Public Safety First, a FirstNet Authority Podcast

Public Safety First, a FirstNet Authority Podcast

The “Public Safety First” podcast gives first responders and other public safety professionals a front-row seat and invites them to join the discussion about FirstNet, America’s first nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety. Hosted by Dave Buchanan, Director of the First Responder Network Authority’s Advocacy Team, the podcast features first responders, industry leaders, experts in the field, and others in the public safety technology ecosystem.

Episodes

Episode 93: Live at 5x5: Navigating a Hurricane

September 17, 2025 • 23 mins
In October of 2024, the North Carolina 911 Board deployed the FirstNet Wireless Redundant Solution to a public safety answering point (PSAP) whose infrastructure was obliterated by Hurricane Helene. The PSAP received and processed 911 calls for one month using FirstNet connectivity. Renee Gordon, Pokey Harris, Tom Rogers, and Josh Briggs share best practices and lessons learned from rolling out this solution across North Carolina, ...
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Episode 92: At Its Core: Network Experience Engagement Program

September 3, 2025 • 12 mins
Public Affairs Specialist Molly Hahn joins FirstNet Authority Public Safety Advisor Doug Harder to delve into the Network Experience Engagement Program (NEEP). Explore how the FirstNet Authority’s NEEP helps agencies operationalize FirstNet with pre-incident and event planning, post-incident and event reviews, and exercise planning. Molly Hahn, FirstNet Authority Public Affairs Specialist Doug Harder, FirstNet Authority Senior ...
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Episode 91: At Its Core: Mission Critical Push-to-Talk

August 12, 2025 • 15 mins
Public Affairs Specialist Molly Hahn joins FirstNet Authority Senior Device Engineer Barry Leitch to understand the basics of Mission Critical Push-to-Talk and its capabilities. Learn how this technology enables instant, reliable communication for public safety— helping teams coordinate in real time, stay connected during emergencies, and enhance operational safety.
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Episode 90: At Its Core: Standards

July 16, 2025 • 13 mins
Public Affairs Specialist Molly Hahn sits down with Acting Director of Ecosystems and Standards Engagement Division Mark Lipford to discuss standards and the FirstNet Authority’s role in standards work worldwide. Learn about how standards are developed and how they impact public safety’s use of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network.  Molly Hahn, FirstNet Authority Public Affairs Specialist Mark Lipford, FirstNet Authority...
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Episode 89: The "h" is silent, but public safety isn't: FirstNet connects Amherst responders

June 16, 2025 • 24 mins
The Amherst Fire Department in Massachusetts is transforming the city’s public safety communications with broadband technology. Chief Lindsay Stromgren details the college town’s journey from traditional radio systems to the advanced functionalities of push-to-talk on FirstNet. Bruce Fitzgerald, Senior Public Safety Advisor, FirstNet Authority Lindsay Stromgren, Fire Chief, Amherst Fire Department, Massachusetts
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Episode 88: At Its Core FirstNet Coverage Solutions

June 10, 2025 • 16 mins
The FirstNet Authority works with public safety to ensure they have reliable coverage. Learn about the FirstNet solutions that are available to keep responders connected, wherever emergencies happen. Episode 88: At Its Core: FirstNet Coverage Solutions Molly Hahn, Public Affairs Specialist, FirstNet Authority Chuck Murph, Sr. Manager, Response and Event Operations, FirstNet Authority
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Episode 87: At Its Core The FirstNet Authority Investments

January 15, 2025 • 14 mins
The FirstNet Authority makes strategic investments to enhance and evolve FirstNet. Learn about this process and how public safety informs investment decisions in this discussion with FirstNet Authority Acting Assistant Executive Director for Innovation and Investment, Brian Hobson. Molly Hahn Public Affairs Specialist, FirstNet Authority Brian Hobson Acting Assistant Executive Director for Innovation and Investment, FirstNet Auth...
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Episode 86: At Its Core: The FirstNet Authority Board

December 9, 2024 • 14 mins
Public Affairs Specialist Molly Hahn sits down with FirstNet Authority Board Secretary Jennifer Watts to discuss the FirstNet Authority Board at its core. Learn about the Board’s roles and responsibilities, who makes up the Board, and their efforts in support of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network. 
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Episode 85: Live at 5x5 Clearing the Air — The Digital Evolution of Search and Rescue

November 17, 2024 • 18 mins
The evolution of technology has changed the landscape of search and rescue missions — clearing radio airwaves for essential traffic and mission critical information. Travis Hull, Kate Cummings, Ben Lawrence, and Jason Day explore how broadband solutions have increased operation efficiencies, live at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit.
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Episode 84: FirstNet brings reliable coverage to Meskwaki Nation and tribal lands in Iowa

