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NPSTC Announces New Reports on Public Safety Communications
NPSTC committees and working groups have been busy all year discussing a variety of important topics that impact first responders and communications interoperability. Volunteer groups of subject matter experts have continued this work even as COVID-19 has shifted...
DHS Promotes Smart City IoT Solutions for First Responders
The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding the variety of technical capabilities deployed in the interest of public safety, and smart cities are leveraging IoT data to provide insights and improve operations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is promoting...
Funding for Flathead emergency communications on November ballot (MT)
Flathead County voters will decide on the November ballot if they want to create a new funding district that would provide long-term funding for the Flathead Emergency Communications Center. The FECC serves as an emergency services dispatch for the entire Flathead...
Holbrook Regional Emergency Communications Center gets tech upgrade (MA)
Holbrook Regional Emergency Communications Center was awarded a grant to purchase equipment and technology components for the HRECC’s soon-to-be-completed communications center. The grant, officially named the “FY21 State 911 Department Regional Public Safety...
Registration Is Now Open for NENA Ignite!
Registration Is Now Open for NENA Ignite!
1 hour ago (0 Comments)Posted by: Chris Nussman
NENA events are where the 9-1-1 community comes together to learn, grow, connect, and discover. In September, we’re excited to bring you NENA Ignite – a brand-new way to gain skills and knowledge to do your job better, overcome the challenges you face today, and prepare for the road ahead.
NENA Ignite is a free-to-attend virtual conference and expo that delivers all of the great educational and social benefits you’ve come to expect from NENA, including:
Dozens of breakouts available live or on-demand so you never have to miss out on a second of our industry-best training;
Networking events and special interactive features designed to help you make the right connections with your peers and industry experts; and
Opportunities to experience the latest innovations that are transforming emergency response.
Register by Friday, August 28 and be entered to win one of two NENA 2021 prize packs that include free registration for the NENA 2021 Conference & Expo or one of four 2021 NENA memberships!
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this first-of-its-kind online event! Register today for NENA Ignite!
JIC RELEASE NO. 284 – Temporary Relocation of 911 Dispatch Center; Enforcement of Executive Order 2020-28 (Guam)
Temporary Relocation of 911 Dispatch Center After close contact with a family member, an Emergency Medical Dispatcher has tested positive for COVID-19. To prevent further contamination, the 911 Center, along with personnel, will be temporarily relocated to the...
New technology helps 911 dispatchers to quickly locate people in (CT)
Stamford officials gave News 12 Connecticut a look at new technology on Friday that helps get first responders to emergencies even faster. The technology was recently used to save a kayaker in Cove Island Beach. The call from the lost kayaker came in to 911...
Local dispatcher graduates from training academy (OR)
HEPPNER — Dispatcher Jacob Stutzman of the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office was among the 119th Basic Telecommunications Class of the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). The three-week course includes...
County commission keeps the same tax rate (GA)
The Glynn County Commission voted Thursday to keep the same tax rate for the next year. Tamara Munson, interim chief financial officer, said the county gets 75 percent of its $110 million budget from taxes. The rest comes from fines, fees, grants and investments,...
Emergency Dispatcher Richard M. Barkenquast (1950-2020) (MI)
IDA, Mich. — Richard M. Barkenquast, a restaurant owner, assistant fire chief, and county emergency dispatcher who took his high-pressure duties in stride, died Aug. 14 in Regency Hospital, Sylvania. He was 69. Mr. Barkenquast of Monroe County’s Ida Township had...
CAN’T TALK IN AN EMERGENCY? NOW YOU CAN TEXT 9-1-1 (MD)
Beginning today, Marylanders have the option of texting 9-1-1 for help if they cannot call the number. In an emergency, it is not always possible to speak out loud so the Maryland assembly adopted a way to enable those with a cell phone to text in their emergency....
Harvey lays off dispatchers as city moves forward with outsourcing 911 emergency services (IL)
In a move that’s been many months in the making, Harvey laid off its skeleton crew of emergency dispatchers in preparation for the city’s transition to an outsourced dispatch model that officials expect to reap significant cost savings for the cash-strapped community....
Triumph approves emergency center at Gulf/Franklin (FL)
Another step toward Gulf Coast State College President Dr. John Holdnak’s vision to transform Gulf County into a magnet for drone technology in the region. The board of Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., last week gave final approval to...
In our opinion: Utah’s 911 dispatchers have a small emergency (UT)
To say 60 seconds can mean the difference between life and death is no exaggeration when it comes to a heart attack, stroke or an escalating domestic violence scenario. Yet, that’s about the number of seconds at least 17,500 callers to 911 waited before their call was...
New Tech Helps Tennessee Guard with Domestic Operations (TN)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In the early morning hours of March 3, a storm system moved through the state of Tennessee which produced deadly tornadoes killing 24 people, damaging over 1,500 structures and leaving over 80,000 Tennesseans without power across four counties....
Stonington launches FirstNet cell site for first responders (ME)
STONINGTON, Maine (WABI) - Stonington’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications. AT&T and FirstNet Authority will be launching a new FirstNet cell site this weekend. It's part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place in...
Murrieta implements emergency medical dispatch system (CA)
MURRIETA – A new medical protocol system has been implemented by the Murrieta police and fire communications center that will enable dispatchers to accurately assess each emergency medical situation and send the best possible response. The medical priority dispatch...
Kanawha County Metro 911 plans upgrade for emergency radio system to improve public safety (WV)
KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) — The Metro Emergency Operations Center of Kanawha County is upgrading its emergency radio system - a move officials said will dramatically improve the center's speed and quality of communication for emergency responders. In a...
Saratoga County Debuts New Public Safety Facility (NY)
Saratoga County has opened its new public safety headquarters in Ballston Spa. The Paul E. Lent Public Safety Facility on County Farm Road houses five different departments: the Sheriff’s office, Probation Department, Public Health Department, and Emergency and...
Building Public Safety’s Network
By Tip Osterthaler, FirstNet Authority Board Chair
I am honored to have been appointed chair of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) Board. As I take the helm of the Board today, I am eager to continue to drive progress for all of public safety.
I first became involved with the FirstNet Authority in 2018, joining the Board just one year after the public-private partnership with AT&T was formed. Since then, I have had the opportunity to watch the network come to life with extensive buildout and widespread adoption among public safety. As the Finance Committee Chair, I was involved in shaping some of our most important activities of the last two years – including disciplined budgets that fund our organization and guide the future of the network. The Committee also had a key role in developing the FirstNet Authority Roadmap and the first set of network investments. READ MORE
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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