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Tech maintains severe weather plans, safety precautions (TX)
Tornadoes are a common concern in northern Texas. Following the recent out-of-season tornado causing severe damage in Dallas, one may wonder about the safety precautions Texas Tech has in place in the event of severe weather. Ronald Phillips, Tech’s chief...
Public Safety Department dispatch center in Flagstaff closes (AZ)
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A northern Arizona dispatch center has closed after the state Department of Public Safety had trouble recruiting employees. The department announced the closure earlier this year. The last dispatch from the center came in mid-October....
A 911 supervisor was streaming Netflix at work when dispatchers mishandled a shooting call
(CNN)A woman in South Florida called 911 after a bullet came through her car's windshield -- but dispatchers didn't send help right away. Police say they mishandled the call while their supervisor was streaming a Netflix movie. Guadalupe Herrera was driving near a gas...
Marion County 911 operator lauded for successfully directing CPR efforts on infant (FL)
A Marion County 911 operator was recognized at Tuesday morning’s Marion County Commission meeting for helping to save an infant’s life. Fire Chief James Banta told commissioners that in August, Brenna Parson, an emergency telecommunicator, received a call seeking help...
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)...
Despite evidence of mistakes during Waffle House shooting, no dispatch reforms announced (TN)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — The chairman of Metro Council's Public Safety Committee wants to see more evidence presented in the lawsuit against the Emergency Communications Center. A lawsuit filed by the family of Akilah Dasilva, one of the victims of the 2018 Waffle...
Rock County 911 Center utilizing new technology (WI)
The Rock County Communications Center is now receiving accurate device location data for 9-1-1 calls from iPhones with iOS 12+ and Android phones version 4.0+, as well as additional emergency data from apps like Uber, wearables, connected homes, and connected cars,...
Mineral County 911 dispatchers now considered “first responders” (WV)
KEYSER, W.Va. — Mineral County 911 dispatchers will be recognized as “first responders” after the Mineral County Commission approved a resolution presented by Luke McKenzie, director of the county’s Office of Emergency Services. “When people think of first...
Sioux Falls Police: Don’t Use Social Media as 9-1-1 (SD)
SIOUX FALLS, S.D.- Social media has made it easier to communicate, but Sioux Falls Police want to remind folks that it doesn’t work for everything. When it comes to reporting tips and crimes, the “old fashioned” way works best. Like many organizations, the...
Snow keeps 911 dispatchers busy
The phones were ringing much more than usual today at Winnebago County’s 911 dispatch center. About 450 calls came in between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. That’s more than twice as many as last week Wednesday. There were almost 100 crashes...
Police dispatcher was watching Netflix while woman begged for help after drive-by shooting
A 911 dispatch supervisor in South Florida was watching a movie on Netflix while a caller tried to get help after someone shot her car's windshield. According to the Associated Press, an internal affairs investigation found Julie Vidaud was watching "I Am Mother"...
Brown County dispatchers answered 536 calls during snowy commute (WI)
BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WBAY) - Brown County emergency dispatchers received more than 500 calls Wednesday morning as drivers crashed and slid off roads during a snowy commute. "It's going to be a two-vehicle accident, head-on. Unknown injuries at this time. Unknown...
County Responds To 9-1-1 Questions (GA)
The commissioners met with former commissioner and current candidate Irvin Dasher last week regarding the new 9-1-1 plan to have a 9-1-1 call center in the county. Dasher asked what the projected costs for such a facility would be, why the county needs...
Texting 911 dispatchers now available in Morgan County (AL)
MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WAFF) - In Morgan County, there’s now more than one way to contact 911. You can call, you can video chat with them and now, you can text. The new feature works like any normal text you would send. You send the message to 911, say you need help and...
Increased carbon monoxide poisoning during Public Safety Power Shutoffs (CA)
TEHACHAPI, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Adventist Health announced at least four Tehachapi-area residents have been hospitalized in the last two weeks after suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning incurred after improperly heating their homes during ongoing Public...
This Small Team of Dispatchers Saves Lives Via Satellite
When the message arrived from the Alaskan wilderness, it was simple, brief, and urgent: tipped raft. The two paddlers who sent it had just almost drowned, and their food and gear had disappeared downriver. But they had one thing going for them, a small, handheld...
Bradenton police dispatcher resigns after inappropriate comments (FL)
Frank Canelli resigned on July 19 amid an internal affairs investigation into allegations of making inappropriate comments.
Coral Springs 911 Call Center Supervisor Suspended, Dispatchers Fired After Botched Response (FL)
CORAL SPRINGS (CBSMiami) – When a bullet shattered her back red VW window and almost hit her head, Guadalupe Herrera called 911. Trouble was Coral Springs police officers never came to help. After a lengthy investigation into how her emergency call was handled, the...
“Everybody in this place with a badge can … die.” Dispatcher quits after anti-cop rants (FL)
A 911 dispatcher is often seen as a lifeline for police officers, providing crucial details they need as they respond to emergencies. Among their duties is to making sure officers are safe, checking in on them during stops and sending back-up when needed. They are not...
Mankato Public Safety staff recognized for life saving efforts (MN)
MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The City of Mankato presented new public safety staff while recognizing current staff and their efforts in protecting the Mankato community. New public safety staff took the oath of office while current staff was recognized for their...
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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.
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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.
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Congress should reauthorize the FirstNet Authority now.
Support the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority to preserve public safety’s network
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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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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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