Industry Insights
IAFF Members Join USAR Earthquake Rescue Effort
When earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria on Feb. 6, members of the International Association of Fire Fighters responded as part of three Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams in search of survivors.
Tennessee DAs Partner with the Jason Foundation to Help Prevent Youth Suicide
In December 2022, the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference kicked off a partnership with The Jason Foundation, Inc. to further highlight suicide prevention. This new partnership will allow for the information, tools and resources provided by The Jason Foundation to reach even more Tennessee communities.
Research Aims to Reduce Cancer Risks Among Arizona Firefighters
With a $4 million grant from the Arizona Board of Regents, the University of Arizona will lead a study enrolling 1,500 Arizona firefighters to test the effectiveness of whether blood or plasma donations lower cancer-causing “forever chemicals” (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS) levels.
FEMA’s National Preparedness Report Underscores Threat Of Climate Change
The report indicates climate change continues to affect communities and worsen existing vulnerabilities. In 2021, 92 percent of communities identified at least one natural hazard associated with climate change as being stressful to emergency management capabilities.
New Initiative Aims to Expand Crime Prevention Programs in Police, Court System
The Just Trust has launched a $4 million effort to expand bold approaches to community safety and accountability. The Safer Communities Accelerator has made a commitment to eight organizations that are championing pre-arrest and pre-trial models.
Yeast Material Developed to Train First Responders on Biothreats
Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology have developed a referenced material based on yeast cells for use in simulated scenarios.
Arlington, VA Adopts RapidDeploy Radius Mapping to Improve 911 Outcomes
The county has selected Radius Mapping as its 911 map to better locate residents and visitors in the area. In addition to quickly locating people calling into 911, Radius Mapping adds the ability to text with language translation for non-native English speakers.
Alabama Trains Fire Recruits to Prepare for Mental Health Emergencies
With funding from the Alabama Department of Mental Health and support from the Professional Fire Fighters of Alabama and the Alabama Fire College, Alabama will be one of the first states to include the training in its fire recruit school training.
Free Updated Training Guide Helps Volunteer Firefighters be ‘Combat Ready’
The National Volunteer Fire Council, International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS), and International Society of Fire Service Instructors have jointly released the new training guide.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD Transforms a Year After ‘CMPD Serves’ Launch
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department of North Carolina has developed a customer service training program and curriculum called CMPD Serves. CMPD’s customer satisfaction score jumped from 43 percent to 84 percent after launching the program in 2021.
Future Benefits of AR/VR for First Responders: Five Questions for Dr. Andrew Phelps
Director of the Game Center at American University, Dr. Phelps is a highly respected researcher who works at the cutting edge of virtual and augmented reality technology.
IAFF and Metro Chiefs Warn that Firefighter Turnout Gear Poses Cancer Risk
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) have released a joint statement warning members that firefighter turnout gear poses potentially grave health risks.