Industry Insights
From Fire Calls to Family Time: A Mother’s Journey in Volunteer Firefighting
Sandra Sokol’s first introduction to fire service came via the 1970s TV Show “Emergency.” Told as a child that “girls could not be firefighters,” Sokol’s journey through motherhood, a career, and even a divorce didn’t deter her from shattering those early stereotypes.
Grant Program for Drone Funding Available to Public Safety Agencies
As drones become increasingly integral to law enforcement operations, public safety agencies are leveraging these advanced tools for a variety of mission-critical tasks. According to police1.com, today’s drones feature enhanced performance, extended range, and longer flight times.
Colorado Considers Bill to Fund AI Firearm Detection Systems in Schools
An effort to add a layer of protection against school systems is under consideration by the Colorado General Assembly.
The measure would establish the firearm detection system, which the Office of School Safety would fund. House Bill 24-1123, Funding for School Safety Firearm Detection Systems, was introduced in January 2024 by Rep. Brandi Bradley, R-39th District.
Justice Department Rolls Out Grant Programs for 2024 to Bolster Community Safety Initiatives
The Justice Department announces the availability of grant funding for 2024, inviting community-based organizations to apply for funding from more than 200 grant programs, administered by its Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, Office of Justice Programs, and the Office on Violence Against Women.
Milestone Achievement: Law Enforcement Tech Resources Initiative Reaches 1,000 Engagements
Communities face a wide array of emergency situations, from active shooters to mass demonstrations. Law enforcement agencies nationwide now have access to valuable resources through the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC), a program launched by the U.S. Justice Department in 2022.
Safety Measures Reduce Risks as Home Fires Increase in Winter Months
In response to deadly home fires in recent months, the National Fire Protection Association reminds the public of the increased risk of home fires during winter and gives simple ways to prevent them and stay safe.
Survey Shows First Responders Seek Solutions to Cybersecurity, Dispatch Outages
A national survey of first responders shows major concerns with cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and information-technology resilience, according to Mark43, a leading cloud-native public safety software company.
AI, IoT, and Cloud Computing Driving Global Disaster Preparedness Industry to Record Growth
The global disaster preparedness system market size is projected to exceed $308 billion by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate of 8.5 percent, according to a new report recently released by Research and Markets.
Tech Tools, Labor Shortage Among Top Concerns for Skilled Workers, NFPA Survey Finds
Integration of technology and a skilled labor shortage are among top concerns for employees, according to the 2024 National Fire Protection Association Industry Trends Survey.
DOJ Grants Aim to Improve Recruitment and Reduce Violent Crime
Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco has announced a new nationwide public safety agenda, including $334 million in grants to state and local law enforcement agencies, school districts, and local governments.
Industry Associations Promote Best Practices in Christmas Tree Fire Safety
Each year, firefighters respond to an average of 160 home structure fires that started with ignition of a Christmas tree. The American Christmas Tree Association encourages consumers to keep fire safety top-of-mind this holiday season.
DOJ Report Addresses Law Enforcement Agencies’ Recruitment, Retention Challenges
The law enforcement profession faces an employee crisis, as agencies struggle to recruit, hire, and retain police officers. In response, the U.S. Justice Department recently released “Recruiting and Retention for the Modern Law Enforcement Agency,” the result of input from law enforcement and community leaders from across the country.