Shawn Talmadge, State Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, describes how the Commonwealth utilizes of FirstNet capabilities — such as radio interoperability, unmanned arial systems, and flood monitoring — to ensure reliable communication for Virginia’s emergency teams both during routine and unexpected events. Shawn Talmadge was the recipient of a 2024 Patriot Award.

Join Shawn Talmadge as he shares his perspective on the critical role of communications in disaster response. Learn more about FirstNet in Virginia at FirstNet.gov/Virginia.