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FCC Adopts 9-1-1 Rules for MLTS

The FCC adopted rules to help ensure that people who call 9-1-1 from multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) — which commonly serve hotels, office buildings, and campuses — can reach 9-1-1 and be quickly located by first responders. The new rules will also improve emergency response for people who call 9-1-1 from other calling platforms.

Google Implements New 9-1-1 Feature on Android Devices

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Google Implements New 9-1-1 Feature on Android Devices

Google is implementing a new 9-1-1 feature in the Phone app on Pixel and select Android devices.
Tapping on the “medical,” “fire” or “police” buttons during an emergency call will convey the type of emergency to the operator through an automated voice service. That service works on device, which means the information stays between the caller and emergency services, and the service functions whether or not there is a data connection. After a user activates the service, the caller can speak directly to the operator as well.
Google said its users’ location, which comes from a phone’s GPS, is often already shared with the operator when they make 9-1-1 calls. The new feature provides similar location information through the automated voice service, along with the caller’s plus code, which is another reliable way to help emergency services accurately locate calls.
“Like the rest of the content shared with the operator using this feature, your location stays between them and emergency services,” Google said.
This feature will become available in the U.S. during coming months, starting with Pixel phones.
Google said it has collected feedback from public-safety organizations, including the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), to make this feature as helpful as possible.
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81 percent of Idaho counties now have 9-1-1 emergency texting

IDAHO (CBS 2) — There are 44 counties in Idaho and 36 of them now having texting for 9-1-1 emergencies.

Ada County recently received emergency texting in May and the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office 9-1-1 Center just announced that it is now able to receive text messages into its system Thursday, August 1.

Long-time Ogle County dispatcher celebrates retirement

Courtesy: Ogle County Sheriff's Office (Facebook) OGLE COUNTY, Ill. (WIFR) -- A long-time dispatcher is retiring after 23 years with the Ogle County Sheriff's Office. Lisa Bloom received a memorial plaque to celebrate her retirement. The Ogle County Sheriff's...

9-1-1 outage affects AT&T landline phone users

The outage happened on Thursday in Rockford. ROCKFORD, Mich. — There is a 9-1-1 outage for AT&T landline phone customers in Rockford on Thursday.  You can call the Kent County Communications Center until this is resolved, the Kent County Sherrif's Office...

Big Bend counties welcome “Text-to-9-1-1” service

According to a release, once the initial text message is sent, the sender will receive an automated response asking for the address or location of the emergency. Officials say the service should only be used in emergency situations and ask that clear, simple language be used.

Texas 9-1-1 Agency Graduates 20 Telecommunicators Following Reclassification Bill

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Texas 9-1-1 Agency Graduates 20 Telecommunicators Following Reclassification Bill

NCT 9-1-1 hosts the only telecommunicator academy in the state. RTA Class #008 represents 12 different law-enforcement agencies and fire marshal offices in North Texas and Texarkana.
Texas is the first state to reclassify its telecommunicators and include them as first responders alongside officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians. Before HB1090, they were classified as secretaries.
“From citizens requesting emergency services to field units needing manpower or equipment or deployment resources during disasters, 9-1-1 telecommunicators are true first responders,” said NCT 9-1-1 Operations Manager Sherry Decker. “HB1090 will finally give them that recognition.”
The graduating recruits will have completed a rigorous four-week program that teaches equipment use, state mandates and regulations, how to handle emergency communications situations and more.
“I’ve been in this industry for 22 years,” said NCT 9-1-1 Training Coordinator Lysa Baker. “And these recruits have blown me away. It’s my job to not only teach them legal standards and best practices but to give them the resilience they’ll need to thrive. The recruits entering this industry make me excited about the future of 9-1-1.”
Texas is also the only state that requires telecommunicators to be licensed, which holds them to the same standards as peace officers and jailers. The 20 graduating recruits represent 12 different law enforcement agencies and fire marshal offices in North Texas and Texarkana.
NCT 9-1-1 is responsible for more than 40 public-safety answering points (PSAPs) in the 13 counties surrounding the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
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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.


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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.


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