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On call and connected with Verizon Frontline

September 17, 2024

Verizon Frontline’s cutting-edge communication solutions are transforming support for first responders in critical fire and rescue operations

Effective communication is central to fire and rescue operations, especially in emergencies where timely decisions and coordinated efforts can prevent loss of life and property.

Verizon Frontline has developed communication systems specifically tailored to meet the needs of first responders.

With years of experience in the field, the company’s focus on practical, reliable solutions has proven to be a valuable asset to public safety agencies across the United States.

Verizon Frontline’s relationship with fire and rescue services has been built on decades of collaboration with public safety officials.

This partnership allows for the continuous refinement of tools and technology that meet the rigorous demands of first responders in the field.

The “Verizon Frontline-Verified” program is a recent development that aims to provide fire and rescue services with equipment that has undergone thorough testing for reliability in real-world situations.

As Calvin Jackson, Verizon Frontline’s senior manager for crisis response, explains: “This program is designed to help give the first responders we support peace of mind when purchasing new equipment.”

By certifying products that meet stringent standards, Verizon Frontline helps ensure that fire and rescue teams can depend on their tools during critical operations.

Real-world application in wildfire response

The challenges faced by fire and rescue teams during wildfire season underscore the importance of reliable communication systems.

Verizon Frontline has been instrumental in maintaining connectivity for firefighters operating in difficult terrain where traditional communication networks may fail.

The company’s deployment of Satellite Picocells on Trailers (SPOTs) during recent wildfires in Oregon and Washington is a key example of how these solutions support first responders.

In 2024 alone, Verizon’s Frontline Crisis Response Team has deployed nearly 200 solutions across multiple locations, providing the connectivity needed for more than 6,800 firefighters.

These mobile systems allow fire departments to maintain communication across vast and remote areas, ensuring that teams can coordinate their efforts despite the challenges posed by rough terrain and widespread fires.

Mark Paff, Senior Director of Network Operations at Verizon, emphasized the importance of maintaining network resilience: “At Verizon, our focus is on ensuring that our network stands ready to support first responders, no matter the conditions.”

Insight from experienced leadership

Verizon Frontline’s approach to supporting fire and rescue services is informed by the experience of industry leaders like Sal Cassano, a former Fire Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).

Cassano’s career in the fire service spans over four decades, during which he witnessed firsthand the critical role that reliable communication plays in emergency response.

Cassano was a key figure in the rebuilding of the FDNY after the attacks on September 11, 2001.

In the aftermath of the disaster, communication breakdowns became a central concern, as overloaded phone lines hampered the ability of first responders to coordinate effectively.

Cassano’s experience during that period shaped his understanding of the need for resilient, adaptable communication systems.

“We realized that technology had to evolve beyond what we had that day,” Cassano said, reflecting on the need for better tools to handle future crises.

As a member of Verizon’s First Responder Advisory Council, Cassano helps guide the development of communication technologies that address the practical needs of today’s fire services.

His emphasis on integrating modern tools with the established practices of fire departments has been a driving force behind Verizon Frontline’s initiatives.

Innovation in communication technology

Verizon Frontline’s efforts extend beyond immediate disaster response to the development of next-generation technologies that enhance the operational capabilities of fire and rescue teams.

The Verizon Frontline Innovation Program plays a central role in this by working to identify the specific needs of public safety agencies and developing solutions to meet those needs.

The program’s focus spans preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation, ensuring that fire departments have access to the tools they need for every phase of emergency management.

One key area of development is the use of 5G Ultra Wideband technology, which offers increased speed, low latency, and greater capacity—features that are particularly valuable in high-stakes environments where traditional networks might falter.

Training also plays a critical role in Verizon Frontline’s approach.

Through joint exercises and scenario-based simulations, fire departments are able to familiarize themselves with the tools and technology that will be critical during an actual emergency.

This hands-on experience ensures that when a crisis occurs, firefighters can deploy these solutions with confidence and precision.

Hurricane response in Houston

Verizon Frontline’s commitment to supporting public safety agencies extends beyond wildfires to other natural disasters, such as hurricanes.

When Hurricane Beryl struck the Houston area in July 2024, Verizon Frontline was prepared with a range of solutions to ensure that first responders remained connected during the storm.

In addition to deploying mobile assets like SPOTs and STEERs (Satellite Trailer Emitting Equipment Remote), Verizon’s network infrastructure—reinforced with backup power systems—enabled fire and rescue teams to continue their operations even as widespread power outages affected millions of residents.

Verizon’s actions in Houston illustrate how careful planning and resilient technology can mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.

As Sandra Loughridge, Associate VP of Network Engineering at Verizon, noted, “We make investments to ready our network for even the most extreme conditions.”

This preparedness allows fire and rescue services to maintain communication continuity during and after the storm, which is essential for both rescue efforts and the safety of affected communities.

Practical support for fire and rescue services

Verizon Frontline’s commitment to public safety is characterized by a holistic approach that includes both cutting-edge technology and practical support for fire and rescue services.

Beyond providing communication tools, Verizon focuses on ensuring that fire departments are prepared for emergencies through joint training exercises, hands-on support, and the deployment of temporary communication assets during disasters.

Chandler Martello, a Verizon Response Manager and former firefighter, reflects on the importance of these efforts: “Every situation is different. Ultimately, arriving on scene and being able to create a solution is something that I have a passion for.”

This experience-driven approach ensures that Verizon Frontline’s solutions are not only technologically advanced but also effective in real-world situations where lives are on the line.

Verizon Frontline’s role in supporting fire and rescue services is grounded in a commitment to ensuring reliable communication during emergencies.

By combining years of experience with ongoing innovation, Verizon provides fire departments with the tools they need to operate efficiently under pressure.

With input from industry veterans like Sal Cassano and a focus on real-world application, Verizon Frontline remains dedicated to improving the way fire and rescue teams communicate and coordinate their efforts during crises.

This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of Fire & Safety Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

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