. Spencer, Barren-Metcalfe County ECC• James Michael Spradlin, Prestonsburg Police Department• Alexis Gail Thomas, Pikeville Police Department• Cody J. Wells, Lexington E-911• Hannah Faith Wise, Georgetown Police Department
DOCJT provides basic training for city and county police officers, sheriffs’ deputies, university police, airport police throughout the state, only excluding Louisville Metro Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Bowling Green Police Department, and the Kentucky State Police, which each have independent academies.
Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet

Control rooms  |   Narrowband  |   Broadband  |   Satellite  |  2024-03-12

At BAPCO2024 main stage sessions, hosted by John Black and Cate Walton, drew the largest crowds as they provided a much-anticipated update on the ongoing publicsafety mission-critical communications journey – ESN.

The British APCO (BAPCO) Annual Event 2024, bapco2024, brought together industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts to explore the latest developments in public safety, mission-critical communications. The event was notable for its focus on the Emergency Services Network (ESN), spearheaded by Programme Director John Black and Chief Engineer Cate Walton.
The main stage sessions, hosted by John Black and Cate Walton, drew the largest crowds as they provided a much-anticipated update on the ongoing publicsafety mission-critical communications journey – ESN. The session began with a warm welcome from UK Home Office Crime, Policing & Fire Minister, Chris Philp, setting the tone for the informative presentations that followed.
John Black revisited last year’s memorable “shopping trolley” slide, highlighting the re-procurement of Lot 2 – Services. The decision on this procurement is anticipated “by the end of the summer,” adding a layer of suspense to the proceedings. The significance of MCX testing at scale took center stage in John’s presentation, emphasizing continued testing of Motorola Solutions’ Kodiak app. However, the app faces imminent replacement at the end of 2024 following Motorola’s removal from the program.
The complexity of delivering an end-to-end, nationwide solution was a recurring theme, along with updates on coverage, including the Extended Area Services (EAS). Unfortunately, the eagerly awaited new ESN timeline (2026?, 2029? 2030s?) hinges on the signing of new contracts and the agreement of a roll-out schedule.
Cate Walton took the stage to shed light on ESMCP’s international collaboration efforts. Notable mentions included TCCA, 3GPP, ETSI, and the Global Certification Forum. Partnerships with organizations such as the French Ministère de l’Intérieur et des Outre-mer ACMOSS, Direktoratet for samfunnssikkerhet og beredskap (DSB), Suomen Erillisverkot -konserni, and the First Responder Network Authority were also highlighted.
The event welcomed familiar faces like Renaud Mellies, Ari Toivonen, and others, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. BAPCO Chair, Chris Lucas, added an element of interactivity by correctly predicting the first questioner. Attendees refrained from posing technical questions, keeping John and Cate on their toes during the session.
Senior Industry analyst Ken Rehbehn brought attention to teh recent AT&T FirstNet, Built with AT&T outage, sparking anticipation for further discussions at IWCE 2024 in two weeks time. Gratitude was extended to John Black and Cate Walton for their insightful update and engaging offline conversations during the Coventry event.
Reflecting on the decade-long challenge of ESN/ESMCP, the hope was expressed for clarity on its delivery by the incoming UK Government by the same time next year.
The diverse conference program offered engaging options, including tech tours and a networking lounge. Valuable market insights into tech challenges faced by the public safety communications sector were gained through encounters with both familiar and new faces.
Events like BAPCO are invaluable to Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and technology suppliers. They provide a platform to test assumptions about what’s truly important to customers. For Cloud Gateway, engagement with those on the front line is critical to ensuring the relevance and impact of the solutions designed.
Special acknowledgments were made during the event, such as congratulating Georgie Green, ARP PMO Analyst, for receiving the Ian Thompson Bursary Award. Georgie’s plans to attend Critical Communications World in Dubai later this year to enhance her technical knowledge were celebrated.
Sepura dedicated a moment to celebrate International Women’s Day, recognizing and appreciating the contributions of women in their events. The commitment to diversity and inclusion was reiterated, acknowledging the importance of inspiring inclusion in the tech sector.
Motorola Solutions participated in an insightful session led by Ian Williams, exploring how AI can address challenges in policing.
Peter Jones ILG, showcased a new release. Notably, the introduction of the NEW Klick Fast MOLLE Dock by KlickFast products and the OW10HV land mobility terminal wa launched for the first time by the Excelerate Technology Group..
At BAPCO, Sepura PLC unveiled the SCL3 Hybrid Vehicle Device, emphasizing its potential as a tool to facilitate the transition to missioncritical broadband. The device’s versatility, with optional TETRA and LTE modules, positions it as a potent tool linking to future MCX developments.
While the event buzzed with excitement, new innovations and new releases from various companies were relatively low. However, the event provided a platform for engaging discussions and valuable insights. A summary of notable interactions with specific companies follows:
Motorola Solutions: A Glimpse into Cutting-Edge Technology
Motorola Solutions took center stage at the BAPCO Annual Event 2024 by unveiling the highly anticipated TLK25 device. This innovative addition to their repertoire promises to redefine communication standards, aligning with the evolving needs of the industry. Beyond just unveiling new hardware, Motorola Solutions showcased their prowess in video solutions, unveiling the V500 Body-Worn Camera (BWC). The V500 BWC brings forth advanced features, highlighting Motorola Solutions’ commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for public safety and critical communications.
Hytera Communications Europe: Collaborative Product Display
