Public Safety First, a FirstNet Authority Podcast
by Hosted by Dave Buchanan, Executive Director of the First Responder Network Authority’s Advocacy Team, the podcast features first responders, industry leaders, experts in the field, and others in the public safety technology ecosystem.
The “Public Safety First” podcast gives first responders and other public safety professionals a front-row seat and invites them to join the discussion about FirstNet, America’s first nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety. Hosted by Dave Buchanan, Director of the First Responder Network Authority’s Advocacy Team, the podcast features first responders, industry leaders, experts in the field, and others in the public safety technology ecosystem.
Episodes
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Episode 99: From Classroom to Command Post: Training the Next Generation of EMS Leaders at IU
Senior Public Safety Advisor Charles Hardnett is joined by Dr. David Rodgers and Adhitya Balaji to discuss how Indiana University’s Intra-Collegiate Emergency Medical Service prepared for historic attendance levels during the 2025-2026 football season. Learn more about how Indiana University...
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Episode 98 - Live at 5x5: Using broadband LTE to augment LMR
Episode 98 - Live at 5x5: Using broadband LTE to augment LMR by Hosted by Dave Buchanan, Executive Director of the First Responder Network Authority’s Advocacy Team, the podcast features first responders, industry leaders, experts in the field, and others in the public safety technology ecosystem.
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Episode 97: At Its Core: ECC
Episode 97: At Its Core: ECC by Hosted by Dave Buchanan, Executive Director of the First Responder Network Authority’s Advocacy Team, the podcast features first responders, industry leaders, experts in the field, and others in the public safety technology ecosystem.
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Episode 96 Live at 5x5: Tribal Nations, Public Safety Operations, and FirstNet
Episode 96 Live at 5x5: Tribal Nations, Public Safety Operations, and FirstNet by Hosted by Dave Buchanan, Executive Director of the First Responder Network Authority’s Advocacy Team, the podcast features first responders, industry leaders, experts in the field, and others in the public safety...
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Episode 95: Live at 5x5: The Space Race Continues
Episode 95: Live at 5x5: The Space Race Continues by Hosted by Dave Buchanan, Executive Director of the First Responder Network Authority’s Advocacy Team, the podcast features first responders, industry leaders, experts in the field, and others in the public safety technology ecosystem.
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Emergency Management Teamwork
Emergency Management Teamwork by Hosted by Dave Buchanan, Executive Director of the First Responder Network Authority’s Advocacy Team, the podcast features first responders, industry leaders, experts in the field, and others in the public safety technology ecosystem.
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Episode 93: Live at 5x5: Navigating a Hurricane
In October of 2024, the North Carolina 911 Board deployed the FirstNet Wireless Redundant Solution to a public safety answering point (PSAP) whose infrastructure was obliterated by Hurricane Helene. The PSAP received and processed 911 calls for one month using FirstNet connectivity. Renee Gordon,...
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Episode 92: At Its Core: Network Experience Engagement Program
Public Affairs Specialist Molly Hahn joins FirstNet Authority Public Safety Advisor Doug Harder to delve into the Network Experience Engagement Program (NEEP). Explore how the FirstNet Authority’s NEEP helps agencies operationalize FirstNet with pre-incident and event planning, post-incident and...
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Episode 91: At Its Core: Mission Critical Push-to-Talk
Public Affairs Specialist Molly Hahn joins FirstNet Authority Senior Device Engineer Barry Leitch to understand the basics of Mission Critical Push-to-Talk and its capabilities. Learn how this technology enables instant, reliable communication for public safety— helping teams coordinate in real...
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Episode 90: At Its Core: Standards
Public Affairs Specialist Molly Hahn sits down with Acting Director of Ecosystems and Standards Engagement Division Mark Lipford to discuss standards and the FirstNet Authority’s role in standards work worldwide. Learn about how standards are developed and how they impact public safety’s use of…
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Episode 89: The "h" is silent, but public safety isn't: FirstNet connects Amherst responders
The Amherst Fire Department in Massachusetts is transforming the city’s public safety communications with broadband technology. Chief Lindsay Stromgren details the college town’s journey from traditional radio systems to the advanced functionalities of push-to-talk on FirstNet. Bruce Fitzgerald,...
