Call to Action
Calling All First Responders
Opportunity to let your voices be heard
FirstNet Authority is conducting workshops across the U.S. to get feedback on where you need wireless broadband coverage. For more information, please call or email your state / territory advisor. Their contact information can be located here:
Top Comm Center Headlines
News & Articles
First-Of-Its-Kind Alarm System Allows Glenview To Cut Dispatch Times (IL)
A new system in Glenview’s Public Safety Dispatch Center is expected to save a great deal of time responding to alarm activations. READ FULL ARTICLE
With rise in complaints about Chatham 911, officials details staff shortages, mapping issues (GA)
When Chatham County christened its integrated 911 call center in October 2023, county leaders heralded its automated efficiency. On camera, Chatham County Manager Michael Kaigler said, "Everybody will have all the information. It will be accurate. There's no room for...
Over 50 students enroll in first online 911 telecommunicators class (NC)
Richmond Community College accepted over 50 online students from across the state into the first 911 Communications & Operations class that began last fall semester in August.
Colorado teens are learning to take 911 calls in understaffed El Paso County
One of the first lessons Scott Brettell teaches his high school students is the importance of being last. The last person to stay with someone through their last moments — even if only over the phone.
Hamilton County 911 center targets gamers to recruit dispatchers (TN)
It's a lifestyle that could make them prime candidates to become 911 call-takers and dispatchers, Bruce Garner, spokesperson for Hamilton County's 911 district, said. The district has 34 open positions, Garner said. READ FULL ARTICLE
Sheriff continues support of bill to allow first responders workers comp. for PTSD (KS)
LAWRENCE, Kan. (WIBW) - The Douglas Co. Sheriff will continue his crusade for a bill to pass in the Kansas Legislature to allow first responders, including dispatchers, to be eligible for workers’ compensation for PTSD. READ FULL ARTICLE
Changes coming to Sedgwick County Emergency Communications (KS)
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Changes to staffing, accreditation, and pay are planned to come to Sedgwick County Emergency Communications. The SCEC director mentioned during the meeting that the department has been asking for approval for changes for years, saying these are...
Northern Michigan’s 911 centers bolster emergency readiness for upcoming storm
OTSEGO COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Across Northern Michigan, 911 dispatch centers are preparing to take thousands of calls during the storm. If the weather does interfere with the safety of dispatch staff, they are provided a place to stay at nearby hotels.
Retiring Tampa dispatcher celebrates work, honors his mother who inspired his career (FL)
His mother, Phyllis Jackson, has been a dispatcher for more than three decades. She convinced her son to apply for the job. TAMPA, Fla. - For 19 years, 911 dispatcher Tony Collins has heard every kind of emergency.
Former Ceres Police chief Borges warns council about dispatch center problems (CA)
Former Ceres Police Deputy Chief Mike Borges warned the n Monday that the city had better do something quick to bolster the police dispatch center. “I know they’re a small portion of the department but they are a very vital portion that needs to be considered,” Borges...
Georgia law requires CPR training, certification for all 911 operators
As of New Year's Day, all dispatch operators in 911 centers are required to be CPR-trained and certified.
Firefighters argue forced dispatch duty is risk to Falmouth’s public safety (MA)
Firefighters in Falmouth, Massachusetts, are sounding the alarm about what they say is a hazard to public safety. Due to a shortage of dispatchers, firefighters said they are being forced to fill in — even though they have had zero training.
WFCA’s Confidential Recruiting Process Good for Fire Departments and Chiefs
Finding the right person to be your chief isn’t easy, while applying for a new chief position when
you’ve already got a job can make life difficult for everyone. This is why the Western Fire Chiefs
Association (WFCA) offers the service of finding the best candidates discretely and giving you a
choice.
Lawsuit: 911 mix-up leads to shooting (KY)
An Elliott County man has filed a lawsuit against a 911 dispatcher, the Elliott County Fiscal Court and multiple law enforcement officers after he says police shot him when they responded to the wrong address. READ FULL ARTICLE
STEC offering counseling after dispatcher dies following medical emergency – (TX)
HARLINGEN — The city’s ambulance company was fielding emergency calls when a 911 dispatcher suffered a medical emergency on duty. On Friday, the South Texas Medical Care Foundation was offering counseling services for employees after the dispatcher died Saturday...
In letter, former dispatchers call for ouster of Sedgwick County 911 director (KS)
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - A letter written by a former Sedgwick County emergency dispatcher and signed by 14 others makes a series of accusations against Sedgwick County Emergency Communications Director Elora Forshee and calls for her removal from the leadership post.
Maury County, TN man’s iPhone contacts 911 after serious crash
MAURY COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) – Cell phones are equal parts useful and distracting. However, for one man in Maury County, his cell phone saved his life.
Desha County merges 911 city dispatchers (AR)
As the Arkansas 911 board is requiring most counties to consolidate their city and county operations, Desha County is the latest to welcome the change. DESHA COUNTY, Ark. — Over the next few years in the Natural State, 911 dispatch centers will look a little different...
Carson City Sheriff’s Office dispatcher leaves shift early, welcomes baby boy (NV)
A Carson City Sheriff's Office dispatcher, who was working New Year's Eve night, had to leave her shift early for an expected emergency of her own: The birth of her child.
911 dispatcher helps deliver twins over the phone (MI)
The day after Christmas a mom couldn't get to the hospital in time to have her babies, and no ambulances were available. A dispatcher talked her through delivery. READ FULL ARTICLE
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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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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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