Public Safety First
The FirstNet Authority Podcast
The Public Safety First podcast takes a deep dive into public safety communications, highlighting the creative ways responders are using technology to serve their communities. Join FirstNet Authority experts and public safety leaders to hear success stories, best practices, and lessons learned related to broadband in public safety operations. Subscribe on iTunes, SoundCloud, and YouTube
All Episodes
![St. Augustine Police SUV with blue Gradient background St. Augustine Police SUV with blue Gradient background](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/bEpisode_xx_St._Augustine_webheader_890x300%20%281%29.jpg?itok=8_uKHkl6)
![Public Safety First podcast logo; Public Safety Communications Research Division Chief Dereck Orr speaks to FirstNet Authority Board Chair Stephen Benjamin while Benjamin wears virtual reality goggles; overlapping lines Public Safety First podcast logo; Public Safety Communications Research Division Chief Dereck Orr speaks to FirstNet Authority Board Chair Stephen Benjamin while Benjamin wears virtual reality goggles; overlapping lines](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode_64_PSCR_webheader_890x300.jpg?itok=g0kj4YfA)
The Public Safety Immersive Test Center is a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide responders, researchers, and developers a virtual environment to develop, test, and evaluate public safety technologies. FirstNet Authority Chief Network Technology Officer Jeff Bratcher and Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) Division Chief Dereck Orr discuss the launch of the Test Center and the history of partnership between the FirstNet Authority and PSCR.
![FirstNet Provides Connectivity for New York MTA Police Department FirstNet Provides Connectivity for New York MTA Police Department](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode_NY_MTA_webheader_890x300.jpg?itok=eKZWIexJ)
For the New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department, FirstNet is a critical supplement one of the most complex wireless radio systems in New York. FirstNet extends coverage to places in New York that historically lacked portable radio coverage, enhancing the connectivity for officers assigned to the New York City subway system and increasing interoperability with partners throughout the state.
![Headshot of FirstNet Authority Board Chair Steve Benjamin; Public Safety First Podcast logo; blue audio waveform Headshot of FirstNet Authority Board Chair Steve Benjamin; Public Safety First Podcast logo; blue audio waveform](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode_xx_Stephen_Benjamin_2022_webheader_890x300.jpg?itok=7zRDWL-c)
With decades of experience in public safety and public service, Stephen Benjamin understands the importance of reliable communications for first responders. Ten years after the creation of the FirstNet Authority, he reflects on the impacts of FirstNet and shares his vision for the future of the network as Chair of the FirstNet Authority Board.
![Group of police officers from Casper, Wyoming stand in a group talking; Group of female police officers from Casper, Wyoming stand in a line in alleyway; Public Safety First logo Group of police officers from Casper, Wyoming stand in a group talking; Group of female police officers from Casper, Wyoming stand in a line in alleyway; Public Safety First logo](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode_xx_Casper_PD_webheader_890x300.jpg?itok=a3XHiJVP)
The Casper Police Department in Wyoming was one of the first agencies to use the FirstNet network in August 2017 when the city’s population was expected to nearly double during a solar eclipse. Four years later, FirstNet is providing Casper police officers with coverage across the city, dedicated applications to enhance operations, and connectivity to other city agencies during everyday incidents and major emergencies.