Interoperability

Public safety agencies in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, joined FirstNet in 2019. Now, first responders have access to a network built for their needs with priority and preemption capabilities that help them quickly and securely communicate during everyday incidents, large events, and emergencies.

First responders in Pennington County, South Dakota, operate in a remote county with unique terrain. With FirstNet bringing new tower infrastructure, deployables, and a reliable network connection, deputies with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office are able to move data and information quickly and securely.

During the 2018 college basketball championship in San Antonio, the Southwest Texas Fusion Center used FirstNet to monitor live data coming from officers in the field and security cameras. With a reliable network connection, first responders were able to quickly and securely send data and respond to incidents.

Assistant Chief Rodney Reed of the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office (TX) touches on the County’s experience as an Early Builder, and now as a FirstNet subscriber, as well as Hurricane Harvey response, apps, and Real-Time Data

For public safety in Niagara County, interoperability is key, and for years, agencies have worked on a regional approach to interoperability. With FirstNet, the agencies in this area have access to a dedicated network for first responders that also provides cost-effective interoperability solutions.

Host Dave Buchanan is joined by Amanda Hilliard, Senior Director of Business Operations, Public Safety Advocacy, for a discussion on the importance of engaging the public safety community and the evolution of FirstNet’s advocacy efforts. Episode 2 also features first responders sharing their initial perspectives on the FirstNet network.

Public safety agencies in Whiteville joined FirstNet, providing local first responders with access to a reliable and secure network.

Harry Markley joined the First Responder Network Authority as law enforcement senior advisor after more than 30 years with the Phoenix Police Department. Markley started his career as patrol officer and was promoted through the ranks to assistant chief of police. In his three decades of service, he touched nearly every part of the department, serving as a narcotics detective, training officer, SWAT team commander, crime lab administrator, precinct commander, and director of the State Police Academy.

In Bay, Arkansas, local law enforcement and fire agencies adopted FirstNet so they had a reliable way to communicate with each other. With interoperable communications in place, the city’s police and fire departments were able to expand service beyond the city's six square miles. Today, they serve and protect nearly 3,000 residents living within 18 square miles.

For first responders at the 2017 International Balloon Festival, communicating and sharing information became much easier because of FirstNet's priority capabilities. Instead of slow or lost signals that often occur during large events, law enforcement and public safety officials at the festival experienced enhanced coverage, connectivity, and capacity with FirstNet.

Captain Phil Perry of the Alexandria Fire Department talks about the central role communications plays when multiple jurisdictions respond. From the tragic crash of an Air Florida flight in 1982 to the terrorist attack on the Pentagon in 2001 to more routine events, Captain Perry says the ability to share information affects the success, safety, and speed of public safety’s response.