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Episode 88: At Its Core FirstNet Coverage Solutions
The FirstNet Authority works with public safety to ensure they have reliable coverage. Learn about the FirstNet solutions that are available to keep responders connected, wherever emergencies happen. Episode 88: At Its Core: FirstNet Coverage Solutions Molly Hahn, Public Affairs Specialist,...
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Episode 87: At Its Core The FirstNet Authority Investments
The FirstNet Authority makes strategic investments to enhance and evolve FirstNet. Learn about this process and how public safety informs investment decisions in this discussion with FirstNet Authority Acting Assistant Executive Director for Innovation and Investment, Brian Hobson. Molly Hahn...
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Episode 86: At Its Core: The FirstNet Authority Board
Public Affairs Specialist Molly Hahn sits down with FirstNet Authority Board Secretary Jennifer Watts to discuss the FirstNet Authority Board at its core. Learn about the Board’s roles and responsibilities, who makes up the Board, and their efforts in support of the Nationwide Public Safety...
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Episode 85: Live at 5x5 Clearing the Air — The Digital Evolution of Search and Rescue
The evolution of technology has changed the landscape of search and rescue missions — clearing radio airwaves for essential traffic and mission critical information. Travis Hull, Kate Cummings, Ben Lawrence, and Jason Day explore how broadband solutions have increased operation efficiencies, live...
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Episode 84: FirstNet brings reliable coverage to Meskwaki Nation and tribal lands in Iowa
The Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi, known as Meskwaki Nation, is the only federally recognized tribe in Iowa. The Meskwaki Police Department uses FirstNet for reliable connectivity across the reservation. FirstNet coverage helps tribal police officers communicate during everyday operations...
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Episode 83: Live at 5x5: The Cellular Space Race and What it Means for Public Safety
A new space race has launched — this time in the cellular world. The FirstNet Authority’s Jeff Bratcher and Pat Schwinghammer, AT&T’s Mohammad Baig, and Gypsum Fire Chief Justin Kirkland discuss what satellite-to-device services could mean for public safety live at 5x5: The Public Safety…
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Episode 82: Live at 5x5: Why Wellness?
Wellness is a hot topic in the public safety community – but how does it address the challenges faced by first responders serving on the front lines? Dr. Kristen Wheldon, Assistant Chief Patrick Fale, and Undersheriff Sylvia Moir discuss the importance of early intervention solutions for first...
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Episode 81: Voices From The Field National Preparedness Month 2024
National Preparedness Month helps communities prepare for when disaster strikes. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate the work of emergency managers (EMs) and the role they play in disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation. In recognition of the month, Trevin Hunter of Louisville...
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Episode 80: Redefining Event Medicine And Public Safety With FirstNet
Since its creation, Prevent Medical Solutions has protected more than two million people at events ranging from marathons to large music festivals. Cody Snow, President of Prevent Medical Solutions, discusses how FirstNet deployables, push-to-talk technology, and priority and preemption help keep...
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Episode 79: Voices From The Field - National EMS Week 2024
EMS is a vital public service. Members of EMS crews work tirelessly on the frontline, providing critical care to those in need. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week, Chief Jason Rhodes of the Center for EMS at the Rhode Island Department of Health looks back on the…
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Episode 78 Voices From The Field National Police Week 2024
National Police Week is a poignant reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It is also a time to recognize the around-the-clock dedication and selflessness of the men and women of law enforcement. In honor of this week, retired Chief Jeri Williams of the Phoenix…
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Episode 77: FirstNet Powers Las Vegas Public Safety At The Big Game And F1 Grand Prix
Las Vegas public safety agencies spent months planning for the first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix race and hosting football’s biggest game of the year. As part of their preparations, the Clark County Fire Department and other Las Vegas public safety agencies worked with the FirstNet Authority’s...
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Episode 76: Voices From The Field International Firefighters’ Day 2024
A firefighter’s commitment to selflessness serves as a shining example of the best of humanity. Expressing appreciation for their everyday heroism is not only about recognizing their courageous acts, but also acknowledging the personal sacrifices they make to protect their communities. In...
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Episode 75: Voices From The Field National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2024
Emergency telecommunicators are the critical link between first responders and the larger community. They are the voice of calm on someone’s worst day. In honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, Maui County Emergency Services Dispatch Coordinator Davlynn Racadio reflects on her...
