Critical Connections

Critical Connections

By DejeroTechnology
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Critical Connections episodes

  • Ep. 13: From the Beat to the Cloud: Transforming Public Safety Technology

    From 13 years in law enforcement to helping build the technology used by first responders – Scott Montgomery’s career path is nothing short of remarkable.

    In this episode of Critical Connections, Dejero’s Ivy Cuervo and Kevin Fernandes sit down with Montgomery, who went from the frontlines of a SWAT team to Business Development Manager for Law Enforcement at Amazon Web Services (AWS).

    Together, they discuss the evolution of public safety technology, the growing role of connectivity in modern policing, and how innovations like Amazon Leo, satellite communications, drones, and real-time data could transform emergency response in the years ahead.

    For public safety professionals, technology leaders, first responders, and anyone interested in the future of connectivity, this episode offers an inside look at the innovations shaping the next generation of public safety.

     

    Learn more:

    AWS Public Safety: https://aws.amazon.com

    Dejero: https://dejero.com

     

    47 min
  • Ep. 12: Racing the Rock: Connectivity at Speed Across Newfoundland

    Targa Newfoundland is North America’s only tarmac rally — a 2,000 km motorsport event that crosses more than 130 communities across Newfoundland, challenging competitors with winding coastal roads, unpredictable terrain, and long stretches where connectivity can disappear entirely.

    In this episode of Critical Connections, host Ivy Cuervo, Director of Brand and Communications at Dejero, and co-host Kevin Fernandes, Chief Revenue Officer at Dejero, explore the operational challenges of running a rally at this scale — from connectivity gaps and safety coordination to real-time communication across remote areas.

    Joining the conversation are Robert Giannou, Co-Founder and Chairman of Targa Newfoundland, and Corey Finkelstein, Board of Governors member and competitor at Targa. Together they share the story behind the rally, the realities of managing an event across remote communities, and why reliable communication is critical to running a safe, world-class motorsport event.

    As Targa approaches its 25th anniversary, the rally is also welcoming Dejero as its official connectivity partner, helping strengthen communications across the course and support race operations in some of the most connectivity-challenged environments.

    Learn more about Targa Newfoundland: targanfld.com

    34 min
  • Ep. 11: Building TITAN: The World's First Triple 5G Connectivity Platform

    When communication fails, operations fail.

    In this episode of Critical Connections, host Ivy Cuervo introduces Dejero Titan Command: an industry-first triple 5G router and connectivity platform built for public safety and mission-critical operations. Years in the making, Titan Command is the first release in the Dejero Titan product family.

    Designed for law enforcement, emergency services, and the most connectivity-challenged environments, it features three independent 5G modems, integrated antennas, GPS, and powered by Dejero Smart Blending Technology.

    The result: resilient, mission-critical connectivity for agencies that cannot afford downtime.

    In this lively conversation, we explore:

    • Why public safety agencies demanded something fundamentally different
    • The engineering challenges of integrating three 5G modems into a single ruggedized gateway
    • How Smart Blending Technology aggregates multiple cellular networks simultaneously
    • Why network redundancy and independence are critical for emergency operations
    • The role of reliable connectivity in managing threat, harm and risk
    • For public safety leaders, emergency managers, and technology decision-makers, this episode offers insight into the future of mission-critical communications infrastructure.

      Titan Command is available now: dejero.com/titan

      37 min
    • Ep. 10: Community-Powered Emergency Response

      In the first episode of season 2, Critical Connections host Ivy Cuervo and co-host Michael Stanton from Dejero speak with Richard Price, retired fire chief and Founder & President of the PulsePoint Foundation, about how community-powered technology can save lives in the critical moments before first responders arrive. When cardiac arrest happens outside a hospital, survival comes down to minutes.

      Richard shares the moment that changed everything: he was having lunch when sirens stopped nearby. A cardiac arrest was happening next door and despite decades in the fire service, CPR training, and an AED close by, he had no way of knowing in time to help. That experience sparked PulsePoint: technology that alerts CPR-trained bystanders and helps bring AEDs to the scene faster.

      Episode highlights:
      • The origin story behind PulsePoint — and the “aha” moment
      • Why bystanders are essential to improving cardiac arrest outcomes
      • The AED problem: devices exist, but people often don’t know where they are
      • The National Emergency AED Registry (NEAR) and how it supports 911 dispatch
      • What’s next: wearables and expanding community-powered response
      • Want to learn more or get involved?

        If you’re CPR trained, download PulsePoint Respond

        Learn more: pulsepoint.org

        Explore the AED registry: nearregistry.org

         

        36 min
      • Ep. 9: How Technology is Revolutionizing Border Security

        In this episode of Critical Connections, two retired Border Patrol veterans share how border security tech has transformed over the last 25 years. Eddie Wagner, now at MissionRT, and Alejandro Cavazos, Business Development Advisor at Dejero, reflect on field realities and why reliable connectivity now underpins modern border operations.

        They trace the shift from Vietnam-era sensors to AI-enabled drones, body-worn tech capable of livestreaming 22 miles offshore, and resilient mesh networks built to work where coverage once didn’t exist. They also unpack why fiber infrastructure matters, how body-cams protect both officers and communities, and the growing role of tools like ATAK phones in autonomous field work.

        Highlights:

        • Tech evolution from 1999 to today
        • Connectivity in remote environments
        • Body-worn cameras and transparency
        • ATAK devices for field operations
        • Fiber optics as the future backbone
        • Building the case for government tech investment
        • Policy momentum shaping border modernization
        • Whether you're in law enforcement, government technology, or simply interested in how innovation is solving real-world challenges, this conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology, public safety, and national security.

