EMS is a vital public service. Members of EMS crews work tirelessly on the frontline, providing critical care to those in need. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week, Chief Jason Rhodes of the Center for EMS at the Rhode Island Department of Health looks back on the highlights of his career and recognizes the lifesaving work EMTs and paramedics perform every day ..read more

National Police Week is a poignant reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It is also a time to recognize the around-the-clock dedication and selflessness of the men and women of law enforcement. In honor of this week, retired Chief Jeri Williams of the Phoenix Police Department in Arizona reflects on the meaning of sacrifice and its impact on her career in law enforcement ..read more

Las Vegas public safety agencies spent months planning for the first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix race and hosting football’s biggest game of the year. As part of their preparations, the Clark County Fire Department and other Las Vegas public safety agencies worked with the FirstNet Authority’s Network Experience Engagement Program. Through a collaborative planning process, FirstNet ensured first responders were prepared for these major planned events, as well as an unexpected avalanche just north of the city. Podcast Guest: Doug Harder, Senior Public Safety Advisor, First Responder Network Autho ..read more

A firefighter’s commitment to selflessness serves as a shining example of the best of humanity. Expressing appreciation for their everyday heroism is not only about recognizing their courageous acts, but also acknowledging the personal sacrifices they make to protect their communities. In recognition of International Firefighters’ Day, Chief Loy Senter of Chesterfield County Fire and EMS in Virginia discusses his 45-year career in the fire service and honors the extraordinary work of firefighters around the world ..read more

Emergency telecommunicators are the critical link between first responders and the larger community. They are the voice of calm on someone’s worst day. In honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, Maui County Emergency Services Dispatch Coordinator Davlynn Racadio reflects on her 36-year career as a dispatcher and celebrates the exceptional work telecommunicators do 24/7/365 ..read more

The Kleberg County Sheriff’s Office in Texas is revolutionizing their approach to law enforcement communication with broadband technology designed to enhance real-time connectivity and response. Sheriff Richard Kirkpatrick shares his department's journey from traditional radio systems to the advanced functionalities of FirstNet's Push-to-Talk feature, which now bolsters communication at their jailing facility and strengthens school security and disaster response in the county ..read more

When an eight-year-old boy went missing in Michigan's sprawling Porcupine Mountains, an extensive search and rescue operation was initiated. Darian Reed, President of Superior Search and Rescue, discovered that broadband and data service support from FirstNet was pivotal in successfully and safely recovering the child ..read more

The University of Virginia (UVA) Health system uses nearly 4,000 mobile devices, powered by FirstNet, to enhance care for patients. The leader of UVA Health’s Mobile Device Technologies program, Anthony Thompson, discusses the impact of FirstNet in healthcare and how it’s supporting telemedicine capabilities, translation services, and rural healthcare ..read more

Macon Bibb County, Georgia is redefining they way it prepares for disasters and major events each day. Spencer Hawkins, Emergency Management Director for the Macon-Bibb County government discusses the county’s plans for facing all types of issues including hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and other major weather events. The Emergency Management team also works tirelessly to ensure all stakeholders in the area work on integrated communications when they approach disasters including local law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and secondary users like public works ..read more

When a rural fire in Brooks County, Texas engulfed 6,500 acres of land, the Falfurrias Fire Department faced significant communication and coordination challenges due to the remote location of the fire. FirstNet provided a solution to this problem with the deployment of a SatCOLT, a vehicle with its own cell site non-reliant on commercial power supplies, that provided crucial connectivity and support to over 40 agencies and public safety personnel. This subsequently enabled efficient mapping of the location, real-time weather updates, and seamless communication among first responders ..read more