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Episode 74: Push - To - Talk Brings Simplicity, Interoperability To Texas Sheriff’s Office
The Kleberg County Sheriff’s Office in Texas is revolutionizing their approach to law enforcement communication with broadband technology designed to enhance real-time connectivity and response. Sheriff Richard Kirkpatrick shares his department's journey from traditional radio systems to the...
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Episode 73: Lost in the Mountains of Michigan: FirstNet's essential role in search and rescue
When an eight-year-old boy went missing in Michigan's sprawling Porcupine Mountains, an extensive search and rescue operation was initiated. Darian Reed, President of Superior Search and Rescue, discovered that broadband and data service support from FirstNet was pivotal in successfully and…
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Episode 72: University Of Virginia Enhances Patient Care With FirstNet
The University of Virginia (UVA) Health system uses nearly 4,000 mobile devices, powered by FirstNet, to enhance care for patients. The leader of UVA Health’s Mobile Device Technologies program, Anthony Thompson, discusses the impact of FirstNet in healthcare and how it’s supporting telemedicine...
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Episode 71: Emergency Planning for Natural Disasters: Redefining Readiness in Macon-Bibb, Georgia
Macon Bibb County, Georgia is redefining they way it prepares for disasters and major events each day. Spencer Hawkins, Emergency Management Director for the Macon-Bibb County government discusses the county’s plans for facing all types of issues including hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and…
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Episode 70: Fighting wildfires in Southern Texas with FirstNet
When a rural fire in Brooks County, Texas engulfed 6,500 acres of land, the Falfurrias Fire Department faced significant communication and coordination challenges due to the remote location of the fire. FirstNet provided a solution to this problem with the deployment of a SatCOLT, a vehicle with...
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Episode 69: FirstNet goes to school: Keeping Maryland students safe with public safety broadband
In Charles County, Maryland, the school district has adopted FirstNet’s secure and dependable network to ensure communication during emergency and day-to-day situations. The school district has also integrated the use of drones into their school security plans, enhancing situational awareness for...
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Episode 68: Getting ahead of the game: Pre-planning for Super Bowl LVII
The Super Bowl — America’s largest sporting event — requires significant pre-planning to ensure the safety of players, staff, and spectators. Coordinating public safety communications for Super Bowl LVII involved more than a dozen different cities and jurisdictions and posed unique challenges,...
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Episode 67: Connecting the Community: Bringing Broadband to Rural Pennsylvania
Broadband infrastructure remains limited in rural communities, making it difficult for local public safety to stay connected and respond quickly to emergencies. In Shade Gap, Pennsylvania, this has meant dropped 9-1-1 calls and significant communications challenges for the mountainous area. With...
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Episode 66: Oxford Police leverages compact rapid deployable to boost emergency comms in Alabama
The Oxford Police Department is the first public safety agency in Alabama to obtain a FirstNet compact rapid deployable, a miniature cell tower that generates cellular and wi-fi coverage quickly, efficiently, and wherever it’s needed. This advanced technology acts as a solution for challenges…
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Episode 65: FirstNet: keeping the oldest city in the country connected
In St. Augustine, Florida, public safety officials navigate obstacles ranging from antiquated infrastructure causing connectivity issues to saturated networks due to tourism and special events. With the adoption of FirstNet, the police department, fire department, and other city agencies are…
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Episode 64: Introducing the Public Safety Immersive Test Center: A VR Experience
The Public Safety Immersive Test Center is a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide responders, researchers, and developers a virtual environment to develop, test, and evaluate public safety technologies. FirstNet Authority Chief Network Technology Officer Jeff Bratcher and Public Safety...
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Episode 63: FirstNet Provides Connectivity For New York MTA Police Department
For the New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department, FirstNet is a critical supplement one of the most complex wireless radio systems in New York. FirstNet extends coverage to places in New York that historically lacked portable radio coverage, enhancing the…
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Episode 62: Discussing the Future of Public Safety Communications with Board Chair Benjamin
With decades of experience in public safety and public service, Stephen Benjamin understands the importance of reliable communications for first responders. Ten years after the creation of the FirstNet Authority, he reflects on the impacts of FirstNet and shares his vision for the future of the...
