Industry Insights
Mid-Atlantic Technology Summit 2025 Recap
On August 21, 2025, first responders, public safety leaders, and technology innovators gathered at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. for the Equipped Mid-Atlantic Technology Summit.
Autura is the Nation’s Leading Towing Management Systems Provider
Autura is the nation’s leading towing management systems provider, partnering with cities, counties, and states to streamline the transportation, storage, and return of vehicles ordered towed by law enforcement. Its technology automates communications between towers, police, and vehicle owners, resulting in faster, safer, and more transparent towing operations.
ASSUREd Safe – Founding and Mission
ASSUREd Safe established in 2021, under the FAA’s ASSURE Center of Excellence, is a federated ecosystem designed to train, educate, test and certify first responders in the use of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems(UAS). ASSUREd Safe was funded by FEMA to address gaps in first responders, UAS training by prior FAA Research.
LiveU: A Proven Leader in Innovation and Public Safety
As an undisputed leader and technology innovator at the forefront of video broadcast and content creation, LiveU has earned its position in a highly competitive global market. Eric Buer, LiveU’s Senior Director of Sales and Business Development, shared insights into...
Meeting the 911 Dispatcher Staffing Challenge in Hennepin County
Hennepin County is using bold recruitment strategies, including social media, to tackle the growing shortage of 911 dispatchers and ensure every call is answered.
Providing Behavioral Health Training for First Responders
by Mel Bearns The University of Washington’s School of Social Work recently held training for firefighters and emergency medical services staff from nine fire departments across the state. The Behavioral Health Crisis Outreach Response and Education (BHCore) is a new...
Fairfax County Police Department Recruiting Laid Off Federal Workers
A Strategic Solution to a Leadership Challenge The Fairfax County Police Department is offering a $15,000 hiring bonus for new police officers. This new initiative aims to attract new sworn officer hires for the PD and other professional staff positions in departments...
Leading with Purpose: Chief Lallier’s Story
We sat down with a leader whose career has been defined by service, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the fire service. Chad A. Lallier, the Battalion Chief with the Alexandria, VA Fire Department, has been a fire service member for over 30 years since he...
Supporting First Responders’ Mental Health: A New Era of Awareness and Action
First responders face immense stress, but mental health support is improving. Departments nationwide are adopting peer support, mindfulness, and wellness programs to combat PTSD and burnout. Leaders are breaking the stigma, ensuring first responders get the help they need. Read more about these crucial efforts.
The Forefront of Firefighting – The Future is Now
Devastating California wildfires highlight the growing challenges of firefighting in a warming world. Experts urge better urban planning, forest management, and new tech like AI, drones, and water mist systems. As wildfires intensify, innovative strategies are crucial to protecting lives and property.
Advancing Firefighting Technology
Firefighting presents complex challenges to firefighters as each situation is unique, and first responders almost always face different scenarios on every call. Research from the National Fire Protection Association shows that as recently as 2022, local fire departments responded to an estimated 1.5 million fires in the U.S. that resulted in 3,790 civilian deaths, 13,250 reported injuries, and $18 billion in property damage.
Keeping The Beat Going
It is estimated that each year, over 356,000 cardiac arrest events occur outside of hospital settings across the U.S. – and nearly 90% of them prove to be fatal. To address this critical issue and improve preparedness in schools and communities, advocates from across the state of Texas gathered earlier this year in the capitol to discuss the need to have Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) in place throughout all schools in the state.