Hytera Communications Europe made an impact at the event by presenting an array of their existing products. Notably, the PT590 caught the attention of attendees, offering a unique perspective into Hytera’s capabilities. The positive experience was amplified by the cooperative efforts of Andrej Dodic, who played a pivotal role in providing insights and facilitating interactions. This collaboration added an extra layer of engagement and made Hytera’s stand a focal point for those exploring the latest advancements in communications technology.
Tait Communications: Quality Radios Amidst Minimalism
Despite a relatively sparse stand, Tait Communications managed to impress attendees with the display of high-quality radios. The emphasis on quality over quantity spoke volumes about Tait’s commitment to delivering reliable and efficient communication solutions. Visitors to Tait’s stand were treated to a focused showcase, demonstrating that Tait Communications places paramount importance on the excellence of their products, ensuring they meet the highest standards in critical communications.
Airbus Public Safety and Security: Solutions-Driven Interaction
While Airbus Public Safety and Security (yes this is the new name fcompany focused on critical communications)  did not unveil new devices, their focus on presenting updated solutions resonated with the attendees. The friendly and approachable staff played a crucial role in turning the booth into an interactive hub. Engaging discussions on the showcased solutions provided valuable insights into Airbus’s commitment to evolving technologies. The absence of new devices was compensated by an enriching experience that emphasized the practical applications of their solutions in the ever-changing landscape of public safety and security.
Sepura: Contrasting Experiences with Innovation
Sepura’s presence at the event drew mixed experiences. On one hand, the introduction of the SCL3 LTE device marked a notable release, indicating a forward-thinking approach to communication solutions, especially in consideration of the new ESN. At the show, Sepura succeeded in leaving a lasting impact with their innovative SCL3 LTE device.
Handsfree Group UK: Professionalism in Innovation
Handsfree Group UK emerged as a beacon of professionalism by showcasing new solutions with a level of sophistication that reflected their commitment to excellence. The professionalism extended beyond the product display, creating an environment conducive to meaningful interactions. The stand not only demonstrated the innovation within Handsfree Group UK but also communicated their dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions in the realm of critical communications.
RugGear: Minor Discrepancy Amidst Professionalism
RugGear’s professional presentation was slightly tainted by a minor discrepancy noted in the labeling of the RG750. Nevertheless, the overall impression remained positive, emphasizing RugGear’s commitment to presenting their products in a polished and engaging manner. The minor labeling issue did little to detract from the professional and informative nature of RugGear’s showcase.
Sonic Communications (Int) Ltd: Consistency Amidst Stability
Sonic Communications (Int) Ltd maintained a consistent stance by not introducing new releases at the event. While the absence of new products might have been anticipated, the stability and reliability associated with Sonic Communications (Int) Ltd products were reaffirmed. The booth served as a testament to the enduring quality of their existing offerings, providing attendees with a reliable choice in the realm of critical communications.
Panorama Antennas: Quality Over Quantity
Panorama Antennas opted for a quality-focused approach by displaying their range of good-quality models without introducing new ones. The decision to focus on existing products underlines Panorama Antennas’ commitment to delivering reliable and effective solutions. The showcase highlighted that, sometimes, maintaining excellence in proven models can be as impactful as introducing new innovations.
Cradlepoint, part of Ericsson: Smart Devices and Knowledgeable Staff
Cradlepoint, part of Ericsson, chose not to unveil new releases but succeeded in showcasing smart devices with a knowledgeable staff. The emphasis on intelligence and the expertise of the staff highlighted the depth of understanding within Cradlepoint, creating an informative and engaging environment for attendees. This approach reinforced the notion that sometimes, the smart utilization of existing technologies can be just as impactful as introducing new devices.
BelFone Communications: Openness to Discussions
BelFone Communications did not display new releases, but the staff exhibited openness to discussions regarding their products. The willingness to engage in meaningful conversations with attendees created an environment conducive to learning and exploration. The open approach showcased BelFone Communications’ commitment to understanding the needs of their audience and fostering connections within the critical communications community.
Leonardo: Quality Discussions on Gateway Solutions
Leonardo made its mark by engaging in quality discussions about their gateway solutions. The emphasis on meaningful conversations demonstrated their commitment to addressing the specific needs and queries of attendees. The focus on gateway solutions indicated Leonardo’s strategic approach to providing comprehensive and tailored offerings in the critical communications sector.
3tc Software Ltd.: Innovative Dispatch Solutions
3tc Software Ltd. captured attention by presenting innovative dispatch solutions, including their latest update. The inclusion of the latest update showcased their commitment to continuous improvement and staying at the forefront of technological advancements. The interesting dispatch solutions provided attendees with a glimpse into the evolving landscape of critical communications technology.
Frequentis: Versatile Control Room Solutions
Frequentis left a lasting impression by displaying multiple control room solutions. The versatility showcased in their solutions hinted at the adaptability of Frequentis to meet the diverse needs of critical communications. Friendly staff further enhanced the overall experience, creating an interactive space where attendees could explore and understand the capabilities of Frequentis in the context of control room solutions.
In conclusion, the BAPCO Annual Event 2024 served as a dynamic platform for companies to showcase their innovations and engage with industry professionals. Each participant, with its unique approach, contributed to the diverse landscape of critical communications technology, emphasizing the ongoing evolution and adaptation within the industry. As the event concluded, attendees departed with a wealth of insights and a sense of the current state and future trajectory of critical communications technology.
Picture: Courtesey of FCS

