Communications and Interoperability
The communications and interoperability resource page is designed to help firefighters keep up with the latest communications gear and best practices in mutual-aid and interoperability.
A look at what first responders need now – and what they need next
A new after-action review says agencies were overwhelmed, the EOC was largely ineffective, alert tools went underused and outdated policies delayed orders, echoing Woolsey-era warnings as west Altadena burned during the Eaton fire.
Supervisors grilled fire and OEM leaders over late, confusing warnings during the Palisades and Eaton wildfires
Turn fragmented systems into seamless collaboration during critical incidents
UC San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia network last year detected 1,668 fires, including 636 before any 911 call
An independent review says incident command wasn’t formally established until 25 minutes after the shooter was in custody and fire crews were dispatched late
Repeated training and breathing techniques to help lower your heart rate will help you make the mental shift
Officers must take personal responsibility for member readiness and plan single-company and multi-company drills to hone their own command skills
Mislabeling public safety K9s creates confusion, liability and access issues during high-stakes deployments
Breaking down the role of division officers in reducing command overload and supporting tactical execution on complex incidents
Experts say Katrina’s communication breakdowns, coordination gaps and aid delays still shape policy and should guide today’s debates over FEMA’s future
How OCFA uses tabletop drills with partner agencies to coordinate preparedness for major incidents
A $97K upgrade will notify only the Hattiesburg fire stations needed, cutting overnight disruptions and improving firefighter health
State and Buffalo Fire Department reports cite accountability lapses, interior ops failures, an untrained acting officer and delays in defensive ops in death of Firefighter Jason Arno
Essex chief told selectmen the all-volunteer model is no longer sustainable and outlined a plan to add limited full-time staff, expand daytime coverage and and modernize the fleet
Los Angeles-area chiefs detail lessons from the January firestorm to guide all-hazards response
The AP reconstructed the July 4 Texas flash flood rescue using responder audio and survivor footage, revealing a chaotic response as the disaster killed 136 people
From hazard mapping to resource deployment, AI is changing the way agencies prepare for major incidents
Wearing proper gear and following strong radio communication protocols can significantly impact broader performance and safety
Solving a complex problem with practical technologies
Nine residents at Gabriel House were killed and more than 30 were injured as crews, including 30 off-duty personnel, fought through chaos to evacuate the burning facility
Next-gen technology that keeps public safety connected to mission-critical tools
As shots rang out during the deadly Canfield Mountain ambush, a Northern Lakes battalion chief’s calm and decisive 911 calls helped guide a complex response
Time may be limited, but we can find ways to maintain the shared kitchen table time that builds a sense of family
Battalion Chief Bobby Ortiz and Division Chief Chad Crouse drive the latest Tech Talk Tuesday discussion focused on AI, drones and robotic systems
Following 30 deaths and widespread destruction, Assemblymember John Harabedian is urging the state to launch an independent audit into emergency response failures
First responders in all major markets now have access to dedicated 5G UW network capacity
Public safety leaders warn that the House-passed bill lacks critical support for upgrading outdated 911 systems, calling the omission a threat to emergency response and community safety
Months after the Eaton Fire claimed 18 lives, emerging evidence points to critical failures in decision-making and communication
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- Webinar: Stronger together: Advancing unified command and communication
- Chief Kim Zagaris reflects on the Oklahoma City bombing 30 years later