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First responder unions say underfunding is a crisis in Alexandria, but city officials say it’s a false alarm (VA)
(Updated 3:40 p.m.) Organizations representing Alexandria police and firefighters are taking the city to task for what they say are chronic underpayment issues that put local residents at risk, but city officials say the push is a negotiation tactic in the ongoing...
Kentucky State Police Post 9 welcomes new telecommunicator
On Oct. 15, Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police announced that 16 telecommunicators representing 11 posts located throughout the commonwealth have graduated KSP’s in-house telecommunications academy. Present-day emergency services communication centers...
Perry Co., Tell City leaders reach agreement on future dispatch services (IN)
PERRY CO., Ind. (WFIE) - Tell City and County leaders have come to an agreement on the future of county dispatch. The two sides were previously split over the PSAP designation or who answers the call when you dial 911. According to commissioner Tom Hauser, the...
Will a cyberattack take down next-generation 911?
The upcoming generation of 911 technologies is exciting for a lot of people working in public safety today because it represents the first major upgrade in decades. The idea that people at the scene of an accident or a crime will be able to not only call for...
Pender County Commissioners approve architects for design phase of new jail, law enforcement center (NC)
BURGAW, N.C. (WECT) - Pender County Commissioners approved the Moseley Architectural P.C. contract for the new Pender County Law Enforcement Center in a unanimous vote at a meeting Monday evening. Moseley will provide the full architectural and engineering design...
Washington state agencies brace for staffing disaster following Inslee’s vaccine deadline
The deadline for most state government, health care and school workers in Washington to get their mandated coronavirus vaccination is Monday, October 18. Democrat Governor Jay Inslee issued the mandate in August and unlike other mandates across the country, provided...
Local job fair aims to recruit 911 dispatchers and other positions (MO)
ST. LOUIS (KMOV.com) – Calling all job seekers, the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment will hold a job fair to fill several positions. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., future applicants can head to the Wesley House Association at 4507 Lee Avenue for the hiring fair....
VIPS host First Annual Law Enforcement and Telecommunications Banquet (WV)
BUCKHANNON — Officers from multiple departments and telecommunicators, along with city officials, joined to celebrate the First Annual Law Enforcement and Telecommunications Banquet hosted by the Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) on Saturday. Local law...
The Benefits of Z-Axis Through FirstNet
By Jeff Bratcher, Chief Network and Technology Officer, First Responder Network Authority This year marks the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11. In the aftermath of that tragedy, the public safety community pushed for its own dedicated network...
Press Release: District’s 911 System: Reforms Needed to Assure Public Safety (Washington DC)
OUC staff requires more supervision, improved call handling, and efficient location identification; recent improvements should continue with enhanced support October 19, 2021 (WASHINGTON) The D.C. Office of United Communications 911 Operations Division (OUC) has...
Durham 911 asks police dept. to help dispatch calls, interim chief says ‘we don’t have the staff,’ internal emails say (NC)
DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) – Nearly 40 percent of the 911 operator positions at the Durham Emergency Communications Center (DECC) are now vacant, as the number of operational vacancies is now at 23 as of Friday afternoon, according to city’s website. For months, the shortage...
Dickinson Co. Emergency Communications says goodbye to late, recently retired Director (KS)
ABILENE, Kan. (WIBW) - Dickinson County Emergency Communications is saying goodbye to late and recently retired Communications Director Russell Wilkins, who passed away on Monday. The Dickinson County Emergency Communications Center says Russell Wilkins, 60,...
St. Louis City’s plan to consolidate 911 dispatch operations awaiting approval (MO)
ST. LOUIS – A plan to consolidate 911 dispatch operations in St. Louis City will likely need state approval before it can become a reality. The Post-Dispatch reported a plan to merge all of the 911 dispatching services in the city is already being reviewed. Now city...
Public Safety Advocate: Turning Push-To-Talk Interoperability on Its Head, Disagreeing with Morgan O’Brien, and the Wireless Dinner at IWCE
This week I decided to once again discuss the urgent need for nationwide Push-To-Talk (PTT) interoperability between FirstNet, broadband, and Land Mobile Radio (LMR). Well, we no longer have to wait for vendors to finally work together. With some vendors’...
Interoperability Even More Critical for Emergency Communications
Every second counts in emergency response. That is why real-time communications across multiple agencies and multiple jurisdictions—as well as inside and outside buildings-- is critical to ensure the safety of citizens. These communications vehicles are increasingly...
911 SYSTEM IN JEOPARDY AS FIRST RESPONDERS REJECT JAB
The American Ambulance Association (AAA) warned House and Senate leaders the "nation's EMS system is facing a crippling workforce shortage, a long-term problem that has been building for more than a decade. It threatens to undermine our emergency 9-1-1...
Labor Shortage affecting 911 operation centers in Hampton Roads (VA)
There is a shortage of 911 dispatchers and call takers. Many Hampton Roads cities are down more than 10 workers. CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Author's note: the video above first aired in July 2021. Emergency dispatchers help people through some of their worst moments. Call...
Cherokee County Names New E 9-1-1 Director (GA)
WOODSTOCK, GA — A decorated officer, paramedic and veteran has taken the helm of Cherokee E 9-1-1. Shane Bonebrake, who recently retired from the Woodstock Police Department, was named the new E 9-1-1 director. His first day on the job was Monday, Oct. 4. "I chose...
Iowa first responders using app to locate people in emergencies
DES MOINES, Iowa — Some metro first responders are now using an app that can help them get to 911 calls quicker. When someone doesn't know where they are. KCCI's Chris Gothner shows you why knowing just three words could save your life. [VIDEO]... READ MORE
Louisville’s 911 call center short dozens of employees (KY)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Louisville’s 911 dispatch center is facing staff shortages that are causing some callers to have to wait. “I know it’s your emergency,” Jim Intermaggio, a 911 call taker, told WAVE 3 News. “We’re going to get you. Don’t hang up if you call and...
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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