CASPER, Wyo. —​ Firefighters were dispatched to, and put out, a fire at an apartment on the 3000 block of Provence Court on Monday afternoon, according to a press release from the Casper Fire-EMS Department.

After hearing activated smoke alarms and smelling smoke, residents of a neighboring apartment notified neighbors and evacuated them.

The call came in at 12:34 p.m., after which firefighters located the fire and quickly extinguished it.

Search crews also found a family dog and removed it from the building. Firefighters and officers tried to resuscitate the pet, but it succumbed to smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.

The occupants of the apartment were not home at the time of the fire.

Firefighters responded to the scene with five units, the on-duty battalion chief, investigators and chief officers. Other responders included the Casper Public Safety Communications Center, Casper Police Department officers, officers with Metro Animal Control, ambulances from Banner Health Wyoming Medical Center and technicians from Rocky Mountain Power.

The apartment’s occupants were displaced by smoke and fire damage. They are receiving assistance from the Natrona County Burn Fund.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Casper Fire-EMS Department.

The Department complimented the swift action of neighbors alerted by properly working smoke alarms as a major factor in keeping this fire from burning down the entire building. The department also urges community residents to check their own smoke alarms with the change to Daylight Saving Time.

For assistance with your smoke alarms, contact the Casper Fire-EMS administration office at 235-8222.

FARGO — After a series of meetings on Friday, March 8, the Red River Regional Dispatch Center Board of Authority has selected Amanda Glasoe as the next director of the Red River Regional Dispatch Center.Glasoe has worked at the Red River Regional Dispatch Center for 20 years and has been assistant director for nine years. She was the only internal applicant in the search.

