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‘The first, first responders’ (AK)
“911, what’s the location of your emergency?” That’s the question Ryan Tunks could be heard asking Thursday from his work station on the second floor of the Kenai Peninsula Borough’s Emergency Response Center. Eyes flitting between six different computer screens while...
New emergency-communications system to integrate cross-jurisdictional data into one digital space
Over the last two decades, the emergency-management community has recognized that natural disasters and other emergency situations don’t always follow county lines or town borders. Interagency collaboration is vital—mutual-aid agreements expand the capacity of first...
Three types of FirstNet Authority support for preparedness
By Bruce Fitzgerald, Senior Public Safety Advisor, Emergency Management, First Responder Network Authority September is National Preparedness Month(link is external), an important reminder for Americans to prepare for disasters and emergencies. The 2021 theme is...
Police Officer, Firefighter, Dispatcher of Year Named | City of Strongsville
Three members of Strongsville’s safety forces have been honored by the Knights of Columbus St. Francis of Assisi Council for outstanding work in 2020. Police Officer of the Year Mike Mendise, Firefighter of the Year Andy Smeader and Dispatcher of the Year Angela Love...
An Overview of FirstNet for Emergency Management
By Bruce Fitzgerald, Senior Public Safety Advisor, Emergency Management, First Responder Network Authority With increasing numbers of emergency management agencies and other public safety agencies and partners using FirstNet, the First Responder Network Authority’s...
New Mahoning law enforcement tool helps 911 responders identify mental disorders, special needs (MI)
YOUNGSTOWN — A new county registry for residents with special needs or mental health disorders is intended to better inform police officers and other responders during emergencies. The new Mahoning County Special Needs Registry is a free and voluntary service allowing...
Chiefs explain EOC’s role (NC)
With the busiest part of the hurricane season upon us, Swansboro commissioners are continuing discussion on the future of a town Emergency Operations Center. Most recently, at the meeting of Aug. 23, commissioners received a report from emergency services officials on...
Ex Allegheny County 911 dispatcher gets probation for hiding wanted husband (PA)
Former Allegheny County 911 dispatcher Janine Lanese was sentenced Wednesday to probation for lying to law officers trying to find her husband, who was wanted in a California murder plot. U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed a term of two years on Lanese,...
Work underway to build new central dispatch (IN)
With both the city and county signed off on an interlocal agreement for a combined police and fire dispatch center, the real work begins to put that system together. “It isn’t like you just say central dispatch and its there and in place,” said Daviess County...
‘I love what I do’: 18-year Lexington dispatcher honored for her work (KY)
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – A long-time Lexington dispatcher is the newest state winner of telecommunicator of the year. “There were days, hard days, that I would go home crying and not want to come back,” award-winner and 911 Supervisor Heather Moncrief said. She said...
‘I can see his head’: Ohio family welcomes newborn with the help of dispatchers
GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) – Geauga County has a very new resident… a baby boy just about 1-day old Wednesday. The baby was delivered with the help of two public safety dispatchers. Sara Newpher and Jimmy Dhayer took a call from a family in Bainbridge Township early...
Ontario County task force explores 911 communications center’s future (NY)
The future status of the 911 emergency communications division is somewhat of a side issue in the recently approved county investigation into allegations of wrongdoing in the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office. Now, the communications division is part of the Sheriff’s...
9-1-1 Telecommunicator Brooke Brady Named Whitfield Employee Of The Month (TN)
Being a 9-1-1 telecommunicator means having the potential to save a life every day. Such was the case recently for Brooke Brady, an advanced telecommunicator for Whitfield 9-1-1. After receiving a call about a three-week-old baby who was not breathing, Ms. Brady...
Public Safety Advocate: IWCE 2021 Live in Las Vegas
Since we will be attending IWCE 2021 in Las Vegas all of next week, there will not be time to publish a September 30 issue. The Advocate will return the following week with a lot of news and information from the show—Next week, what happens at IWCE in Vegas won’t stay...
Belleville police department hires civilian dispatchers (NJ)
For the first time in two decades, on September 14, 2021 the Belleville Police Department has hired civilian dispatchers to assist officers at the Chief Mark Minichini Communications Center. With the emergency line previously staffed by police officers, civilian...
Program unites frequent 911 callers with Aurora Fire resources to relieve strained system (CO)
AURORA | Aurora firefighters are working to deter a select number of people from repeatedly calling 911 for non-emergency issues, a practice that regular clogs dispatch channels and siphons resources from others in need. Aurora Fire Rescue Lt. Paramedic briefed city...
AT&T : FirstNet Cell Site Launches in Fillmore County, Minn. to Support Public Safety
New FirstNet Cell Site Launches in Fillmore County to Support First Responders in Southeastern Minnesota New Infrastructure Will Help Advance Public Safety, Improve Connectivity for Area Residents and Visitors What's the news? First responders in southeastern...
City of Lawton plans to reorganize E-911 Dispatch Center (OK)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The City of Lawton is planning to restructure the E-911 Dispatch Center to create better working conditions for dispatchers and recruit new employees. Back in April, emergency dispatchers sent a letter to Lawton city officials, citing issues...
Two-tier emergency response system proposed for Stanislaus County (CA)
Currently, a paramedic is dispatched to every emergency call, but would change under new system MODESTO, Calif. — The Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors will consider a "two-tier" emergency response system at its Tuesday meeting in Modesto. Currently, a paramedic...
$250K grant approved for Jasper County 9-1-1 call center (MO)
JASPER COUNTY, Mo. — The project to update equipment at a southwest Missouri 9-1-1 center is getting a big financial boost. Jasper County Emergency Services was approved for a grant to help pay to update telephones for the dispatch center. The state is giving Jasper...
Reauthorization SurveyMORE>
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.
PETITIONSMORE>
Congress should reauthorize the FirstNet Authority now.
Support the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority to preserve public safety’s network
PSBTA UpdatesMORE>
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
Public Sector GrantsMORE>
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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