Fire Service

America’s first responders are on the front lines working to save lives and protect communities across the nation. During the month of May, there are a number of opportunities to recognize the hard work and life-saving sacrifices of fire service, law enforcement and emergency medical services personnel.

In Bay, Arkansas, local law enforcement and fire agencies adopted FirstNet so they had a reliable way to communicate with each other. With interoperable communications in place, the city’s police and fire departments were able to expand service beyond the city's six square miles. Today, they serve and protect nearly 3,000 residents living within 18 square miles.

For first responders at the 2017 International Balloon Festival, communicating and sharing information became much easier because of FirstNet's priority capabilities. Instead of slow or lost signals that often occur during large events, law enforcement and public safety officials at the festival experienced enhanced coverage, connectivity, and capacity with FirstNet.

Captain Phil Perry of the Alexandria Fire Department talks about the central role communications plays when multiple jurisdictions respond. From the tragic crash of an Air Florida flight in 1982 to the terrorist attack on the Pentagon in 2001 to more routine events, Captain Perry says the ability to share information affects the success, safety, and speed of public safety’s response.