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Some Maine 911 dispatch centers struggle with staffing
The Regional Communications Center in Augusta is short 10 people. The director said every 911 call will be answered, but said dispatchers are feeling burned out. AUGUSTA, Maine — Some 911 dispatch centers in Maine are struggling with staffing. The Regional...
California launching 9-8-8 hotline for mental health crisis calls, an alternative to 9-1-1
Soon, Californians will be able to dial a new three-digit number when seeking help for a mental health crisis. After weeks in which funding to make the hotline work in California seemed uncertain, the state Department of Health Care Services announced last week...
Long Island 911 dispatcher fielded calls from people scared for NYC family: ‘They were panicking’
The night started normally enough for Suffolk County fire dispatcher Darin Swicicki, but as Wednesday night’s storm surged, taxing the New York City’s 911 system, he found himself inundated with calls about emergencies unfolding two counties away. Swicicki, 40, began...
Former TV&R chief helped revolutionize public safety technology
Jeff Johnson says 9/11 shed light on the flaws in communications systems used by the nation's first responders. When Jeff Johnson watched the second plane hit the World Trade Center on live television from his office at the Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue in Aloha...
The Ins and Outs of a 911 Call Center Job – Florida
Working at a 911 call center is not for the faint of heart. Soon you could be put into a situation that can actually mean life and death. With rigorous education and strong instructions, these dispatch hubs can enable emergency personnel to respond incredibly fast to...
$17.79 Million Bid Award For New Johnston County Public Safety Center (NC)
An artist rendering of the Johnston County Public Safety Center Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management Will Move From Courthouse SMITHFIELD – The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, and E-911 Center will relocate from the Johnston County Courthouse...
Hudson police dispatcher one of five to earn leadership scholarship (MA)
HUDSON — After 19 years on the job, Hudson Police Department lead dispatcher Jody Blanchard still looks for ways to improve. Next month, she’ll be heading to Florida for the Communications Center Manager Program, a two week in-person course along with some at-home...
Two Southeast Alaska towns allow texts to 911 when calling not an option – Alaska
Petersburg, Alaska. (Joe Viechnicki/KFSK) Residents in Wrangell and Petersburg now have the ability to text 911 for help when calling isn’t an option. “It’s been working out excellent,” Petersburg Police Department Chief James Kerr said. “It’s designed for the hearing...
AT&T: Wireless network operating at more 98% of normal
AT&T has provided an update on its wireless network following impacts from Hurricane Ida. They say it's operating at more than 98% of normal. The company's statement is as follows: "We continue to maintain and refuel more than 200 generators currently providing...
Augusta Department of Public Safety Director Bob Sage announces retirement after 34 years (KS)
Augusta Department of Public Safety Director Bob Sage has announced plans for his upcoming retirement after nearly 34 years in law enforcement. Sage’s retirement date is planned for the end of October 2021 but will continue to serve in the director position while...
Supply chain shortage could mean delay in county radio project (NM)
Supply chain shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic will likely mean a delay in the next phase of the joint effort between Chaves County and the city of Roswell to upgrade local emergency radio capabilities. “Phase two is officially at a dead stop,” said Dave...
Haverhill’s civilian dispatchers ink first contract | Massachusetts
HAVERHILL — The city has achieved its goal of moving police officers out of dispatch and back onto the streets and has recently inked its first contract with the newly formed civilian Dispatchers Union Group. Mayor James Fiorentini said this is the latest milestone in...
Rhode Island fire departments sharing $5.5M in FEMA grants
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Nineteen Rhode Island fire departments are getting a total of $5.5 million in federal grants that can be used to buy new equipment and upgrade training to enhance public safety, the state's congressional delegation said. “These grants will help...
The Quell Foundation Foundation to Host 9/11 Ride of Hope
The Quell Foundation will host the 9/11 Ride of Hope as a peleton of 20 cyclists will travel from New York City, N.Y. to Arlington, V.A., during the week leading up to the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorists attack.
The 5-day event will kick off from the 9/11 Memorial and Museum on Tuesday, September 7, and conclude in Arlington on Saturday. The group will include active, retired, and surviving family members of first responders, many of whom responded to the horrific events of September 11, 2001.
Sheriff’s Deputies, Communications Dispatchers, Police Officers Deployed to Assist with Caldor Fire
Posted on September 2, 2021 | 6:25 p.m. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has sent 21 deputies and two communications dispatchers to El Dorado County to assist in the fight against the Caldor Fire. In addition, the Santa Barbara Police Department sent four...
“FirstNet Helps Save Lives”
How the Nation’s Most Important Wireless Network was Born
“First responders from other states headed to New York and Washington, D.C. While their assistance was welcomed, their presence further complicated the communications conundrum.”
On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Chief Chuck Dowd pulled up to the security gate at the New York City 9-1-1 Center where he was commanding officer of the New York Police Department’s communications division. An officer told him that a small plane had just hit one of the World Trade Center buildings. While the news concerned him, he had no idea what he was about to walk into.
“I went into the 9-1-1 Center and the place was a madhouse,” Dowd said. “As you can imagine, the calls were coming in from everywhere and they were horrific. Our folks were talking to people in the buildings who they knew were not going to get out alive. It was a terrible time.”
Manchester Police Hiring Dispatchers (NJ)
MANCHESTER, NJ — The Manchester Township Police Department is hiring public safety telecommunicators —often referred to as dispatchers. Both full-time and per-diem positions are available, and experience is preferred. Per-diem telecommunicators earn $20 to $35 per...
Genesee County 911 director resigns amid family dispute, misdemeanor charge (MI)
FENTON TWP.—Genesee County 911 director Spring Tremaine is stepping down from her post following a family dispute that led to a misdemeanor charge against her. Tremaine, who was been the 911 director since 2017, sent her letter of resignation to the Genesee County 911...
New Orleans 911 dispatcher wanted for hanging up on calls for help (LA)
NEW ORLEANS — Police are looking for a New Orleans 911 operator that has been accused of hanging up on people calling for help, an NOPD spokesperson said Thursday. Officers are looking for Precious Stephens, a 25-year-old woman who faces charges of malfeasance in...
Column: Integrated electricity systems must be more resilient
LONDON, Sept 2 (Reuters) - Prolonged blackouts in Louisiana following Hurricane Ida are a reminder the power grid needs to become more resilient as well as reliable if even more services such as electric vehicles are going to depend on it in future. The electricity...
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.
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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.
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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.
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