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Episode 61: From Public Safety to Public Works, FirstNet Aids Casper, Wyoming
The Casper Police Department in Wyoming was one of the first agencies to use the FirstNet network in August 2017 when the city’s population was expected to nearly double during a solar eclipse. Four years later, FirstNet is providing Casper police officers with coverage across the city, dedicated...
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Episode 60: FirstNet Enables Enhanced Disaster Assessments, Faster Recovery in Alabama
When disaster strikes, most emergency managers and public safety officials rely on pen and paper to conduct damage assessments. The process involves slow, manual data entry and can delay disaster aid for weeks. In Cherokee County, Alabama, emergency management personnel are using FirstNet devices...
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Episode 59: FirstNet Provides Greater Mobility, Cost Savings for Michigan Police
The Grand Rapids Police Department in Michigan is a full-service law enforcement agency serving a largely urban community. Officers with the department began experiencing in-car computers slowing down and losing the ability to access systems and databases due to reduced bandwidth. Since switching...
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Episode 58: FirstNet is ‘Force Multiplier’ for Nebraska Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Neil Miller of the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office in Nebraska began implementing mobile data more than 20 years ago, and he continues to bring advanced technologies to increase the efficiency of operations for deputies. With FirstNet being built out throughout the state of Nebraska,...
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Episode 57- Live-Streaming Drone Video Helps Texas Responders Get On Track After Train Derailment
Burleson County is a small, rural county east of Austin in Texas. The Burleson County Sheriff’s Office serves the county through law enforcement, corrections, and dispatch services. The Sheriff’s Office launched its drone program to enhance situational awareness during emergencies and planned...
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Episode 56: Drones and FirstNet: Enhancing Situational Awareness for Delaware Police Officers
The Wilmington Police Department in Delaware serves the state’s largest city. Recognizing the need for more efficient and effective aerial video capabilities, the agency invested in unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in 2014. The agency relies on FirstNet to stream video footage from the drones…
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Episode 55: FirstNet Helps Wyoming Responders Prepare for Fires, Floods, and Blizzards
Teton County is a rural county in northwest Wyoming. Situated in the Teton Range, the county experiences weather hazards including fires, floods, and wintery conditions, as well as earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches. Teton County first responders rely on FirstNet’s hardened network to stay...
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Episode 54: Women In STEM: Breaking Barriers And Innovating For Public Safety
Females are statistically underrepresented in public safety and in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) career fields. At the intersection of STEM and public safety, there are women developing innovative solutions to make first responders’ jobs easier and more efficient. Working on...
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Episode 53: FirstNet Keeps Tribes Connected During the Pandemic
Broadband infrastructure can be sparse and inconsistent across many parts of Indian Country. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, this lack of infrastructure complicated efforts to provide tribes with critical food supplies and personal protective equipment. FirstNet deployable assets enabled the...
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Episode 52: The Future of EMS – Improved Patient Care through Telehealth
Paul Patrick, FirstNet Authority Board Member and Division Director for Family Health and Preparedness at the Utah Department of Health, reflects on his career and how FirstNet has advanced capabilities for EMS, including telehealth. He also explains how the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid...
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Episode 51: FirstNet Powers Mission Critical Capabilities For Delaware Police Officers
The Milford Police Department in Delaware uses hundreds of gigabytes of data each month, uploading dash and body-worn camera footage and using ticket and reporting software provided by the state. FirstNet’s reliable, dedicated connection and priority and preemption features ensure officers can...
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Episode 50: How Broadband Tech Can Enhance K9 Operations
Public safety K9s can be trained for a wide range of services, from search and rescue to bomb and drug detection. These dogs work across urban, rural, wilderness, and disaster settings, and can sometimes end up a mile away from their handler. As technology advances, handlers are exploring ways...
About this show
The “Public Safety First” podcast gives first responders and other public safety professionals a front-row seat and invites them to join the discussion about FirstNet, America’s first nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety. Hosted by Dave Buchanan, Director of the First Responder Network Authority’s Advocacy Team, the podcast features first responders, industry leaders, experts in the field, and others in the public safety technology ecosystem.
Hosted by
Hosted by Dave Buchanan, Executive Director of the First Responder Network Authority’s Advocacy Team, the podcast features first responders, industry leaders, experts in the field, and others in the public safety technology ecosystem.
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