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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![Headshot of Tom Lampe; Public Safety First podcast icon; Iowa Department of Public Safety Communications mobile command vehicle Headshot of Tom Lampe; Public Safety First podcast icon; Iowa Department of Public Safety Communications mobile command vehicle](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode-45_Buchanan_Lampe_blog_890x300_web.jpg?itok=j8hIFtV-)
The Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System (ISICS) Board, led by Board Chair Tom Lampe, was formed in 2007 to create and manage the statewide land mobile radio system known as ISICS. Coupled with the buildout of FirstNet, ISICS has given first responders across Iowa’s 99 counties access to reliable, redundant communications. The LMR and LTE systems have played critical roles in day-to-day response as well as major incidents, including the 2020 derecho storms and a recent missing children’s case.
![Episode 44: A Texas Land Mobile Radio Network Reaches New Heights With FirstNet Public Safety First podcast logo; photo of Greg Jurrens in front of the Texas state flag with Harris county outlined and in red with a deployable as a locator.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode-44_Randall_Jurrens_Harris-County-LMR-LTE-interconnection_blog_890x300_web.jpg?itok=Rs7JLuci)
Harris County, Texas, was one of the early adopters of FirstNet. As the nation’s third most populous county, first responders in the area need to be prepared for any event. The Harris County Radio Services Organization operates the regional radio system for public safety in Harris County, and FirstNet is allowing them augment that radio system in remote areas and in times of heavy network congestion.
![Episode 43: FirstNet: Meeting the Needs of a Texas Rural Emergency Medical Service A first responder stands next to an emergency vehicle](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode%2043%20-%20Sacred-Cross-EMS_blog_890x300_web-final.jpg?itok=siIlfbs7)
Sacred Cross EMS provides EMS and emergency and non-emergency ambulance transport services across North and West Texas. Many of the areas that the company services are rural, and cellular coverage is traditionally sparse. With the help of FirstNet, Sacred Cross is able to communicate among crews, with hospitals, and with dispatch provide better patient care in these remote areas during everyday incidents and planned events.
![Headshot of Edward Horowitz; Public Safety First podcast logo; blue audio wave line; “Edward Horowitz – Shaping FirstNet from need to reality” Headshot of Edward Horowitz; Public Safety First podcast logo; blue audio wave line; “Edward Horowitz – Shaping FirstNet from need to reality”](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode-42_Parkinson_Horowitz_blog_890x300_web.jpg?itok=hQorSxL6)
Edward Horowitz reflects on his time as Chair of the FirstNet Authority Board and shares how his career and personal experiences led him to serve the nation’s public safety community.
![Episode 41: FirstNet: Keeping a DC Call Center Connected During the Pandemic Public Safety First podcast logo; women facing computer screen and a fire truck](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/episode%2041%20-%20DC911_DC-Office-of-Unified-Communications_OUC_blog_890x300_web.jpg?itok=NweoNQU6)
The Office of Unified Communications (OUC) in Washington D.C. is responsible for 9-1-1 and 3-1-1 calls in the nation’s capital, as well as dispatch services and radio communications for D.C. first responders. The OUC handles nearly 3.5 million emergency and non-emergency calls each year. When the pandemic hit, the OUC turned to FirstNet MiFis to support remote telework for 3-1-1 and non-emergency 9-1-1 call takers, keeping staff safe while answering the call for D.C. residents and visitors.