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Public Safety Advocate: FCC 4.9 GHz Reply Comments; FirstNet Authority and FirstNet (Built with AT&T)–Still Being Confused; Broadband/LMR PTT Nationwide Interoperability–Still Waiting

As you saw, last week we published the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance’s (PSSA) comments on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Eighth Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The PSSA was not alone, a number of other comments were filed as well. Next come...

Next Gen 9-1-1 goes live in Frederick County (VA)

WINCHESTER —The Frederick County Public Safety Communications on Wednesday went live with Next Generation 9-1-1. “NextGen 9-1-1 is new technology that allows the public to share more detailed data such as videos, images, and text messages with your 911 communications...

New 911 Center in the eastern Columbus area (OH)

The Metropolitan Emergency Communications Center (MECC) opened on Tuesday and wanted to bring faster response times to people. Columbus, Ohio — The new 911 Dispatch Center for the Metropolitan Emergency Communications Center (MECC) opened on Tuesday. Leaders say that...

Penobscot County EMS faces staffing crisis (ME)

EMS departments are struggling statewide, but officials say they've gotten worse in the last three months. PENOBSCOT COUNTY, Maine — Across the state, many emergency medical services departments are critically short-staffed, and that problem only seems to be getting...

Board to hear PSAP consolidation update (AR)

City directors will hear an update concerning the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) consolidation on Tuesday during the city board meeting. In 2019, the state legislature adopted Act 660, which replaced the Arkansas Telephone Emergency Services Board with the...

UPCOMING EVENTREGISTER>

The Inaugural Howard C. Liebengood Foundation Symposium: The Evolving Law Enforcement Landscape & the First Responder Mental Health Crisis

Wednesday, September 30 to Thursday, October 1, 2026

Law enforcement is operating in one of the most demanding environments in modern history. Shifting public expectations, critical incidents, and ongoing organizational pressures have reshaped the profession, and the impact on officer health and agency stability has never been greater. This inaugural symposium convenes law enforcement leaders, mental health and health care experts, researchers, and bipartisan policymakers to explore practical, evidence-informed solutions. Grounded in research and lived experience, this symposium focuses on translating knowledge into action.

Over two days, participants will examine the evolving policing landscape, confront the profession’s mental health crisis—including elevated rates of suicide, PTSD, depression, and anxiety—and identify strategies to strengthen resilience, crisis response, and organizational leadership.

SURVEY

PSBTA Releases Survey on First Responder Support for FirstNet Reauthorization

New Survey: First Responders Overwhelmingly Support Reauthorization of FirstNet

A new bipartisan national survey commissioned by the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association finds near- unanimous support among first responders for reauthorizing the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority)– the agency overseeing America’s dedicated public safety broadband network.

PETITIONS

Congress should reauthorize the FirstNet Authority now.

Support the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority to preserve public safety’s network

PSBTA UPDATES

Podcast

FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz Spectrum

This episode dives into the critical evolution of public safety communications, focusing on the recent FCC decision to establish a nationwide Band Manager framework for the 4.9 GHz spectrum, and discuss the evolution and deployment of the FirstNet System. Host Chris Tubbs interviews Chief Jeff Johnson, a leader in public safety technology and the development of FirstNet. Together, they explore the history, governance, and transformative potential of FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz spectrum in enhancing public safety operations with emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and augmented reality. The discussion emphasizes the importance of protecting and optimizing public safety spectrum, the lessons learned from past advocacy efforts, and a call to action for public safety leaders to remain engaged in ensuring the spectrum’s effective use and governance.


LISTEN TO PODCAST

GRANTS

Webinar

Accessing Federal Resources When an Emergency or Major Disaster Strikes

In light of the major disasters that our nation has recently experienced, PS Grants is offering this FREE webinar to review Disaster Assistance Programs and how to access them. Learn what federal funds and resources are available through Disaster Assistance, understand the process of requesting assistance, know what to expect before, during, and after, and find out who to contact for help.


REGISTER

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