First responders
Honeywell releases plans for AreaRAE Pro for emergency first responder use
Honeywell released plans on Thursday for a next-generation wireless, transportable GPS-enabled multi-threat monitor called the AreaRAE Pro. The AreaRAE Pro collects information based on meteorological conditions and simultaneously detects a wide-range of threats, including toxic and combustible... Read More »
Ratcliffe holds first-ever Emergency Management Summit
U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX) recently hosted the first-ever Emergency Management Summit to help first responders in his district prepare for natural disasters that require federal assistance. The summit featured testimony and potential response plans from local emergency managers, country... Read More »Payne says interoperability for first responders among biggest challenges
U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ) recently said that continuing to improve interoperability among first responders and ensuring that they have access to the best equipment and technology are his top goals. Payne, who serves as the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on... Read More »HHS purchases two products to combat bone marrow-related radiological injuries
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) recently purchased two medical products to treat injuries to bone marrow in radiological or nuclear incidents. The products, called colony stimulating factors, work by... Read More »GAO: Improved procurement of land mobile radios by OMB could enhance interoperability
An improved procurement process of land mobile radios (LMRs) could enhance interoperability and cut overall costs, according to a recent report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). LMRs are generally used by federal agencies in public safety incidents, firefighting and emergency... Read More »
HHS, Emergent BioSolutions enter into contract for anthrax vaccine development
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) recently moved forward with the development of the anthrax vaccine NuThrax. ASPR’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and Emergent... Read More »
House passes McCaul’s first responder grant bill
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Community Counterterrorism Preparedness Act, H.R. 5859, on Thursday, to provide assistance to first responders in communities across the country. The bill, introduced by U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and passed with bipartisan support, authorizes... Read More »First responders train with new technology at N.Y.’s largest emergency response exercise
More than 100 first responders gathered in New York this week for the state’s largest emergency response training exercise featuring realistic scenarios inspired by terrorist threats in the United States and abroad and utilizing the newest communications technology for law enforcement. The... Read More »
FirstNet awards grants to eight agencies under Band 14 spectrum program
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) awarded funds on Thursday to eight agencies for its Band 14 Incumbent Spectrum Relocation Grant program. The program aims to provide financial assistance to eligible public safety agencies for relocating their current radios and systems from Band... Read More »IAFC, Esri enter partnership for GIS technology for first responders
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) announced a partnership on Tuesday with Esri to geo-enable the association’s programs and applications in order to support the growing demands of first responders around the world. Esri specializes in geographic information system (GIS)... Read More »
CDC exercises contract option with Emergent BioSolutions, Inc., for supply of vaccinia immune globulin for SNS
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) exercised a contract option with Emergent BioSolutions, Inc., on Tuesday valued at $11.6 million over a 12-month period for the supply of vaccinia immune globulin (VIGIV) to the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). The U.S. Food and... Read More »FirstNet to hold Southwest border region forum on public safety communications
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) will hold its inaugural forum in the Southwest border region in August to engage with federal and regional public safety stakeholders about the communications challenges they face ahead of the deployment of a nationwide public safety broadband... Read More »Rhode Island first responders to receive more than $8 million to enhance emergency preparedness
A coalition of Rhode Island lawmakers said on Friday that the state would receive more than $8 million in federal funds to assist first responders in response to a range of security challenges and crises. The coalition included U.S. Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), along... Read More »