          25 min
        • Ep. 8: Satellite in a box — 5-minute emergency solutions powered by Dejero

          When wildfires rage across remote mountains and cellular towers go dark, how do first responders maintain the critical communications they need to save lives?

          In this episode of Critical Connections, we meet with Scott Davis from Pelsue Communications to explore the cutting-edge solutions keeping emergency teams connected when traditional networks fail.

          Discover how rapid deployment satellite systems and smart network blending technology are revolutionizing emergency response. Learn why disasters that "start quickly, spread faster" demand connectivity solutions that can be deployed in under 5 minutes.

          You'll discover:

          • The unique challenges facing wildland firefighters and search & rescue teams
          • How satellite technology achieves lightning-fast deployment
          • Why network blending creates unbreakable connections in extreme environments
          • Real-world applications from Colorado's challenging terrain
          • Plus, hear about our upcoming live demonstration on August 21st in Clear Creek Canyon, where we'll showcase real search & rescue operations using these mission-critical technologies.

            Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

            Learn more: Pelsue.com | Dejero.com

            20 min
          • Ep. 7: How Critical Connectivity Powers High-Tech Construction Sites

            In this episode of Critical Connections, host Ivy Cuervo explores the transformation of modern construction sites into high-tech hubs. She’s joined by Rick Bertoncin, Director of IT and Security at Gallagher-Kaiser, and James Kay, Dejero’s Business Development Manager for Enterprise.

             

            Gallagher-Kaiser builds million-square-foot automotive paint facilities over several years—massive projects that rely on cutting-edge tools like virtual reality, augmented reality, and digital twin technology. Rick shares how these job sites, which often house up to 100 workers, demand reliable internet from day one—despite being in remote locations with no fiber access.

             

            Key Topics:

            • Modern construction technology and virtual reality applications
            • Connectivity challenges in remote construction sites
            • Dejero's Smart Blending Technology and multi-carrier solutions
            • Digital twin technology and AI in construction
            • The future of construction site operations
            •  

              🎧Tune in to learn how connectivity is reshaping the construction industry.

              👉 Learn more about Dejero’s critical connectivity solutions at dejero.com.

              18 min
            • Ep. 6: From Fear of AI Innovation To How Tech is Transforming Public Safety

              When you hear "artificial intelligence," what comes to mind? Fear of job loss? Sci-fi robots? Or the promise of innovation? In this episode, we explore how AI is already transforming public safety — from predictive policing to streamlined emergency response — and tackle the big questions about ethics, trust, and change management.

               

              🎯 What We Cover:

              • How AI is changing emergency response and 911 operations
              • Overcoming resistance to change in high-stakes environments
              • Microsoft's new AiRS (Advanced Incident Response System)
              • Why connectivity is critical for AI systems to work in real-time
              • Real client success stories from early AI adopters
              • The truth about AI replacing humans vs. enhancing capabilities
              • Freeing up officers to focus on what they love: investigation and critical thinking
              •  

                🎙️ Expert Panel:

                • Christopher Blake Carver - Director of Market Development, Hexagon Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial (Former NENA 911 Association)
                • Sai Narain - Director of Technology Strategy, State & Local Government, Public Safety & Justice, Microsoft
                • Kevin Fernandes - Chief Revenue Officer, Dejero
                • Ivy Cuervo (Host) - Director of Brand & Communications, Dejero
                •  

                  🚨 Critical for Public Safety:

                  At the heart of AI innovation is connectivity — ensuring AI-powered tools can respond in real-time during life-or-death situations. Discover how Dejero and Microsoft are partnering to close the information gap and push technology to the edge.

                   

                  🔗 Useful Links:

                  Learn about Dejero's public safety solutions: https://www.dejero.com/industry/public-safety

                  Book a demo: https://www.dejero.com/contact-sales

                  43 min
                • Ep. 5: How Real-Time Connectivity Saves Lives in Winston-Salem ft. Lt. Ben Jones

                  When every second counts, reliable connectivity can make all the difference. In this episode of Critical Connections, we sit down with Lieutenant Ben Jones from the Winston-Salem Police Department as he reveals how their Real Time Crime Center is solving critical cases—from shootings to missing persons—in mere minutes.

                  Discover how Dejero connectivity technology is empowering law enforcement to respond:

                  • Faster to emergencies
                  • Smarter with critical data
                  • More effectively in high-stakes situations
                  • This game-changing approach to public safety isn't just impressive—it's saving lives in our communities every day.

                    Ready to transform your operation's connectivity strategy? Watch our full interview now! 

                     

                    📺 SUBSCRIBE for pro insights: youtube.com/@DejeroLabs

                     

                    🔍 Explore Dejero tech: https://www.dejero.com/industry/public-safety 

                     

                    📞 See Dejero in action: dejero.com/contact-sales

                    25 min
                  • Ep. 4: Mastering Live TV Shopping ft. Victoria Roche & Martin Willingham, TJC

                    TJC’s live TV shopping network reaches 30+ million homes–and every seamless broadcast depends on rock-solid connectivity. In this episode of Critical Connections, broadcast managers Victoria Roche and Martin Willingham reveal how Dejero technology keeps their live broadcasts running flawlessly–from fast setup to uninterrupted streaming. 

                     

                    🔗 Watch now & level up your workflow! 👇

                     

                    📺 SUBSCRIBE for pro insights: youtube.com/@DejeroLabs

                     

                    🔍 Explore Dejero’s tech: dejero.com/industry/broadcast

                     

                    📞 Book a demo & see it in action: dejero.com/contact-sales

                    38 min

                  About Critical Connections

                  From the publisher's feed

                  Critical Connections is Dejero’s podcast showcasing the inspiring stories of individuals and organizations driving innovation in connectivity. From broadcasting pioneers to public safety leaders, each…