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FirstNet network builds cell site in Romulus for first responders (NY)
ROMULUS — Seneca County first responders’ wireless communications will benefit from one of 22 new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements, which will be built in the town of Romulus. This new infrastructure is part of the FirstNet network...
Telecom Alert — CBRS Auction Closes; 6 GHz Open Letter; FAA BVLOS Waiver Guide; NPSTC Emerging EMS Technology Report; 911 Location Accuracy Testing Delayed — Vol. XVII, Issue 35
he FCC’s auction of Priority Access Licenses (PALs) in the 3550-3650 MHz Band (Vol. XVII, Issue 34) concluded last week. The auction consisted of 76 bidding rounds, with bidders winning 20,625 of 22, 631 available licenses. According to the Commission’s News...
Salem police have updated encrypted radio system, but it delays broadcast by 15 minutes (OR)
The Salem Police Department has upgraded its radio system so officers now can communicate with other city departments and neighboring public safety agencies — but the new system leaves a 15-minute delay for avid listeners. After operating on a decades-old...
Land Mobile Radio Users Claim DTV Repack Is Causing ‘Harmful Interference’ to Communications
WASHINGTON—Several groups representing users of private land mobile radio (PLMR) systems are urging the FCC to enforce rules that prevent interference from TV stations that recently moved their transmission facilities during the three year-channel repack that recently...
Cell phone locations to improve coverage, broadband service in NE Mercer County (PA)
AT&T has announced the installation of nine new cell phone reception sites in western Pennsylvania, including in Mercer County. The new sites will improve wireless service and enhance mobile broadband coverage, and help give first responders faster, more reliable...
Governor Cuomo Announces Washington County Achieves State Emergency Management Accreditation (NY)
With the start of National Preparedness Month kicking off, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the Washington County Department of Public Safety has achieved accreditation through New York's Local Emergency Management Accreditation Program. First proposed in...
Zello push-to-talk app helps drivers & dispatchers streamline communication
Zello, the leading provider of push-to-talk, live voice technology that connects 150 million users globally, today unveils a set of new features to address the communication and collaboration needs of transportation teams. Modeled after walkie talkies, Zello’s...
Motorola Strengthens Public Safety Space With Callyo Buyout
In order to reinforce its position in the public-safety market, Motorola Solutions, Inc. (MSI - Free Report) recently announced the acquisition of Callyo — a leading provider of advanced mobile technology for law enforcement purposes — for an undisclosed amount....
Tarrant County’s 911 district may raise phone bill fees for the first time in decades (TX)
The agency that supports Tarrant County’s 800 911 dispatchers is spending more money than it brings in, forcing fire chiefs and 911 specialists to consider raising the fees phone customers pay for the first time in more than two decades. For at least five...
Villages Public Safety Department dispatchers earn prestigious accreditation (FL)
AMR Sumter County Fire and EMS Communications Center is taking center stage in recognition of achieving the most prominent distinction in 9-1-1 emergency communication services. The communication center is the 283rd emergency dispatch center in the world to attain...
CTUIR names new public safety and communications directors (OR)
MISSION — The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation elevated two experienced employees to key roles in tribal government. In an Aug. 27 press release, the CTUIR announced Matt Johnson as its new communications director and Rob Burnside as its next...
NENA Now Accepting 2021-22 Board of Directors Nominations
NENA Now Accepting 2021-22 Board of Directors Nominations
4 hours ago NENA is pleased to open the nominations process for our 2021-22 Board of Directors election! This election will be for the following positions:
Second Vice President
Northeastern Region Director
North Central Region Director
Canadian Region Director
Qualifications
Each Officer or Director of the Association at the time of their nomination and throughout all times during their candidacy and term(s) of service, must:
Maintain membership, in good standing, in the Association;
Maintain certification as an Emergency Number Professional in accordance with the prevailingrequirements for that certification;
Discharge, with all due diligence, the duties attendant upon the position they hold;
Comply with all Association policies pertaining to activities of the Association in which they participate;
If serving as a Region Director, reside within the Region represented;
If serving as the Private Sector Director, maintain the status of Private Sector member; and
If serving as an Officer:
Derive no more than 15% of their instantaneous income from for-profit or commercial activity that is connected in any way to the 9-1-1 industry;
Annually, or at the time of any change in employment, sign an affidavit of compliance attesting that they meet this qualification; and
Consent to the release, at any time, of any employment, financial, or tax information that may be requested by the Board of Directors in order to validate compliance with this qualification.
