Coverage

In Hamilton County, Ohio, FirstNet’s robust and reliable platform is making it possible for technical dispatch teams responding to high-profile, large scale events to remain as fully functional as if they were operating within the four-walls of their Emergency Communications Center.

A cell tower on the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa reservation brings connectivity to a rural area of Wisconsin, protecting locals and the many tourists who visit the area. 

When a tornado struck 14.5 square miles and 12,000 properties of Beavercreek, Ohio, public safety utilized FirstNet to do damage assessments during recovery efforts. Beavercreek Township Fire Department Battalion Chief, Nathan Hiester shares why having a dedicated public safety network, when ‘those seconds actually count.’

On Memorial Day 2019, nearly 55 tornadoes touched down in eight states across the country. Ohio saw some of the worst damage, including an EF3 tornado that tore through Beavercreek Township. The Beavercreek Township Fire Department used FirstNet to assist with damage assessment efforts.

Lindale Independent School District in Texas uses FirstNet to connect its fleet of school buses in case of emergencies.

Tabitha Smithers, an emergency aviation flight nurse and Goochland County Fire and EMS volunteer paramedic, uses FirstNet to alleviate communications hurdles in a rural region of Virginia.

A new cell tower in Stamping Ground, Kentucky, is bringing first responders in Scott County enhanced coverage and capabilities through FirstNet.

When disaster strikes or large crowds gather, public safety officials need a broadband network they can rely on to remain connected. FirstNet’s fleet of deployables is an important resource for emergency managers for planned and unplanned events to ensure that connection is available. First Responder Network Authority Senior Public Safety Advisor Timothy Pierce describes the deployables that are available to FirstNet subscribers and how those resources can make a difference for first responders.

Historic Annapolis, Maryland, hosts nearly two million tourists annually, and public safety officials are responsible for protecting these visitors and local residents throughout the town and in the surrounding Chesapeake Bay. Recognizing the need for reliable communications for first responders, local law enforcement, emergency management, and city services are rolling out FirstNet.

First responders in Yamhill and Washington counties got a major boost in their wireless communications with the launch of a FirstNet cell site. The site – located in rural Yamhill County – is part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place in Oregon, which is bringing purpose-built coverage, capacity, and capabilities to first responders across the state.

First responders in Clinton County got a major boost in their wireless communications with the launch of a FirstNet cell site. The site is part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place in Pennsylvania, which is bringing purpose-built coverage, capacity, and capabilities to first responders across the state.

The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office in South Dakota is exploring the benefits that FirstNet can bring to the rural area, including priority and preemption and cost savings.

Wyoming’s first responders are getting a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of a new, purpose-built cell site located near Wyoming Highway 170 in Owl Creek.

A new, purpose-built cell site – located in Mule Creek Junction – is part of the FirstNet network expansion taking place in Wyoming, which is bringing increased coverage, capacity, and capabilities to first responders across the state.

Operating in a remote location of California, Santa Clara County Sheriff Search and Rescue used three FirstNet Flying Cell on Wings (COWs) during a training exercise to support communications. 

First responders in northwestern Minnesota and those serving the White Earth Reservation got a major boost in their access to broadband communications with the addition of a new, purpose-built cell site.

Every summer, tens of thousands of boating enthusiasts descend on Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri for one of the most popular powerboat racing events in the nation. For the 2019 Lake Race, local public safety agencies relied on FirstNet to support their communication and data needs.

The Indian River Volunteer Fire Department is replacing its cell tower with a new tower that will bring first responders in Sussex County, Delaware, enhanced coverage and connection through FirstNet.

The Seattle Fire Department is equipping firefighters and paramedics with access to FirstNet on smartphones and rig apparatus, keeping them connected through everyday emergencies and natural disasters.

This blog is a repost from Homeland Preparedness News, originally published on September 17, 2019. The original article can be accessed here.

Throughout the month of September, we recognize FEMA’s annual preparedness campaign to promote readiness in the wake of a disaster. FirstNet Authority’s Director of Field Operations for FirstNet North-Central Region, Lesia Dickson outlines how FirstNet is a vital tool that public safety can rely on when planning for emergencies.