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.

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.

Gainesville Fire Rescue in Florida is a 200-person responder agency with specialized teams such as HAZMAT response, urban search and rescue, and advanced emergency medical services. Operating in an urban city while also responding to rural areas means Gainesville Fire Rescue responders need access to secure and reliable communications. The agency tested FirstNet across the county to see the benefits in every aspect of their response.