Public Safety First, a FirstNet Authority Podcast

National Preparedness Month helps communities prepare for when disaster strikes. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate the work of emergency managers (EMs) and the role they play in disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation.

In recognition of the month, Trevin Hunter of Louisville Metro Emergency Services in Kentucky talks about his work as an EM and shares his support for the emergency management community.

Since its creation, Prevent Medical Solutions has protected more than two million people at events ranging from marathons to large music festivals. Cody Snow, President of Prevent Medical Solutions, discusses how FirstNet deployables, push-to-talk technology, and priority and preemption help keep his team of medical and safety professionals connected and communicating.

EMS is a vital public service. Members of EMS crews work tirelessly on the frontline, providing critical care to those in need. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week, Chief Jason Rhodes of the Center for EMS at the Rhode Island Department of Health looks back on the highlights of his career and recognizes the lifesaving work EMTs and paramedics perform every day.

National Police Week is a poignant reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

It is also a time to recognize the around-the-clock dedication and selflessness of the men and women of law enforcement. In honor of this week, retired Chief Jeri Williams of the Phoenix Police Department in Arizona reflects on the meaning of sacrifice and its impact on her career in law enforcement.

Las Vegas public safety agencies spent months planning for the first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix race and hosting football’s biggest game of the year. As part of their preparations, the Clark County Fire Department and other Las Vegas public safety agencies worked with the FirstNet Authority’s Network Experience Engagement Program. Through a collaborative planning process, FirstNet ensured first responders were prepared for these major planned events, as well as an unexpected avalanche just north of the city.

Podcast Guest:

Doug Harder, Senior Public Safety Advisor, First Responder Network Authority

Brian O’Neal, Assistant Chief, Clark County Fire Department, Nevada

A firefighter’s commitment to selflessness serves as a shining example of the best of humanity. Expressing appreciation for their everyday heroism is not only about recognizing their courageous acts, but also acknowledging the personal sacrifices they make to protect their communities.

In recognition of International Firefighters’ Day, Chief Loy Senter of Chesterfield County Fire and EMS in Virginia discusses his 45-year career in the fire service and honors the extraordinary work of firefighters around the world.

Emergency telecommunicators are the critical link between first responders and the larger community.

They are the voice of calm on someone’s worst day. In honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, Maui County Emergency Services Dispatch Coordinator Davlynn Racadio reflects on her 36-year career as a dispatcher and celebrates the exceptional work telecommunicators do 24/7/365.

The Kleberg County Sheriff’s Office in Texas is revolutionizing their approach to law enforcement communication with broadband technology designed to enhance real-time connectivity and response. Sheriff Richard Kirkpatrick shares his department's journey from traditional radio systems to the advanced functionalities of FirstNet's Push-to-Talk feature, which now bolsters communication at their jailing facility and strengthens school security and disaster response in the county.

When an eight-year-old boy went missing in Michigan's sprawling Porcupine Mountains, an extensive search and rescue operation was initiated. Darian Reed, President of Superior Search and Rescue, discovered that broadband and data service support from FirstNet was pivotal in successfully and safely recovering the child.

The University of Virginia (UVA) Health system uses nearly 4,000 mobile devices, powered by FirstNet, to enhance care for patients. The leader of UVA Health’s Mobile Device Technologies program, Anthony Thompson, discusses the impact of FirstNet in healthcare and how it’s supporting telemedicine capabilities, translation services, and rural healthcare.