The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) Board has approved an $82 million budget for operations in Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20), with a focus on supporting public safety engagement, continued oversight of the deployment of the nationwide public safety broadband network, and future investments in the network.
“The FirstNet Authority is an organization solely focused on public safety’s critical communications needs and what we can do with FirstNet to help address these needs,” said FirstNet Authority Board Chair Edward Horowitz. “Today, the Board took action to support this important work as network deployment continues and we look toward future investments, programs and activities to evolve the network with continued public safety engagement.”
The FirstNet Authority Board approved Resolution 101, which allocates $82 million for the FirstNet Authority’s operating budget in FY20 and an additional $82 million in reserves for operations. The Board’s action also provides $145 million for reinvestment in support of FirstNet network enhancement, coverage and functionality on behalf of public safety.
The approval of the FY20 budget follows the recent release of the FirstNet Authority Roadmap, a plan to guide the future evolution of the FirstNet network based on public safety’s input. The FirstNet Authority will use the Roadmap to prioritize its programs, activities and investments in network improvements to ensure first responders have the communications tools they need to help them save lives and protect communities. The Roadmap supports the FirstNet Authority’s Investment Principles, which state that investments to improve the network must be derived from and benefit public safety.
For more information on the Board meeting, visit FirstNet.gov.
5.11 Tactical has named Felipe Zardo senior vice president and general manager of Omni-Channel Retail. Previously the vice president of Digital Commerce at 5.11, Zardo will now be responsible for operations and strategy around all of 5.11’s direct-to-consumer channels, from ecommerce to retail.
“Felipe knows the 5.11 customer experience inside and out, having worked with sales, retail, operations and our marketing team to create a customer-centric 5.11 digital experience,” said Francisco Morales, co-founder and chief executive officer of 5.11. “As our network of brick-and-mortar stores expands rapidly, we are excited for Felipe to bring his expertise to all of our direct-to-consumer channels holistically.”
Zardo will develop best-in-class consumer experiences online and in stores, working closely with all departments to encourage innovation and sustainable growth. The position is also responsible for nurturing a culture that promotes data-driven decision making and prioritizing what is best for the 5.11 brand as a whole.
“Since I’ve joined the company, the growth of 5.11’s direct-to-consumer channels has been astounding,” said Zardo. “I believe the brand is poised to continue this momentum, and I look forward to aligning our digital commerce and brick and mortar platforms to best serve our customers and grow the 5.11 brand.”
Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling tactical gear and accessories at 511tactical.com.
The DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Alliance has launched a Technical Experts Program (TEP) to assist public safety and emergency services professionals and agencies who require first-hand subject matter expertise in deploying and managing their drone programs.
Speaking at the North Carolina Drone Summit, DRONERESPONDERS director Charles Werner announced the creation of the TEP to a crowd of public safety and drone industry professionals. He said the TEP will start off with 50 Technical Experts who have committed to serve and are in the process of being activated on the DRONERESPONDERS website and discussion forum.
“I am very excited about the start of our Technical Experts Program,” said Werner. “Each of these individuals have been vetted as subject matter experts in specific areas pertaining to public safety drone operations. They will now share their knowledge with other first responders who are operating UAS.”
DRONERESPONDERS Technical Experts (TE’s) will cover specific topics surrounding public safety UAS operations such as active shooter situations, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, emergency airspace authorizations, and hazmat responses. Werner said DRONERESPONDERS will continue to add new TE’s to the program as additional subject matter experts emerge. The responsibilities of the TE’s will include participation in the discussion forums, news blog, webinars, events and other activities as their schedules permit.
“We expect the DRONERESPONDERS Technical Experts to become the rock stars of the public safety UAS sector,” Werner said. “These go-to specialists will help solve unique and complex challenges surrounding public safety drone operations. Public safety agencies have a long tradition of helping one another, and the DRONERESPONDERS program will carry that legacy forward with the TEP.”
DRONERESPONDERS also announced the addition of five new members to their Board of Advisors, who will serve both as advisors to, and ambassadors for, the DRONERESPONDERS program. The new Board of Advisor members include:
- Justine Hollingshead, Chief of Staff and Assistant Vice Chancellor, NC State University, North Carolina
- David Merrick, Director of the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program, Florida State University, Florida
- Samuel Nelson, Project Manager and Coordinator of sUAS Flight Operations, MassDOT, Massachusetts
- Eric Schwartz, Quality Innovation and UAS Program Lead, Florida Power & Light Company, Florida
- Scott Wilkinson, Senior Academy Officer and RPAS Lead, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, Canada
Rounding out the appointment of new DRONERESPONDERS members, the program has appointed Derrick Ward to serve as Public Safety Team Leader. Ward is a firefighter and lead UAS pilot with the Los Angeles Fire Department. He will facilitate the DRONERESPONDERS discussion forum to help ensure the success of the TEP.
Acela Truck Company and Fire Line Equipment have announced a strategic partnership to distribute Acela Monterra extreme-duty, high water/flood rescue trucks.
“Fire Line Equipment is excited to add the Acela Monterra line of high water/flood rescue trucks to our product offerings,” said Ron Fink, Fire Line Equipment partner. “With flooding events becoming almost commonplace, Fire Line Equipment has recognized an increasing demand for more purpose-built flood rescue trucks. After an exhaustive search, we found the Acela Monterra to be the best solution in the market today. Our customers demand modern, comfortable, safe and purpose-built solutions. Most are tired of repurposing and maintaining old and unreliable surplus military trucks. The Acela Monterra, with its 46-inch tires, all-wheel-drive, 50-inch water fording capability and central tire inflation system has proven to be the perfect solution for flood rescue response and can easily serve double-duty as a wildland/brush truck outside of flood/hurricane season.”
David Ronsen, president of Acela Truck Company, added, “We’re thrilled to have Fire Line Equipment representing our high-mobility Monterra flood rescue trucks and truck chassis lines into the firefighting market. Fire Line Equipment understands the needs of their customers and has a reputation as one of the highest quality fire truck dealers in the U.S. By working together, an increasing number of fire departments will be able to significantly increase their response capabilities with our high-mobility trucks.”
For more information about Acela Truck Company, visit acelatruck.com. For more information about Fireline Equipment, visit firelineequipment.com.
Michael Cesarz has joined Safe Fleet as a regional manager. In his new role, Cesarz will be responsible for sales growth and servicing Elkhart Brass, FoamPro, FRC and ROM customers in the Mid-Atlantic territory, which includes Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.
Prior to joining Safe Fleet, Cesarz worked as an aerial product specialist, covering the U.S. and Canada where he conducted both new delivery training, troubleshooting and provided sales support. He is also a U.S. Navy veteran who specialized in shipboard and aircraft firefighting.
For more information on Safe Fleet, visit safefleet.net.
