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Irish Hancock stands center speaking with an emergency operations center over one shoulder and an international soccer match over the other.

Planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026: Three Things Emergency Managers Need to Know

The 2026 World Cup will create unprecedented operational demands on the host city communities especially Arlington, Texas and the surrounding area. Emergency Management Administrator for the City of Arlington, Irish Hancock shares his three tips for how to prepare for the world's biggest sporting event.

Michele Abbott speaking during an interview overlayed in front of a FirstNet mobile command unit interior on the left and exterior on the right.

Kansas Emergency Mobile Dispatch and Training Center: Sharpening skills and supporting telecommunicators statewide

When the COVID-19 pandemic left emergency communication centers in Kansas short-staffed and training became a challenge, the Kansas State 911 Board launched an Emergency Mobile Dispatch and Training Center (EMDTC) powered by FirstNet. The EMDTC saved valuable time by bringing critical training directly to emergency telecommunicators and is available to augment call center capabilities across the state.

Four Intra-Collegiate Emergency Medical Service (IC-EMS) students smiling at the camera from electric carts while on duty at the Indiana University football stadium.

Planning for the crowd: How IC-EMS used FirstNet to elevate game day care at Indiana University

Facing a historic attendance during the 2025-2026 football season, Indiana University’s Intra-Collegiate Emergency Medical Service worked with FirstNet Authority to evaluate responder location mapping, assess coverage, and explore broadband solutions. Through collaborative pre-planning, IC-EMS improved response times, expanded situational awareness, and set the model for elevated patient care at scale.

A Farmville Police Department sport utility vehicle driving down the road, captured through the trees.

All Roads Lead to Service — and Connection

The Farmville Police Department protects a Virginia town that sits along U.S. 460 and U.S. 15, drawing steady traffic from Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Richmond. With local universities and major events bringing visitors to the town year-round, the department relies on FirstNet for reliable communications. The network is strengthening officer safety, operational readiness, and the department’s ability to serve a rapidly changing community.

FirstNet Authority staff and Coverage Enhancement Workshop participants, including a uniformed law enforcement officer, stand in a circle speaking

Enhancing FirstNet coverage where public safety needs it most

The FirstNet Authority understands that coverage must be expanded in strategic areas that reflect the needs of public safety. Our Coverage Enhancement Program gathers input from public safety on where they need coverage to help guide strategic network investments. Workshops across the nation have provided a forum for state and local government officials and public safety leaders to meet with FirstNet Authority staff to relay where coverage is inadequate and how that impacts operations.