Click here to download a .zip file of documents and resources that includes:
Statement of Responsibilities – Must be signed by nominee and co-signed by an agency representative (if applicable)
Nomination Form – Can be completed by the applying candidate or by a third-party nominator
Relevant NENA polices and procedures
NENA’s bylaws
Click here to fill out your board nomination form online. A paper form is available in the .zip file of documents and resources.
The nomination deadline is September 30, 2020 at 5PM Eastern. Contact the Elections Committee with any questions about the nomination process, eligibility requirements, or general election details.
UPDATED – Jasper County Sheriff’s Department 911 Comm Center back up and running (TX)
Jasper County Sheriff Mitchel Newman said early Friday evening that repairs have been made to a power generator and the 911 Communications Center is back up and running and fully operational. Communications, including 911 and non-emergency phone systems had been lost...
Managing & Monitoring NG9‑1‑1 Information Document Now Available
The NENA Managing & Monitoring NG9‑1‑1 Information Document provides guidance to 9-1-1 authorities at all levels, and to their vendors, on considerations and best practices for monitoring and managing NG9-1-1 services and infrastructure. The document covers...
What’s On Your Radar? – Evolving Technology for PSAPs’ Changing Needs
It’s hard to believe the changes we’ve endured in our PSAPs in only the first half of 2020. Just a few months ago, we were discussing the evolution to visual content. Little did we know that the uncertainty of COVID-19, coupled with social unrest, would force PSAPs to...
SCBC designate 911 Dispatcher as First Responders (FL)
The Stephens County Board of Commissioners approved a motion designating 911 Emergency Telecommunication Officers as First Responders. According to Stephens County Administrator Phyllis Ayers the designation will allow the county to allocate COVID-19 relief funds to...
FirstNet, Public Safety’s Network, is Prepared for Hurricane Laura
By Jason Porter, Senior Vice President, FirstNet Program at AT&T
FirstNet stands at the ready to be there to support public safety’s response and recovery to Hurricane Laura. Natural disasters are hard to predict, and with Hurricane Laura projected to make landfall as a Category 4 storm, preparation is key. Our focus is on serving as public safety’s network partner to help first responders stay connected and operate faster, safer and more effectively when lives are on the line. That’s why we’ll be with those on the front lines every step of the way during these challenging times.
Here’s 5 reasons why first responders can count on their network: READ MORE
Chicago Conducts Public Safety Drill Downtown Thursday Evening
The city of Chicago blocked off multiple intersections downtown Chicago Thursday evening as part of a precautionary public safety drill. The drill started at 6 p.m. in the city's "Central Business District" and was expected to last until 9 p.m., according to the...
Gogebic County awards dispatcher contract to Negaunee (MI)
Bessemer — The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved a three-year contract for county dispatching services to Negaunee Regional Dispatch. The contract was recommended by the Finance, Budgeting and Auditing Committee, and was supported...
PUBLIC SAFETY SPECTRUM ALLIANCE (PSSA) SEEKS SUPPORT OF 4.9 GHZ SPECTRUM PROTECTION
Sign Petition to Ensure Preservation of Vital Broadband Resource FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2020 LAS VEGAS, Nev.—The Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA), a newly formed coalition to protect public safety’s use of 4.9 GHz spectrum, announced yesterday...
FirstNet SurveyTAKE SURVEY>
Help Guide FirstNet Investments: Take a Survey hosted by the First Responder Network Authority
We welcome your insights on the experiences and operational challenges you encounter as a public safety professional. By participating in this FirstNet Authority survey, you’ll help shape future enhancements to ensure they meet the mission‑critical, real‑world needs of the public safety community. The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
Understanding Operational Challenges that should Drive FirstNet Investment
Questions about coverage in your state?
FirstNet Advisors
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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