Daliagery Avila, a candidate for the Red River Regional Dispatch Center director position talks with members of the The Red River Regional Dispatch Center Authority Board on March 8, 2024. Avila comes from the Williams County Dispatch Center in North Dakota.Chris Flynn / The Forum

The other finalists were Daliagery Avila and Anthony Bueno. Avila works at the Williams County Dispatch Center in North Dakota. Bueno works at the Salt Lake Valley Emergency Communications Center in Utah. In total, there were 18 applicants for the job.

ADVERTISEMENT

Anthony Bueno, a candidate for the open director position at Red River Regional Dispatch Center, meets with people on The Red River Regional Dispatch Center Authority Board on March 8, 2024. Bueno works at the Salt Lake Valley Emergency Communications Center.Chris Flynn / The Forum

While the Board of Authority was impressed with all three candidates, they chose Glasoe for her ability to lead the changing organization, said David Ebinger, Clay County commissioner and Board of Authority chair.The Red River Regional Dispatch Center implemented a new form of governance in recent years and

plans to construct a new building,

he said.“I think she’s going to be a great leader through some of these transitions,” Ebinger said.Glasoe is the provisional selection, Ebinger said, until hiring paperwork is completed. Because Glasoe is an internal candidate, her hiring is not contingent on the results of a background investigation.Glasoe will replace Mary Phillippi, who held the job since 2015. Phillippi is

leaving the role

to pursue a job teaching leadership courses for public safety personnel in partnership with former Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney.Phillippi was the assistant director before becoming director.The Red River Regional Dispatch Center serves Cass County, Fargo and West Fargo in North Dakota and Moorhead and Clay County in Minnesota.

By
Ingrid Harbo

Ingrid Harbo joined The Forum in March 2024.Harbo reports on Moorhead and Clay County news.Readers can reach Harbo at 701-241-5526 or iharbo@forumcomm.com. Follow her on Twitter @ingridaharbo.

GUILFORD, CT — United States Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-03) announced that she has secured $16.4 million for local projects in her district, and included in that is $963,000 for Guilford to upgrade its public safety communications.”I am proud to have secured needed dollars to fund several projects in our community,” DeLauro said in a news release. “When I was Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I fought to bring back community project funding. I strongly believe members of Congress know their communities best, and I am pleased that they can once again hear from the people they represent and direct spending to local projects that help their states thrive. These investments grow our economy and make a real difference in the lives of so many. I am proud to have fought for funding that will make our community healthier, safer, and stronger.” Guilford Police Chief Christopher Massey spoke about the impact the money will have on the town and department.”This funding is essential for the continued safety of our community,” he said in a news release. “This project will ensure a redundant, resilient communications system that is interoperable with our public safety partners in Guilford as well as surrounding communities. We appreciate Congresswoman DeLauro’s office and their continued commitment to public safety.” Overall, DeLauro championed funding for 14 projects in CT’s 3rd District.

