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
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![Public Safety First podcast logo; “Alabama Improving Damage Assessment with FirstNet”; emergency manager uses laptop in car Public Safety First podcast logo; “Alabama Improving Damage Assessment with FirstNet”; emergency manager uses laptop in car](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode_xx_Cherokee_EM_webheader_890x300.jpg?itok=rZ_Y897F)
When disaster strikes, most emergency managers and public safety officials rely on pen and paper to conduct damage assessments. The process involves slow, manual data entry and can delay disaster aid for weeks. In Cherokee County, Alabama, emergency management personnel are using FirstNet devices to collect and upload damage assessment information in real time so that communities can get the help and resources they need faster.
![Grand Rapids police vehicle and Grand Rapids skyline Grand Rapids police vehicle and Grand Rapids skyline](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode_59_Grand_Rapids_MI_PD_webheader_890x300.jpg?itok=4NZLDHK8)
The Grand Rapids Police Department in Michigan is a full-service law enforcement agency serving a largely urban community. Officers with the department began experiencing in-car computers slowing down and losing the ability to access systems and databases due to reduced bandwidth. Since switching to FirstNet, officers can access the software they need throughout the city, giving them greater mobility while providing cost savings to the department.
![Public Safety First Podcast logo; "FirstNet is 'Force Multiplier' for Nebraska Sheriff's Office;" Buffalo County Sheriff's Office trucks, SUV, and cruiser parked on road next to a field; a sunset Public Safety First Podcast logo; "FirstNet is 'Force Multiplier' for Nebraska Sheriff's Office;" Buffalo County Sheriff's Office trucks, SUV, and cruiser parked on road next to a field; a sunset](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode-XX-Buchanan_Miller_webheader_890x300-gigapixel-very_compressed-height-300px.jpg?itok=6GQuYruz)
Sheriff Neil Miller of the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office in Nebraska began implementing mobile data more than 20 years ago, and he continues to bring advanced technologies to increase the efficiency of operations for deputies. With FirstNet being built out throughout the state of Nebraska, deputies and other first responders are able to spend more time in the communities they serve.
![Drone flying over moving train Drone flying over moving train](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode-xx--Burleson_County_SO_web_header_890x300.jpg?itok=eMzjCXnI)
Burleson County is a small, rural county east of Austin in Texas. The Burleson County Sheriff’s Office serves the county through law enforcement, corrections, and dispatch services. The Sheriff’s Office launched its drone program to enhance situational awareness during emergencies and planned events. As a rural county, connectivity is key, and FirstNet ensures footage from the drones can be streamed back in real time to decision makers on the ground.
![Police officer prepares drone on street; Public Safety First podcast logo; “Eyes in the Sky: Drones and FirstNet” Police officer prepares drone on street; Public Safety First podcast logo; “Eyes in the Sky: Drones and FirstNet”](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode-56---Sgt.-Adam-Ringle-Wilmington-PD_blog_890x300_web.jpg?itok=cc4uPRxV)
The Wilmington Police Department in Delaware serves the state’s largest city. Recognizing the need for more efficient and effective aerial video capabilities, the agency invested in unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in 2014. The agency relies on FirstNet to stream video footage from the drones back to the ground in real time, providing responders with critical information to make in-the-moment decisions.