On July Fourth communication is key for first responders

Full Transparency

Our editorial transparency tool uses blockchain technology to permanently log all changes made to official releases after publication. However, this post is not an official release and therefore not tracked. Visit our learn more for more information.

More of our content is being permanently logged via blockchain technology starting [10.23.2020].

Descubre más

July Fourth is a busy time at beaches, parks, lakes and rivers, and other outside areas as families gather for picnics, sports, relaxation and fireworks displays. Law enforcement and first responders play a critical role in keeping everyone safe and secure. But what happens if first responders lose communication in a disaster?

“If you can’t communicate to the first responders and give [them] the resources they need, you’re going to lose lives.”

Those comments by Frank Sippel, emergency management planner for Cape May (NJ) County underscores Verizon’s commitment to providing communications services to support first responders and law enforcement officials – on July Fourth and throughout the year.

Remote areas in parks, on the water or by the ocean can provide communications challenges for first responders, but Verizon is testing an Airborne LTE drone to provide coverage in areas where service is limited or denied by a weather-related disaster or other issue. Verizon recently demonstrated this drone technology to first responders and local government officials in Cape May County, New Jersey.

“It broadcasts our 4G LTE services from the aircraft to the ground,” said Christopher Desmond, principal engineer at Verizon. “Mobile units are able to lock onto it just like a regular cell site on the highway.”

Verizon has a long history providing communications services to first responders and works to bring together the technology industry and law enforcement to prepare for a variety of crisis scenarios before they happen.

Related Articles

robot
06/21/2017
Verizon joins 40-plus companies to demonstrate what technology can do for emergency responders at Operation Convergent Rescue.
06/08/2017
Operation Convergent Response demonstrates advanced technologies available to first responders to respond to a major weather emergency or man-made crisis