9-1-1/Emergency Communications

America’s first responders are at the heart of the FirstNet Authority’s mission. Many FirstNet Authority staff are either current or former public safety officials. Collectively, they have deep experience in all public safety disciplines. We celebrate all first responders on Honoring the Nation's First Responders Day, and we appreciate their service every day of the year.

The FirstNet network core provides first responders with a foundation for advancing their use of mobile broadband with mission critical features they never had before. The FirstNet core network is based on 4G LTE technology. The next generation of cellular technology, 5G, is on the horizon and in the process of being implemented around the world by more than 200 cellular operators. In addition to greater device capacity, the 5G architecture breaks the core into many smaller pieces and locates them all over the network. This creates increased resiliency, more redundancy, improved security and puts users physically closer to where the networks higher order computing takes place.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck our Nation, first responders began to face a new set of challenges that changed operations for many public safety agencies and call centers. The District of Columbia’s emergency communications center, the Office of Unified Communications, quickly made accommodations to support remote call taking to keep call takers safe while continuing to be a one-stop shop for emergency communications in the Nation’s capital.

In Chesapeake, Virginia, the local fire department is exploring ways to manage response for non-emergent care. The Chesapeake Fire Department launched a Mobile Integrated Healthcare program to provide residents with effective access to healthcare. With FirstNet, they are able to access real-time data in the field and coordinate with high-risk patients throughout the community.

As the nation continues to face the effects of COVID-19, call centers have had adjust their operations in order to maintain communications for 9-1-1 and 3-1-1 calls, while keeping their employees safe. Thanks to FirstNet, the Office of Unified Communications has been able to continue operating safely and securely.

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. 

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.

The Emergency Communications Center in Alexandria, Virginia, used FirstNet to seamlessly continue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. With FirstNet, telecommunicators were able to work remotely and stay safe.

The Emergency Communications Center in Alexandria, Virginia, used FirstNet to seamlessly continue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. With FirstNet, telecommunicators were able to work remotely and stay safe.

Emergency communications professionals across the country utilize FirstNet to support innovative approaches to 9-1-1 and dispatch. FirstNet’s secure, reliable broadband connection helps telecommunicators deliver accurate, robust information to on the scene responders. FirstNet, and the technology ecosystem that has built up around it, is especially helpful for dispatchers placed in uncommon situations. 

During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the First Responder Network recognizes the critical role telecommunicators play in keeping our communities safe and secure.

The Hamilton County Communications Center in Ohio is responsible for dispatch services for public safety agencies across the county. Access to FirstNet’s robust and reliable platform is helping tactical dispatchers at the center.

In Hamilton County, Ohio, FirstNet’s robust and reliable platform is making it possible for technical dispatch teams responding to high-profile, large scale events to remain as fully functional as if they were operating within the four-walls of their Emergency Communications Center.

The Charleston County Consolidated 911 Center in South Carolina is upgrading its computer-aided dispatch system. With the new, cloud-based system in place, the 911 Center will use FirstNet as a backup system, ensuring they will always be connected and able to operate.

Sheriff Neil A. Miller of Buffalo County has been awarded the Chief Harlin R. McEwen Public Safety Broadband Communications Award for his remarkable leadership and significant contributions to the advancement of public safety broadband communications across Nebraska.

FirstNet Authority Senior Public Safety Advisor Lori Stone sits down with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Statewide Interoperability Coordinator Tom Crabbs to discuss FirstNet, how first responders are exploring and adapting cutting-edge technologies, and how the FirstNet Authority is helping public safety agencies nationwide advance operations.