Fire Service
As the Marshall Fire burned through Boulder County, it quickly became the most destructive fire in Colorado state history. The fire damaged critical infrastructure and commercial networks were congested, but responders were able to communicate with FirstNet deployable assets on site, including a compact rapid deployable that was able to traverse steep terrain and establish coverage quickly.
North Carolina’s first responders face a variety of challenges with “communication deserts” throughout the state, especially in rural areas. With a new FirstNet cell tower in Wayne County, first responders will have the coverage they need for emergencies and daily activities.
FirstNet is revolutionizing the delivery of public safety services for all users. Learn how FirstNet is expanding broadband coverage into rural areas that have been traditionally underserved or unserved.
Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Chief (ret.) Mike Duyck has been awarded the prestigious Chief Harlin R. McEwen Public Safety Broadband Communications Award (Harlin McEwen Award) for his leadership and commitment to the advancement of broadband communications for public safety personnel across Oregon and nationwide.
First responders bravely and selflessly protect and serve our communities every day. On National First Responders Day, we take time to celebrate and honor their dedication. The FirstNet Authority is proud to serve the men and women of public safety with innovative solutions that can make their jobs easier, more efficient, and safer.
The FirstNet Authority continuously works with public safety across the country to evolve the FirstNet network. One of the key capabilities that public safety requested during the planning phase of FirstNet was the ability to determine the Z-axis, or vertical axis, location of personnel. This service is now available in a growing number of areas on the FirstNet network for the nation’s first responders.
The Boise Fire Department in Idaho acquired a Compact Rapid Deployable, giving the agency on-demand access to enhanced coverage when and where it’s needed. The asset and FirstNet’s reliable, dedicated connection will help the agency navigate emergencies and disasters, from wildfires to every day incidents.
Personnel with the Los Angeles Fire Department and County Department of Public Health in California are using FirstNet-enabled devices to better serve residents and visitors to the Los Angeles region. In addition to routers, modems, and smartphones, the agencies are utilizing an Internet of Things system solution on the network to help detect radiation and HAZMAT incidents.
A new FirstNet cell site was turned on in Dorchester County, Maryland, on the property of the Neck District Volunteer Fire Company. The site brings enhanced connectivity and communications to public safety in the region.
Last year, firefighters on the west coast battled a relentless string of fires prompting mass evacuations, destroying thousands of homes and threatening dozens of communities. As the fires and the pandemic continue to pose a double threat, FirstNet worked as it was intended by giving first responders prioritized and preemptive service to make sure that emergency communications always comes first. FirstNet prioritizes first responder communication ahead of non-emergency communications – and that has made all the difference in keeping firefighters safe as they protect communities and save lives.
Five things to know about FirstNet and wildfire response operations.
At the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), our goal is to support public safety in operationalizing their network, FirstNet, and ensure it continues to evolve to meet public safety’s communications needs. As part of our engagement efforts, we spoke to several wildland firefighters and agencies about lessons learned of using public safety broadband for combatting wildfires. Here are their takeaways and key things to keep in mind when it comes to using FirstNet to support the frontlines.
Dorchester County’s first responders got another major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.
Teton County is a rural county in northwest Wyoming. Situated in the Teton Range, the county experiences weather hazards including fires, floods, and wintery conditions, as well as earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches. Teton County first responders rely on FirstNet’s hardened network to stay connected in the most remote parts of the county and during tourist season when cell networks grow congested.
Northern Minnesota’s first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.
FirstNet Authority Senior Fire Services Advisor Gary McCarraher spent more than 45 years in fire and EMS, serving as fire chief of three departments. At the FirstNet Authority, he works with fire services personnel to understand the needs of firefighters and how FirstNet can provide greater situational awareness when responding to wildfires and urban fires.
The Cameron Peak Fire was the largest wildland fire in Colorado’s history. Don Patterson, a firefighter and communications expert, deployed to the fire knowing that broadband communications would play a huge role, particularly with the threat of COVID-19. Deployables and other advanced technologies helped everyone communicate — from incident command at the base camp to frontline firefighters.