In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, Fletch, VP of Public Safety at 911inform, and a NENA certified ENP, commemorates the 57th anniversary of the very first 911 call, made on February 16, 1968, in Haleyville, Alabama.

He recounts the history of that momentous day, the movement it inspired, and the enduring impact of the 911 system on public safety.

Fletch also shares his personal experience as an honorary Grand Marshal during the 50th-anniversary parade and discusses how NG911 builds upon that legacy of innovation. The episode also highlights the significance of the actual red rotary phone used to make the first 911 call, now on display at the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C. Tune in to hear why the work started in Haleyville remains crucial today and how you can help shape the future of emergency communications.

Got ideas for future episodes? Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out on social media.

In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, Fletch discusses how NG911 is revolutionizing communication between emergency services. Expanding the range of point-to-point radio communications to CAD-to-CAD data sharing, we cover the key challenges for interoperability.

Learn how NG911’s IP-based infrastructure and the NENA i3 standard provide the backbone for seamless collaboration. Don’t miss this essential discussion on breaking down barriers in public safety.

In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, Fletch, VP of Public Safety at 911inform, dives into the evolving role of social media in crisis communication. Learn how emergency services are leveraging platforms like Twitter (X), Facebook, and Instagram to gather real-time information, engage with communities, and disseminate life-saving updates. From Hurricane Harvey’s Twitter response to the Colorado wildfires’ use of Facebook groups, discover actionable insights and practical tips to integrate social media into your emergency workflows. Don’t miss this essential conversation on the future of public safety!

TIPS: TODAY IN PUBLIC SAFETY is hosted by Fletch, and sponsored by 911inform. Please enjoy this preview of the stories we've produced for this week.

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In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, Fletch, VP of Public Safety Solutions at 911inform, discusses "Wellness and Support for 911 Telecommunicators." Fletch highlights the various programs and strategies to support the mental well-being of dispatchers, addressing issues like burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Learn about early warning signs, available program resources, and self-help tips from the experts to ensure the health and resilience of these vital first responders.

In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, we delve into "The Role of Cloud Computing in NG911." Join Public Safety Subject Matter Expert Fletch, ENP, as he explores how cloud-based solutions offer scalability, resilience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for Next Generation 911 systems, enhancing emergency communication and response. Discover real-world implementations and considerations for transitioning to cloud-based infrastructures.

In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, we delve into "The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Emergency Dispatch." Explore how AI assists dispatchers in call triage, resource allocation, and predictive analytics to improve response times and outcomes. AI is NOT about replacing humans. It is about increasing accuracy and efficiency. Discover real-world applications and the challenges of integrating AI into emergency services.

In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, host Fletch dives into the unique challenges and innovative solutions for deploying Next Generation 911 (NG911) services in rural communities. From infrastructure limitations and funding hurdles to staffing shortages, rural areas face distinct obstacles in upgrading their emergency communication systems.

Discover how federal funding programs, regional collaboration, and public-private partnerships are paving the way for NG911 readiness in underserved areas. Plus, learn about the critical role of training and wellness programs in supporting telecommunicators as they adapt to advanced NG911 systems.

Whether you’re an emergency services professional, a public safety leader, or simply interested in the future of 911 technology, this episode offers valuable insights into overcoming the barriers to NG911 adoption in rural America.

Tune in now to stay informed and inspired!

🎙️ Forbidden Fruit: Hidden Dangers of Raspberry Pi and WiFi Pineapples 🎙️

In this episode of 911Tips.com, Fletch describes the deceptive dangers of seemingly harmless tech tools: the Raspberry Pi and WiFi Pineapple. These devices, while powerful and versatile, have a dark side that could pose significant risks to public safety and NG911 systems.

From how a Raspberry Pi can turn into a "ticking IT time bomb" to the way a WiFi Pineapple can trap unsuspecting users, we uncover the threats these devices pose to secure communication networks. Learn about infiltration risks, man-in-the-middle attacks, DDoS overloads, and IoT exploits—and why public safety professionals should be on high alert.

Fletch also shares practical tips for mitigating these risks, including network security, endpoint protection, team training, and proactive monitoring.

💡 Suggested by ENP Erika Lakey during NENA Standards and Best Practices, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the safety and resilience of our critical public safety infrastructure.