The Saint Louis region is home to 88 municipalities across 523 square miles. For public safety officials in this area of Missouri, interoperability is key. To meet this need, the Clayton Fire Department is using FirstNet to connect to other first responders, access data on the scene of incidents, and enhance situational awareness and patient care.

Edward Parkinson was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the FirstNet Authority on March 12, 2020. One hundred days into the job, he reflects back on the creation of the FirstNet Authority and how far the organization has come, including recent investments that will prepare the network for the future.

The Texas A&M Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center (ITEC) in College Station, Texas plays an important role in developing public safety broadband technologies. Through its annual Winter Institute Workshop and Exercise, ITEC has brought together industry and public safety leaders to test and developing apps and services that benefit first responders.

With experience as a radio operator in a rural region, Oregon Congressman Greg Walden understands the importance of communication, especially for first responders. Motivated by the challenges he has seen for public safety, he authored and helped pass the legislation that created FirstNet.

In this episode, Ellen Ryan, Deputy Division Chief for the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Public Safety Communications Research Division, discusses the division’s Open Innovation program, including current and future grant and prize challenge opportunities.