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Columbus pilot program will help determine which 911 calls are emergencies and which aren’t (OH)
The city of Columbus is rolling out a four-to-six-week pilot program on Monday that will help determine whether 911 calls need an emergency response by police and firefighter-medics or by others, such as social workers or clinicans who are better equipped to deal with...
In sharply worded letters, Franchot and Kagan spar over progress on 911 fee audits (MD)
It’s been more than six months since Sen. Cheryl C. Kagan (D-Montgomery) raised a red flag over a lack of 911 fee audits from the Maryland Comptroller’s office — but she says she’s yet to receive any data. Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot (D) had paused audits due to...
Texas First Responders get a Boost in Wireless Communications
Texas’ first responders are gettinga major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet®network expansion currently underway by AT&T*.We’ve added new, purpose-built cell sites and other networkenhancements across the state. Val Verde, Matagorda,...
Communications network upgrade OK’d in Burlington (MA)
BURLINGTON - Town Meeting passed a $1,240,000 warrant article that will upgrade Burlington’s public safety communications equipment. During night two of Town Meeting this past Wednesday evening, the body took action on possibly the most important and impactful...
For years, Aleknagik’s 911 calls have gone through the Dillingham police. That’s finally changed (AK)
Rural residents have reported difficulties summoning Alaska State Troopers in emergencies, and local officials no longer want to be caught in the middle. Now, the police department’s long-standing practice of fielding 911 calls from outside city limits is ending....
Spokane County, city will have to reach agreement in dispatch feud, according to bill signed by Inslee (WA)
May 15—OLYMPIA — The city of Spokane and the county-led Spokane Regional Emergency Communications agency now have until next July to reach an agreement on how to form one emergency communications agency and how to equitably use a local emergency communications tax,...
EF Johnson chosen to replace Frederick County’s outdated public safety radio system for $20M (VA)
WINCHESTER — A company has been selected to replace Frederick County’s outdated public safety radio system. The Board of Supervisors voted 4-3 Wednesday night to choose Texas-based EF Johnson and authorized the county administrator to execute a contract with the...
Council considers joint dispatch, new radio agreement (TX)
In addressing the council concerning the agenda item for approval of a System Purchase Agreement between the city and L3-Harris Technologies Inc., Harris said the radios that his department is currently using are outdated, difficult to repair and could pose a threat...
Axon, RapidSOS partner to bring multimedia information to 911 centers
Axon and RapidSOS recently announced a partnership that will enable 911 centers across the U.S. to have free access to location data, incident alerts and streaming video from Axon devices and share that information with first responders in the field. RapidSOS CEO and...
New fire department to keep using same dispatch (CA)
With the city’s deadline for officially starting its own Fire Department less than seven months away, critical decisions are one by one getting checked off Interim Fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse’s list. A biggie, regarding who will handle the city’s fire dispatching...
I-TEAM: Investigating Augusta EMS ambulance response times (GA)
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Augusta commissioners say they’re looking into complaints about delays in ambulances. Complaints that came out a month after Gold Cross sent the city a proposed contract which includes a need for more money. I-Team’s Liz Owens investigates:...
Chagrin Valley dispatcher helps save life of woman who wasn’t breathing (OH)
BEDFORD, Ohio (WOIO) - A local woman will live another day thanks to a Chagrin Valley dispatcher. Dispatcher Hayley of Chagrin Valley Dispatch was hailed a “life saver” after she helped a woman who could not breathe. She caught the call on Thursday morning, according...
California city combines advanced technology with dedicated public safety team for comprehensive emergency management
The highly unusual circumstances of the past year have provided many new lessons for political leaders and emergency managers. The overarching lesson is that the unexpected can happen at any time and local, regional and national government must be prepared to respond...
Emergency Connectivity across the Coffs region expands with three new Public Safety Network sites (Australia)
Orara Rural Fire Service will benefit from the new Public Safety Network Sites. THE PUBLIC Safety Network (PSN), formerly known as The Government Radio Network, has been expanded across the Coffs Coast with three new sites at Upper Orara, Korora and Mt Coramba. Next...
Lyon County Commission approves WiFi upgrade, ew starting wage for emergency dispatchers (KS)
All Lyon County facilities will get improved wireless Internet capacity after Thursday's County Commission action meeting. Separately, commissioners approved a new starting wage for emergency dispatchers. The Emergency Communications Center has been using a training...
York County Commissioners implementing Next Generation 911 with help of PEMA (PA)
YORK, Pa. (WHTM) — The York County Commissioners on Wednesday approved an agreement with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to provide support in implementing Next Generation 911 services. Next Generation 911 will transition Pennsylvania’s current 911...
More Oklahoma 911 call takers need training to give CPR over the phone, American Heart Association says
ROGERS COUNTY, Okla. — The American Heart Association is pushing for more 911 call takers in Oklahoma to be trained in Telecommunicator CPR, a technique that walks you through performing CPR over the phone in case of an emergency. Rogers County call taker...
Network aids Ellis tornado response (TX)
Following a tornado that touched down near Forreston on May 3, Ellis County’s emergency services led a coordinated and efficient response, thanks to a newly-integrated public safety communications network. By investing in a new communications tower, a new dispatch...
Dispatchers say St. Louis 911 system still bogged down, worsened by new program (MO)
ST. LOUIS (KMOV.com) -- 911 calls are still being put on hold in the City of St. Louis, months after News 4 Investigates exposed the problem. Dispatchers are telling News 4 a program meant to help people is actually slowing down the system even more. Maureen Ramsey...
Emergency dispatch center for five Summit County communities opens in Green (OH)
A new police, fire and emergency medical services dispatch center covering about 10% of Summit County residents began operating Tuesday at Fire Station No. 1 on Massillon Road in Green. The center covers dispatch services for Green, New Franklin, Coventry Township,...
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.
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