Deployables
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.
FirstNet Authority Senior Emergency Management Advisor Bruce Fitzgerald spent more than 15 years in public safety and crisis management, responding to major disasters and assisting with recovery and mitigation. At the FirstNet Authority, he works with emergency managers to understand their needs and demonstrate how mobile broadband can support all phases of emergency management.
As broadband becomes more prevalent in public safety communications, the FirstNet Authority offers the After Action Review (AAR) program — a free service available to any FirstNet subscribing agency to capture best practices and lessons learned related to event planning, logistics, operations, and technology use. The AAR program has made a positive impact on communications usage at events such as the New York International Air Show.
The FirstNet Authority team offers advance planning and preparation support to FirstNet users. We work closely with public safety agencies to understand the event, identify first responders’ needs and desired capabilities for that day, and work with our network partner, AT&T, to identify what broadband solutions and coverage are needed to successfully support the event.
Nine years after the passage of the legislation that created FirstNet, retired Police Chief Harlin McEwen reflects on the evolution of FirstNet and how the network is benefiting first responders today. Harlin also talks about the future of FirstNet and how new technologies, such as high-powered user equipment and Z-axis features, are “game changers” for public safety.
Every year, the FirstNet Authority provides a report to Congress outlining the activities, operations, financial condition, and accomplishments from the previous fiscal year. Tom Shull, FirstNet Authority Director of Legislative Affairs, provides an overview of the FirstNet Authority’s Annual Report to Congress for Fiscal Year 2020.
The Cameron Peak Fire burned nearly 209,000 acres (326 square miles) in Colorado in late 2020, making it the largest wildfire in state history. As firefighters fought the blaze, FirstNet deployables and devices allowed them to access apps and resources that made their jobs easier and kept them connected to Incident Command and their families back home.
When Lieutenant LeRoy Sisley of the Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team #10 in Washington arrived on the Bertschi Road Fire in Glenwood, he quickly noticed cell service was spotty and limited. Within three hours of submitting a request to FirstNet, a deployable network asset arrived on scene. This deployable provided much needed coverage to the firefighters responding to the wildfire, allowing them to check weather reports, order supplies and equipment, and coordinate with other teams.
FirstNet is making a difference for law enforcement agencies across the nation—in both daily operations and at big events, whether planned or unplanned. In northern Virginia, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office relies on FirstNet for everyday use, emergencies, and large events. They also partner with other FirstNet users in the region to collaborate on how to best use the network.
At the December 2020 3GPP Plenary meetings, there was continued momentum with Release 17 and mission critical features, including continued inclusion and clarification of 5G direct mode and broadcast mode communications. Many public safety agencies from across the globe co-signed two contributions authored and led by the FirstNet Authority to emphasize the importance of these features.
The Christmas Day bombing of an AT&T building in Nashville remains under investigation, and restoration of the damaged and destroyed buildings, property, and infrastructure continues.
On Christmas morning, a motorhome packed with explosives detonated directly in front of the AT&T central office facility in Nashville. The bombing resulted in an outage that affected the Internet, phone, and wireless services of all major carriers, including FirstNet, in the local area as well the wider region. The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) has been working closely with AT&T and local, state, and federal officials following the attack. Based upon initial analysis, it appears the FirstNet network infrastructure was not directly impacted by the explosion, and service continued operating on temporary battery power in the hours immediately following the event. However, because the bomb destroyed two local water mains, backup power generators were flooded and inoperable, and there was insufficient time to reroute all services before backup batteries were exhausted.
When heavy rain caused two dams to breach in Midland, Michigan, over 10,000 residents were forced to evacuate their homes. The Midland Fire Department requested statewide assistance, and the Oakland Communications Support Team answered the call. Using a FirstNet deployable and devices, first responders were able to access forms, maps, and other key information as they conducted damage assessment and cleanup.
When a wildfire broke out near Glenwood, Washington, first responders quickly discovered the remote area had nearly no cell service. Needing to communicate with one another as well as check weather reports and order additional supplies, the incident management team requested a FirstNet deployable asset. Within hours, the firefighters were connected with the situational awareness they needed.
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.
First responders in tribal nations are tackling the COVID-19 health crisis with dedication and innovation, and many are turning to technology solutions to enhance their operations. Tribal nations like the Colville Tribes in Washington have gotten a boost in coverage from FirstNet at testing sites and emergency operation centers.
The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office in South Dakota covers a diverse jurisdiction, from the Badlands to Black Elk Peak. Communication is key for deputies in every part of the largely rural county. FirstNet provides the coverage and capacity they need when seconds count.
With a fleet of 76 deployable assets ranging from Satellite Cell on Light Trucks to the FirstNet One Aerostat, FirstNet is prepared for hurricane season. These assets are pre-staged and available to respond when disasters strike.