The Indianapolis Fire Department has launched a pilot program using Ascent Integrated Tech’s on-scene accountability technology to improve firefighter safety and operational efficiency.
The deployment, which began on September 19, was led by Battalion Chief and Chief Technology Officer Dale Rolfson, an advocate for advancing technological integration within fire services.
The program’s technology enhances situational awareness by providing real-time location tracking and monitoring, a crucial tool for emergency response teams to improve decision-making during critical situations.
Chief Rolfson, who oversaw the integration, emphasized the system’s simplicity and effectiveness, noting the seamless integration into regular firefighter operations.
Chief Rolfson expressed satisfaction with the technology’s initial performance, specifically its ease of use and adaptability in firefighter training exercises.
He noted the simplicity of setting up the system and connecting multiple servers, highlighting the importance of smooth functionality in real-world applications.
“It was very simple for what Alex was able to do to get us up and running,” said Chief Rolfson.
“Just connecting multiple servers, and I was impressed with how it worked. We have a recruit class of 66 firefighters in a couple of different units.
“We did multiple drills, and with different firefighters—they didn’t have a problem with the device and just shoved it in their pocket, and it seemed to track very well for us.”
Ascent Integrated Tech’s accountability system is built on the Team Awareness Kit (TAK), a platform initially designed for military applications.
TAK is widely recognized for its reliability and is now being adapted for emergency services, providing accurate location data and operational support in dynamic environments.
The TAK foundation gives Ascent’s technology a tested and robust platform, enabling a secure integration with existing emergency response systems.
This setup supports firefighter teams on the ground by offering real-time data that can inform critical decisions during emergency responses.
The pilot’s implementation included a test phase involving a recruit class of 66 firefighters.
The technology was introduced during various training drills, where recruits tested the system’s adaptability and reliability.
Feedback from these exercises showed that the system successfully met its objectives, enabling recruits to easily carry and operate the devices without disruption.
Chief Rolfson noted the functionality of the device, saying it tracked efficiently when placed in firefighters’ pockets.
This initial success is an encouraging indicator of the system’s potential to contribute to long-term safety and efficiency improvements within the department.
On September 19, the Indianapolis Fire Department began a pilot deployment of Ascent Integrated Tech’s on-scene accountability technology, led by Battalion Chief Dale Rolfson.
The initiative aims to improve real-time location tracking and situational awareness for firefighters.
Chief Rolfson highlighted the ease of deployment and praised the system’s reliability, particularly during training exercises with 66 new recruits.
Built on the Team Awareness Kit (TAK) platform, widely used in military contexts, the technology integrates smoothly with existing systems, enhancing real-time tracking capabilities essential for emergency operations.
Initial tests demonstrated successful tracking, supporting operational readiness and safety.
