First Responders

After a successful pilot program using what3words’ location detection tool, the Los Angeles Fire Department has officially adopted the technology to reduce the time required to locate and help callers.

Thirty-one California Democrats have written a letter to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, explaining that firefighters’ lives could be in jeopardy if the Defense Department discontinues a wildfire monitoring program.

As public safety agencies embrace new software, more companies are forming partnerships and networks. The deals could enable more access to life-saving data when first responders arrive on scene.

Governing bodies in Calhoun County, Ala., are considering whether to upgrade the county's P25 radio system for police, fire and other agencies. A study about options and costs will likely be conducted.

The startup’s roots are in hooking up fire agencies with building data. But in five years, it’s expanded into other areas of IT and dipped into EMS and police, too. With new investment, it hopes to double its headcount.

As public safety agencies buy new software, Versaterm continues its acquisition spree. SPIDR’s products enable police officers to better communicate with 911 callers, crime victims and citizens.

A company says it has been purposefully excluded from a multimillion-dollar contract in California with the city of Bakersfield, Kern County and Tejon Ranch to upgrade the county’s public safety communication network.

Emergency workers and communication centers can use new technology to ensure quick and accurate responses. Connecting those agencies with more software providers would help with those efforts.

Pennsylvania State University is expanding its use of FirstNet, AT&T's dedicated telecommunications network for first responders, to include all its police officers and key personnel across several campuses.

A now-deactivated private website published the names, vaccination details and other personal information of almost 5,000 employees of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Firefighters have demanded an investigation.

A Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation error in the calculation of good conduct credits left some prison firefighters with increased sentences, an error that is now being addressed, officials say.

As California faces a drought and another fire season this year, public safety agencies are looking to cutting-edge tech solutions, like drones and satellites, for new ways of putting out flames.

Owensboro-Daviess County 911 dispatch is using new technology to allow callers to send photos and videos during an incident. The tool will help add situational awareness for first responders and could help solve crimes.

The Stillwater, Okla., Police Department is moving to buy body-worn cameras for its officers, which is something that the department and its officials have long said they could not afford to do.

The Texas county’s EMS now includes SPARTAN: a program using drones to assist first responders in various missions to improve public health and safety and give the department a better look at the big picture.

An earthquake warning system that's been 15 years in the making is now available along the entire West Coast, the most earthquake-prone region in the U.S., the United States Geological Survey announced.

Drones are finding their stride in the county, having already been used to find a missing kayaker. They are also being considered by the Flagler Beach Fire Department to deliver life preservers to swimmers.

Not every 911 call will be answered with a drone, but Brookhaven, Ga., police say the project will give its officers more flexibility, availability and information, while limiting in-person contact amid the coronavirus pandemic.