Content provided by FirstNet, built with AT&TWhat’s the news? FirstNet, Built with AT&T, and the FirstNet Health and Wellness Coalition (FNHWC) have identified the major barriers to mental health program adoption among first responder agencies and developed five key recommendations to improve the health and wellness of public safety in the new white paper, “Helping the Helpers: Lessons Learned and Outcomes to Date from the FirstNet Health and Wellness Coalition.”Based on lessons learned from FNHWC in its first three years and feedback from emergency responders around the country, the white paper establishes tangible next steps to better implement health and wellness programs and lays the foundation for public safety legislative advocacy going forward.What are the recommendations? The issues facing our first responders are complex and don’t have a “one size fits all” solution. Endorsed by more than two dozen public safety organizations and over 40 collaborators, the fjve recommendations target all levels of cultural change and are based on responses gathered from the FirstNet Needs Assessment Survey and a body of evidence-supported strategies. These include:Deepening leadership engagement and equipping them with the skills to help all levels of responders see value in training and lifestyle changes through leadership modeling health and wellness behaviors and regularly reinforcing the importance of these practices to their department.Integrating wellness education into training from the time responders are at the academy through retirement. Instead of being considered an added benefit, wellness programs need to be woven into the fabric of responders’ daily lives and their career progression.Allocating dedicated funding and resources to implement evidence-based solutions from agencies, both local and national, to create systematic changes. While grants fill a huge void in funding resources, they are not enough.Defining national wellness standards on evidence-based health and wellness programs and provide access to technical assistance centers to provide additional services for responders.Better communications between national and local first responder agencies and from leadership to share best practices to encourage health and wellness opportunities.Why is this important? Compared to the general population, first responders, including police, fire, emergency telecommunicators, emergency management, frontline healthcare personnel and others, experience higher rates of depression, post-traumatic stress, burnout, anxiety and other issues1 that can lead to secondary or tertiary health risks like cardiovascular disease, cancer, or disordered sleep. For law enforcement, there is a more than a 20-year difference in life expectancy compared to the average American male.2It’s estimated that 20-25% of all first responders experience post-traumatic stress.3Death by suicide in this group often outnumbers traditional line-of-duty deaths.4Nurses and other frontline healthcare personnel have long been at an increased risk of suicide than the general population.5 What is the FNWHC? Through its work with public safety, leadership at FirstNet – the only nationwide communications network built with and for public safety – recognized the need to dedicate resources towards first responder mental health. Established by AT&T in 2020, the FNHWC brings together over two dozen national safety organizations representing more than 5.1 million first responders across disciplines like fire, police, EMS, 911 and emergency response to assess, plan, integrate and evaluate strategies and solutions that support first responder wellness.What are people saying? As a former critical care nurse, I have seen firsthand the impact mental health programming can have on individual responders and a department’s culture. Time, investment and collaboration between first responders, leadership and government agencies will create more resilient communities. FirstNet and the Coalition are proud to be a part of an initiative that helps our helpers and save lives.” — Dr. Anna Courie, director of Responder Wellness, FirstNet Program at AT&T With their white paper, FirstNet has captured the importance of placing the health and wellness of our nation’s first responders front and center. The FirstNet Health and Wellness Coalition has brought together stakeholders from all the first responder disciplines, helping to streamline the work of supporting those who keep us safe.” — Sherri Martin, national director of Wellness Services, Fraternal Order of Police Mental health and wellness are critically important for the future of first responders everywhere. It is imperative that we break down the stigma associated with seeking help and resources which help us build better people after trauma and struggle. Only by openly talking about these issues and creating a ‘new normal’ for mental health struggles will we accomplish this.” — Chief Paco Balderrama, chief of police, Fresno Police Department The Helping the Helpers white paper will greatly benefit America’s 9-1-1 professionals, who are the first first responders on a scene, by creating a culture of better health and wellness.” — April Heinze, director of 9-1-1 and PSAP Operations at NENA: The 9-1-1 Association Having been involved in public safety for over thirty years, I firmly believe this is one of the most significant advancements in the overall health of first responders. I hope we continue to see growth from this project and ensure that our partners will continue to have productive careers and retirements as well.” — Rich Martin, deputy chief, Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department Helping the Helpers is a pivotal milestone for all emergency personnel, leveraging research and data that demonstrates our need for support and creating a pathway to make critical improvements to public safety wellness.” — Carrie Speranza, CEM, 2nd vice president of IAEM, director of emergency management solutions at Esri I am extremely proud of this work to support first responders, in particular, the consideration given for their health and wellness. First responders, including nurses and other health care professionals, answer the call to communities’ emergencies and disasters, tirelessly protecting the public’s health and safety. This program is crucial for these brave members of society who serve on the frontlines to feel protected and supported. On behalf of ANA, we champion and recognize the FirstNet Program as a valuable resource.” — Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, ANA president The work the FNHWC does for responders is significant to the law enforcement profession as keeping officers healthy is paramount to creating safe communities. As the past president of NAWLEE, I have spoken to agencies from across the county that know this is a priority. Tools and resources will help agencies develop the best policies and implement strategies that will enhance the wellness and resiliency of responders.” — Chief Shannon Trump, Indiana University Health Department of Public Safety References Health: A Therapy Dog Implementation Guide. Bowling Green University.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4734369/Tedeschi RG, Calhoun LG. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory: measuring the positive legacy of trauma. J Trauma Stress. 1996 Jul;9(3):455-71. doi: 10.1007/BF02103658. PMID: 8827649.https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/dtac/supplementalresearchbulletin-firstresponders-may2018.pdfhttps://sigmapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/wvn.12419