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County 911 coming closer to allowing texts for help (OH)

WARREN — Hundreds of texts pleading for help in 2007 as a gunman made his way through the Virginia Tech campus were sent to 911, only to disappear into the ether. The tragedy left emergency responders wondering if more lives could have been saved if the messages had...

Dzik named to top city post in Starr administration (OH)

MOUNT VERNON - In announcing his choice for safety service director, Mayor-elect Matt Starr is bringing back a familiar face to Mount Vernon. Former Knox County 9-1-1 Director Rick Dzik will assume duties of Mount Vernon safety service director in January. He will...

Problems with 9-1-1 in Thornbury (Canada)

We've got a problem this morning with 9-1-1 service in Thornbury.   The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre says its not working for land lines. It will however still work on your cell phone.  They haven't said what the problem is but they...

Taking Public Safety Communications to the Next Level: FirstNet’s Innovation and Test Lab

By Sarah Calams
The Boulder, Colorado, lab tests FirstNet-compatible devices and applications before their deployment in the field.
Imagine a firefighter is battling a massive wildfire and she has to check in with her fellow firefighters regarding changing wind conditions. But when she attempts to contact them, the connection is virtually non-existent.
This scenario is, without a doubt, dangerous. It could also lead to life-threatening results.
That’s why when the Boulder Mountain Fire Protection District (BMFPD) — a volunteer department made up of about 60 firefighters — visited the FirstNet Authority offices in Boulder, Colorado, their purpose was to not only prove the importance of clear communication but also expose the difficulties they sometimes face while ensuring crews’ safety on scene.
This article was written by Sarah Calams and appears in efficientgov.com dated November 7, 2019.
To read the full article please click on the button below.
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County 911 coming closer to allowing texts for help (OH)

WARREN — Hundreds of texts pleading for help in 2007 as a gunman made his way through the Virginia Tech campus were sent to 911, only to disappear into the ether. The tragedy left emergency responders wondering if more lives could have been saved if the messages had...

Cocke County honors dispatcher (TN)

COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) -- On November 7, the Cocke County E-911 team took to social media to honor one of their retired dispatchers who passed away in early November. According to their post, Sandy Bradshaw passed away following a battle with an illness....

New communications tower going up by Myrtle Reservoir (WA)

2:20 PM: Thanks to Mike for the photos and word of a tower-replacement project under way by Myrtle Reservoir in Gatewood. Mike says a city rep on scene “told me they’re replacing the current radio tower (used for public safety agencies, police, fire, and also Metro)...

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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