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
![Episode 40: When all Eyes Were on Westerville, Ohio, FirstNet Kept First Responders Connected Public Safety First podcast logo; hand points to computer screen; “When all Eyes Were on Westerville, Ohio, FirstNet Kept First Responders Connected”](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/episode%2036%20-%20Richardson_Morlan_blog_890x300_web.jpg?itok=zbWBU2B-)
When Otterbein University in Ohio played host to the 2019 Democratic presidential debate, thousands flocked to the City of Westerville to attend. During the event, the Westerville Police Department used FirstNet and drones to capture live, high-definition video and relay it to the emergency operations center, improving situational awareness and decision making.
![Episode 39 With FirstNet the Future is Now for Missouri Fire Chief Clayton Fire Department fire service vehicles; Public Safety First podcast icon; “With FirstNet the Future is Now for Missouri Fire Chief”; headshots of Chief John Paul Jones, Chief Richard Carrizzo, and Kyle Richardson](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Episode%2039%20-%20Richardson_Carrizzo_Jones_blog_890x300_web.jpg?itok=nJPfZOtI)
The Saint Louis region is home to 88 municipalities across 523 square miles. For public safety officials in this area of Missouri, interoperability is key. To meet this need, the Clayton Fire Department is using FirstNet to connect to other first responders, access data on the scene of incidents, and enhance situational awareness and patient care.
![Episode 38: 100 days as CEO: Ed Parkinson on the FirstNet Authority’s past, present, and future FirstNet Authority CEO Edward Parkinson stands in front of American flag; Public Safety First podcast icon; “100 days as CEO; Ed Parkinson on the FirstNet Authority’s past, present, and future”](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/episode%2038%20-%20buchanan_parkinson_blog_890x300_web.jpg?itok=DlByEegV)
Edward Parkinson was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the FirstNet Authority on March 12, 2020. One hundred days into the job, he reflects back on the creation of the FirstNet Authority and how far the organization has come, including recent investments that will prepare the network for the future.
![Episode 37: Evolving Public Safety Tech at the Texas A&M Winter Institute Public Safety First podcast icon; “Evolving Public Safety Tech at the Texas A&M Winter Institute”; Jacque Waring and Walt Magnussen stand in front of Disaster City at Texas A&M University](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/Podcast-37---Waring_Magnussen_blog_890x300_web.jpg?itok=6Q3K9GeH)
The Texas A&M Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center (ITEC) in College Station, Texas plays an important role in developing public safety broadband technologies. Through its annual Winter Institute Workshop and Exercise, ITEC has brought together industry and public safety leaders to test and developing apps and services that benefit first responders.
![Public Safety First podcast icon; “Creating FirstNet: A Conversation with Oregon Congressman Greg Walden”; blue audio wave line; headshot of Congressman Greg Walden Public Safety First podcast icon; “Creating FirstNet: A Conversation with Oregon Congressman Greg Walden”; blue audio wave line; headshot of Congressman Greg Walden](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/episode%2036%20-%20walden_parkinson_blog_890x300_web.jpg?itok=PqIjKgj5)
With experience as a radio operator in a rural region, Oregon Congressman Greg Walden understands the importance of communication, especially for first responders. Motivated by the challenges he has seen for public safety, he authored and helped pass the legislation that created FirstNet.