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New trend: using code words when calling for help (ID)
TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) After a girl calls 9-1-1 and orders a pepperoni pizza to hint to police that her mother was in a domestic dispute, questions have raised if code words like these are the new norm when calling for help. KMVT dug a little deeper, and...
Nelson County utilizes new, enhanced 911 system (KY)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Nelson County recently started using new technology that's helping 911 dispatchers save time, which can make all the difference in an emergency situation. "Every second does in fact count," Milt Spalding, Nelson County's 911 director said....
Boone Dispatcher Graduates State Academy as Trainee of Distinction (KY)
Twenty-four law enforcement dispatchers graduated Friday from the Public Safety Dispatch Academy at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training. Samuel Shoup, of the Boone County Public Safety Center, graduated as a trainee of distinction. The...
911 Dispatch back in compliance with EMD certifications (TN)
ROGERSVILLE — As of Wednesday afternoon, all staff members at the Hawkins Co. Emergency Communications District’s E-911 dispatch center have been re-certified to handle Emergency Medical Dispatch calls, and the center was again dispatching those calls. The two days of...
Half of E-911 dispatchers’ certifications said to be non-compliant: Emergency training, full training audit being conducted this week (TN)
ROGERSVILLE — Questions surrounding the Emergency Medical Dispatching certifications of several Hawkins Co. Emergency Communications District dispatchers resulted this week in all staff having to be re-certified by an onsite instructor, and a full training audit of...
DC 911 takes 7-minutes & much confusion to send help to firefighters at a gas leak
There’s more proof this (Wednesday) afternoon the 911 center in the Nation’s Capital is incapable of performing its core mission of sending the right help to the right location in a timely manner. In today’s incident, DC Fire & EMS Department Engine 1 attempted to...
Judge: Douglas County not liable for taking 40 minutes to pinpoint location of slayings, assault (NE)
A judge has ruled that Douglas County is not liable for damages in a horrific case of domestic violence in which a woman was assaulted by her ex-boyfriend after he fatally shot her two brothers, and it took 40 minutes for 911 to pinpoint the location in west Omaha....
Shelby Township first responders honored for life-saving actions (MI)
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. – It’s been a tough week for first responders in Metro Detroit and Saturday a group was honored for their life-saving actions. A group of Shelby Township firefighters and a dispatcher were recognized for keeping a man alive through a heart...
‘He would help anyone’ – Tributes paid to ambulance worker (England)
Luke Wright, 24, who worked in for the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) in Norwich, died on Sunday, November 10. He is one of three members of the EEAS who have died in the past two weeks. Following the deaths EEAS staff are being offered support. In memory of...
9-1-1 dispatcher shortage part 1 (WA)
Click READ FULL ARTICLE to view the video broadcast.
911 call centers are experiencing a shortage of dispatchers (WA)
PACIFIC NORTHWEST – We rely on 911 to provide help and be there at all times, but over the years that’s become a challenge. Especially, as the nation continues to see a shortage of 911 call takers. Several call centers in Central Washington say they have been...
911 dispatchers needed in Northern New York (NY)
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) 911 dispatchers play a big role in keeping you safe in an emergency and there's a need for them in New York's North Country. Our Kelly O'Brien takes a closer look at what it takes. They are the voices you hear in an emergency, connecting you...
Phone application could make dialing 911 easier
SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. (KAKE) - At the Sedgwick County 911 dispatch center, calls are constantly coming in, and it's easier than ever to get help. "A lot of folks don't realize that a text to 911 is a very real and now possibility," says the Director of Emergency...
Making a difference: Former reporter, dispatcher joins Mesquite City Council (TX)
Mesquite’s new City Council members took the oath of office last week, and two fresh faces join the re-elected members and new mayor. One of the new faces on council is former Mesquite News reporter and city of Mesquite dispatcher Kenny Green. Read More...
1/4 Of Phone Calls To 9-1-1 On Thanksgiving Day Are About What?
Below is the trivia question asked by an iHeart radio station. Happy Thursday! Here is today's 7:50 AM Nearly Impossible Question! Question: One quarter of phone calls to 9-1-1 on Thanksgiving Day are about what? The answer: A family dispute Not much of a...
Gordon 5th grader makes heroic 9-1-1 call during fire (AL)
GORDON, Ala. (WTVY) - A Gordon family is mourning the loss of its long-time family home after a fire left it shambles late Tuesday night. Fortunately, they aren't mourning the loss of any loved ones, thanks in part to an Ashford Elementary schooler. “I saw a fire from...
Boonville PD dispatcher to retire after 42 years (MO)
Editors Note: Congratulations May Kay Swires One thing that hasn’t changed since Mary Kay Swires started as a meter maid in 1978 is her employer. After 42 years working for the Boonville Police Department, Swires is set to retire as a dispatcher at the end of...
Through sleet and snow: Flagstaff dispatchers trained to stick it out (AZ)
As the first significant snow of the season approached northern Arizona this week, many made the decision to drive slow and ease into the curves on the road. There were reports of some crashes, like an overturned Coors beer truck on South Lake Mary Road and a person...
City’s 911 dispatchers recount chaotic night they saved one of their own
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – You hear a lot about Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department's firefighters and paramedics. They are some of the first you see on a scene to protect the community when things go wrong. But seldom do you hear about the first, first responders --...
Chatham receives $2.3M grant to upgrade public safety radio system (NC)
PITTSBORO — On Oct. 21, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve an agreement between the county and the North Carolina 911 Board for a $2.3 million grant to contribute to the upgrades of the county’s public safety radio system. The funds will...
UPCOMING EVENTREGISTER>
The Inaugural Howard C. Liebengood Foundation Symposium: The Evolving Law Enforcement Landscape & the First Responder Mental Health Crisis
Wednesday, September 30 to Thursday, October 1, 2026
Law enforcement is operating in one of the most demanding environments in modern history. Shifting public expectations, critical incidents, and ongoing organizational pressures have reshaped the profession, and the impact on officer health and agency stability has never been greater. This inaugural symposium convenes law enforcement leaders, mental health and health care experts, researchers, and bipartisan policymakers to explore practical, evidence-informed solutions. Grounded in research and lived experience, this symposium focuses on translating knowledge into action.
Over two days, participants will examine the evolving policing landscape, confront the profession’s mental health crisis—including elevated rates of suicide, PTSD, depression, and anxiety—and identify strategies to strengthen resilience, crisis response, and organizational leadership.
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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