Public Safety First, a FirstNet Authority Podcast

Nine years after the passage of the legislation that created FirstNet, retired Police Chief Harlin McEwen reflects on the evolution of FirstNet and how the network is benefiting first responders today. Harlin also talks about the future of FirstNet and how new technologies, such as high-powered user equipment and Z-axis features, are “game changers” for public safety.

The Cameron Peak Fire burned nearly 209,000 acres (326 square miles) in Colorado in late 2020, making it the largest wildfire in state history. As firefighters fought the blaze, FirstNet deployables and devices allowed them to access apps and resources that made their jobs easier and kept them connected to Incident Command and their families back home.

When heavy rain caused two dams to breach in Midland, Michigan, over 10,000 residents were forced to evacuate their homes. The Midland Fire Department requested statewide assistance, and the Oakland Communications Support Team answered the call. Using a FirstNet deployable and devices, first responders were able to access forms, maps, and other key information as they conducted damage assessment a...

The Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System (ISICS) Board, led by Board Chair Tom Lampe, was formed in 2007 to create and manage the statewide land mobile radio system known as ISICS. Coupled with the buildout of FirstNet, ISICS has given first responders across Iowa’s 99 counties access to reliable, redundant communications. The LMR and LTE systems have played critical roles in day-to-...

Harris County, Texas, was one of the early adopters of FirstNet. As the nation’s third most populous county, first responders in the area need to be prepared for any event. The Harris County Radio Services Organization operates the regional radio system for public safety in Harris County, and FirstNet is allowing them augment that radio system in remote areas and in times of heavy network congesti...

Sacred Cross EMS provides EMS and emergency and non-emergency ambulance transport services across North and West Texas. Many of the areas that the company services are rural, and cellular coverage is traditionally sparse. With the help of FirstNet, Sacred Cross is able to communicate among crews, with hospitals, and with dispatch provide better patient care in these remote areas during everyday in...

Edward Horowitz reflects on his time as Chair of the FirstNet Authority Board and shares how his career and personal experiences led him to serve the nation’s public safety community.

The Office of Unified Communications (OUC) in Washington D.C. is responsible for 9-1-1 and 3-1-1 calls in the nation’s capital, as well as dispatch services and radio communications for D.C. first responders. The OUC handles nearly 3.5 million emergency and non-emergency calls each year. When the pandemic hit, the OUC turned to FirstNet MiFis to support remote telework for 3-1-1 and non-emergency...

When Otterbein University in Ohio played host to the 2019 Democratic presidential debate, thousands flocked to the City of Westerville to attend. During the event, the Westerville Police Department used FirstNet and drones to capture live, high-definition video and relay it to the emergency operations center, improving situational awareness and decision making.

The Saint Louis region is home to 88 municipalities across 523 square miles. For public safety officials in this area of Missouri, interoperability is key. To meet this need, the Clayton Fire Department is using FirstNet to connect to other first responders, access data on the scene of incidents, and enhance situational awareness and patient care.

Edward Parkinson was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the FirstNet Authority on March 12, 2020. One hundred days into the job, he reflects back on the creation of the FirstNet Authority and how far the organization has come, including recent investments that will prepare the network for the future.

The Texas A&M Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center (ITEC) in College Station, Texas plays an important role in developing public safety broadband technologies. Through its annual Winter Institute Workshop and Exercise, ITEC has brought together industry and public safety leaders to test and developing apps and services that benefit first responders.

With experience as a radio operator in a rural region, Oregon Congressman Greg Walden understands the importance of communication, especially for first responders. Motivated by the challenges he has seen for public safety, he authored and helped pass the legislation that created FirstNet.

In this episode, Ellen Ryan, Deputy Division Chief for the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Public Safety Communications Research Division, discusses the division’s Open Innovation program, including current and future grant and prize challenge opportunities.

To celebrate the second anniversary of the FirstNet Core, Carlos L’Abbate, FirstNet Authority Senior Director of Product Technology and Architecture, and Chuck Shaughnessy, FirstNet Authority Senior Advisor join host Dave Buchanan, FirstNet Authority Director of Public Safety Advocacy, to discuss how the Core was built for public safety and how it will continue to evolve to meet the needs of first...

FirstNet Authority National Tribal Government Liaison Adam Geisler sits down with Crystal Hottowe of the Makah Tribe in northwest Washington to talk about what it means to respond to emergencies in a marine environment, the looming threat of tsunamis, and broadband on tribal lands.

FirstNet Authority Senior Public Safety Advisor Gary McCarraher sits down with Chief Charles Doody to discuss the Canton (MA) Fire Department’s migration to FirstNet and how the network provides a pipeline for data and helps fill communications gaps that traditional portable radios cannot.

FirstNet Authority Senior Public Safety Advisor Lori Stone is joined by Tabitha Smithers, an emergency aviation flight nurse and Goochland County Fire and EMS volunteer paramedic, to discuss how FirstNet alleviates communications hurdles in her rural region of Virginia.

In this episode, Captain George Feole of the Derry (NH) Police Department reflects on the agency’s first year operating on FirstNet, highlighting the different ways the network has transformed operations and enhanced coverage for local police.

In the latest installment of the FirstNet Authority Roadmap podcast series, we highlight the Voice Communications domain in a discussion with Executive Director of Indiana’s Integrated Public Safety Commission Kelly Dignin on how her team is working to integrate the state’s land mobile radio system with FirstNet.

FirstNet Authority Senior Public Safety Advisor Lori Stone sits down with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Statewide Interoperability Coordinator Tom Crabbs to discuss FirstNet, how first responders are exploring and adapting cutting-edge technologies, and how the FirstNet Authority is helping public safety agencies nationwide advance operations.

In the latest installment of the FirstNet Authority Roadmap podcast series, Senior Public Safety Advisor, David Cook is joined by CEO and co-founder of SkyFire Consulting, Matt Sloane, to discuss how drones are enhancing situational awareness for first responders.

In the latest podcast, FirstNet Authority National Tribal Government Liaison Adam Geisler sits down with the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona’s Executive Director Maria Dadgar to discuss the jurisdictional and geographical challenges Arizona tribes face and how FirstNet could be the solution needed.

In this episode, Mesa (Arizona) Police Department, Sgt. Frailan Young, Jr., discusses the roll out of FirstNet in his agency and how they are developing new technology, including a mobile app, to enhance response times for law enforcement officers. This episode is the next installment in our FirstNet Authority Roadmap podcast series, focusing on User Experience — one of six domains that will guide...

In this episode, host Dave Buchanan sits down with Chris Denney, Division Chief of the Southern Platte (MO) Fire District, to discuss how firefighters at his agency are using FirstNet to enhance daily operations.