Industry Insights
FirstNet Offers Suicide Prevention Program for First Responders
September marks Suicide Prevention Month. FirstNet’s Health & Wellness Coalition is an initiative that bridges the treatment gap among first responders, who experience a multitude of stressors throughout their careers.
Food on the Stove to Host International Firefighters’ Weekend in Washington, DC
24 years after the first International Firefighters’ Day, DC nonprofit Food on the Stove is introducing International Firefighters’ Weekend, a series of events that will take place May 4-7 in the nation’s capital. The weekend will kick off with a dynamic health and training seminar.
Survey Reveals First Responder Wish List for Communications Tech
An extensive research project conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology details what police, fire, emergency medical and 911 dispatch responders think about the communications technology they use on a regular basis and how they would like it to be improved.
Organizations Launch LEO Network to Help Improve Community Relations
MovementForward, Inc., in partnership with Stand Together Trust, recently announced the launch of the Law Enforcement Community-Engagement Network. The first LECEN cohort convened in January, with 20 member agencies represented.
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.