Interoperability

Valley Regional Fire and Rescue relies on FirstNet to maintain mission-critical communications while protecting major interstates, vital infrastructure, and most importantly, their surroundin

The rugged terrain and remote geography of Luzerne County, North Carolina have long presented challenges for first responders who depend on communications to protect residents and visitors. With the addition of a new hilltop cell site in Drums, which improves coverage and capacity around Butler Drive and Old Turnpike Road, the Valley Regional Fire and Rescue team and surrounding public safety agencies will now benefit from expanded coverage.

The FirstNet Operations Manual is a comprehensive, user-friendly reference designed for all disciplines of public safety — including emergency management, law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, and 9-1-1/emergency communications. The manual was developed by experts in FirstNet solutions and operations to provide public safety professionals with the knowledge, tools, and resources to use FirstNet effectively in different situations. Get your questions answered in our new resource for public safety.

The FirstNet Operations Manual is a comprehensive, user-friendly reference designed for all disciplines of public safety — including

Sandusky, Ohio sees massive population swings — from a tight-knit community of 25,000 to thousands of visitors on peak summer weekends at Cedar Point and Lake Erie — putting pressure on public safety’s ability to communicate. By adopting FirstNet, local fire, police, public works, and other city departments now have reliable connectivity, improved coverage, and a new level of interoperability across agencies.

In Corning, New York, first responders and local government agencies use FirstNet to enhance public safety and connectivity across city departments.

In Corning, New York, local leaders are finding new ways to enhance public safety and improve communications across city departments with FirstNet. From real-time body camera streaming to improved data access in emergency vehicles, FirstNet is transforming how the city delivers public safety services while saving money and expanding coverage.

Swain County, North Carolina’s rugged terrain and remote geography have long presented challenges for first responders who depend on communications to protect residents and visitors. With the addition of a new FirstNet cell tower and integrating the network as a wireless backup solution, the Swain County Emergency Communication Center and surrounding public safety agencies now benefit from expanded coverage and improved backup connectivity.

Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation throughout the southeast United States in late 2024. Public safety leaders in Tennessee and North Carolina worked with partners across their state to ensure 9-1-1 calls could go through and responders had the communications they needed. FirstNet provided critical redundancy and resiliency during response and recovery efforts.

Tennessee integrated FirstNet into its statewide public safety radio system, the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN), to provide redundant, resilient communications for first responders. From tornados that destroyed radio infrastructure to a daring flood rescue during Hurricane Helene, FirstNet provided the coverage to keep responders connected in crucial moments.

Public Affairs Specialist Molly Hahn joins FirstNet Authority Senior Device Engineer Barry Leitch to understand the basics of Mission Critical Push-to-Talk and its capabilities. Learn how this technology enables instant, reliable communication for public safety— helping teams coordinate in real time, stay connected during emergencies, and enhance operational safety.

When the Groundhog Day annual ceremony attracted more than 50,000 visitors to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Police alongside local, state, and federal agencies, tapped into operational assistance from the FirstNet Authority. The FirstNet Authority worked closely with public safety officials to evaluate network coverage and ensure reliable communication for the event. Throughout the day, FirstNet provided high-speed coverage that allowed the multiple agencies to coordinate seamlessly and respond swiftly to emerging needs.

The Amherst Fire Department in Massachusetts is transforming the city’s public safety communications with broadband technology. Chief Lindsay Stromgren details the college town’s journey from traditional radio systems to the advanced functionalities of push-to-talk on FirstNet.

EMS personnel must be able to rely on their communications — especially during worst-case scenarios. Assistant Chief Troy Harmison of Bondurant Emergency Services in Iowa shared how a communications failure at a critical moment changed how his agency managed communications.

Home to multiple U.S. Army commands, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, two federal law enforcement agencies, and even a 35,000-acre wildlife refuge, Redstone Arsenal requires seamless collaboration from its public safety community. Hear from Deputy Fire Chief Robert Simmons and Operations Specialist Marcel Chevalier of Redstone Arsenal Fire and Emergency Services, as they discuss how FirstNet keeps the base communicating. Explore how FirstNet supports federal operations at: FirstNet.Gov/Federal

In northeastern Kansas, volunteer firefighters respond to incidents that have increasingly grown more intense in the area. Bigger and faster fires mean dependable communications are key to protecting the community. Shawnee County Fire District #4 installed FirstNet High Power User Equipment and routers in their firetrucks, keeping firefighters connected across the rural landscape.

At Redstone Arsenal military base, secure lines of communication between federal partners are critical. Watch Operations Specialist Marcel Chevalier and Deputy Fire Chief Robert Simmons of Redstone Arsenal as they break down how FirstNet supports streamlined emergency communications on the military installation. Explore how FirstNet supports federal operations at: FirstNet.Gov/Federal

Redstone Arsenal is home to multiple U.S. Army commands, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, 2 federal law enforcement agencies, and even a 35,000-acre wildlife refuge. When there’s an emergency, it is critical that first responders on base can communicate across agencies, as well as with their counterparts from the surrounding area. They look to FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, to ensure seamless communication during complex federal public safety operations.

The evolution of technology has changed the landscape of search and rescue missions — clearing radio airwaves for essential traffic and mission critical information. Travis Hull, Kate Cummings, Ben Lawrence, and Jason Day explore how broadband solutions have increased operation efficiencies, live at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit. 

The Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi, known as Meskwaki Nation, is the only federally recognized tribe in Iowa. The Meskwaki Police Department uses FirstNet for reliable connectivity across the reservation. FirstNet coverage helps tribal police officers communicate during everyday operations and planned events in the community, including the annual Powwow.