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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![First responder in the woods with her search and rescue dog First responder in the woods with her search and rescue dog](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode-50-K9_Harder_blog_890x300_web_0.jpg?itok=bTTNdP3z)
Public safety K9s can be trained for a wide range of services, from search and rescue to bomb and drug detection. These dogs work across urban, rural, wilderness, and disaster settings, and can sometimes end up a mile away from their handler. As technology advances, handlers are exploring ways technology – such as trackers and live-streaming cameras – can enhance K9 operations, keep dogs and handlers safe, and improve situational awareness and mission success.
![Emergency Communications Center dispatcher in front of monitor plus podcast/microphone logo Emergency Communications Center dispatcher in front of monitor plus podcast/microphone logo](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode-49---arlington-ecc_Mulholland_header_890x300_web.jpg?itok=X9EK4bR_)
In response to the spread of COVID-19, public safety agencies looked for ways to keep personnel safe while continuing to serve their communities. The Arlington County Emergency Communications Center in Virginia launched remote call-taking, dispatching, and supervision capabilities. Telecommunicators are able to work from home or other locations with a setup that includes a FirstNet hotspot.
![City landscape in the evening, Podcast Icon and Image (bubble) of Harlin McEwen, retired Police Chief and Former FirstNet Authority Public Safety Advisory Committee Chair City landscape in the evening, Podcast Icon and Image (bubble) of Harlin McEwen, retired Police Chief and Former FirstNet Authority Public Safety Advisory Committee Chair](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode-48-Parkinson_McEwen_header_890x300_web.jpg?itok=e5gXBzdx)
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 forest fire seen from south of Estes Park , Colorado. The Cameron Peak forest fire seen from south of Estes Park , Colorado.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode-47_Cameron-Peak-Wildfire_header_890x300_web.jpg?itok=-crt4VPS)
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.
![photo of flooded city with headshots of Matt Weil, Team Coordinator, Oakland County, Michigan, Communications Support Team and Ken Kiley, Team Leader, Oakland County, Michigan, Communications Support Team photo of flooded city with headshots of Matt Weil, Team Coordinator, Oakland County, Michigan, Communications Support Team and Ken Kiley, Team Leader, Oakland County, Michigan, Communications Support Team](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode-46_Midland-Flood_blog_890x300_web.jpg?itok=y4t2Z73t)
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 and cleanup.