November 12, 2024 • 11 mins
The Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi, known as Meskwaki Nation, is the only federally recognized tribe in Iowa. The Meskwaki Police Department uses FirstNet for reliable connectivity across the reservation. FirstNet coverage helps tribal police officers communicate during everyday operations and planned events in the community, including the annual Powwow.
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Episode 83: Live at 5x5: The Cellular Space Race and What it Means for Public Safety

October 24, 2024 • 23 mins
A new space race has launched — this time in the cellular world. The FirstNet Authority’s Jeff Bratcher and Pat Schwinghammer, AT&T’s Mohammad Baig, and Gypsum Fire Chief Justin Kirkland discuss what satellite-to-device services could mean for public safety live at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit.
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Episode 82: Live at 5x5: Why Wellness?

October 15, 2024 • 26 mins
Wellness is a hot topic in the public safety community – but how does it address the challenges faced by first responders serving on the front lines? Dr. Kristen Wheldon, Assistant Chief Patrick Fale, and Undersheriff Sylvia Moir discuss the importance of early intervention solutions for first responders, live at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit.
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Episode 81: Voices From The Field National Preparedness Month 2024

September 11, 2024 • 10 mins
National Preparedness Month helps communities prepare for when disaster strikes. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate the work of emergency managers (EMs) and the role they play in disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation. In recognition of the month, Trevin Hunter of Louisville Metro Emergency Services in Kentucky talks about his work as an EM and shares his support for the emergency management community.
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Episode 80: Redefining Event Medicine And Public Safety With FirstNet

June 12, 2024 • 17 mins
Since its creation, Prevent Medical Solutions has protected more than two million people at events ranging from marathons to large music festivals. Cody Snow, President of Prevent Medical Solutions, discusses how FirstNet deployables, push-to-talk technology, and priority and preemption help keep his team of medical and safety professionals connected and communicating.
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Episode 79: Voices From The Field - National EMS Week 2024

May 21, 2024 • 10 mins
EMS is a vital public service. Members of EMS crews work tirelessly on the frontline, providing critical care to those in need. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week, Chief Jason Rhodes of the Center for EMS at the Rhode Island Department of Health looks back on the highlights of his career and recognizes the lifesaving work EMTs and paramedics perform every day.
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Episode 78 Voices From The Field National Police Week 2024

May 13, 2024 • 8 mins
National Police Week is a poignant reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It is also a time to recognize the around-the-clock dedication and selflessness of the men and women of law enforcement. In honor of this week, retired Chief Jeri Williams of the Phoenix Police Department in Arizona reflects on the meaning of sacrifice and its impact on her career in law enforcement.
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Episode 77: FirstNet Powers Las Vegas Public Safety At The Big Game And F1 Grand Prix

May 7, 2024 • 19 mins
Las Vegas public safety agencies spent months planning for the first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix race and hosting football’s biggest game of the year. As part of their preparations, the Clark County Fire Department and other Las Vegas public safety agencies worked with the FirstNet Authority’s Network Experience Engagement Program. Through a collaborative planning process, FirstNet ensured first responders were prepared for these maj...
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Episode 76: Voices From The Field International Firefighters’ Day 2024

May 1, 2024 • 8 mins
A firefighter’s commitment to selflessness serves as a shining example of the best of humanity. Expressing appreciation for their everyday heroism is not only about recognizing their courageous acts, but also acknowledging the personal sacrifices they make to protect their communities. In recognition of International Firefighters’ Day, Chief Loy Senter of Chesterfield County Fire and EMS in Virginia discusses his 45-year career in...
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Episode 75: Voices From The Field National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2024

April 15, 2024 • 9 mins
Emergency telecommunicators are the critical link between first responders and the larger community. They are the voice of calm on someone’s worst day. In honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, Maui County Emergency Services Dispatch Coordinator Davlynn Racadio reflects on her 36-year career as a dispatcher and celebrates the exceptional work telecommunicators do 24/7/365.
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Episode 74: Push - To - Talk Brings Simplicity, Interoperability To Texas Sheriff’s Office

March 19, 2024 • 20 mins
The Kleberg County Sheriff’s Office in Texas is revolutionizing their approach to law enforcement communication with broadband technology designed to enhance real-time connectivity and response. Sheriff Richard Kirkpatrick shares his department's journey from traditional radio systems to the advanced functionalities of FirstNet's Push-to-Talk feature, which now bolsters communication at their jailing facility and strengthens school...
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