Columns

Protect Our Spectrum: Sign the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA) Petition

Author: Jeffrey D. Johnson, CEO, Western Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 9/04/2020
I am asking for your help in protecting the 4.9 GHz spectrum for public safety. As you are aware, we depend on this spectrum for our radio systems and for our broadband data network needs. That's why it's so important for members of the first responder community to support this effort by signing and widely sharing the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA) petition. read more

WFCA Announces Support of Public Safety Spectrum Alliance

Author: Scott Miller, President, Western Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 8/14/2020
As our industry navigates the myriad challenges threatening public safety, the efforts of the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA) to preserve the 4.9 GHz spectrum will ensure that we are able to solve the pressing challenges of today and prepare for what will emerge in the future. On behalf of the Western Fire Chiefs Association, I am pleased to announce our support of the PSSA. A unified public safety voice is necessary to keep spectrum where it belongs - with public safety. Please take a few moments right now to read how the PSSA will secure a safer future for our citizens, cities and nation. read more

Swimming Naked: A Financial Reckoning Amidst a Pandemic

Author: Jeffrey D. Johnson, CEO, Western Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 6/02/2020
Warren Buffett is known for saying “Only when the tide goes out do you discover who's been swimming naked.” For reasons beyond anything in a fire chief’s control, we find ourselves amidst a pandemic and headed for what’s likely to be a substantial financial setback. We are already working with chiefs who are being asked to cut their budgets immediately by 10% - 25%. read more

Public Safety Advocate: HPUE—What It Does, How It Works, What Is Available

Author: Andrew Seybold, CEO, Principal Analyst, Andrew Seybold, Inc.
Published: 5/15/2020
Today's Guest Columnist discusses the impact of using high-power devices for Band 14 FirstNet in terms of coverage and data speeds, and gives a bit of history on FirstNet and other LTE-based networks. Additionally, his column provides an in-depth discussion of products coming to market that are designed to enable FirstNet to support higher-power end-user devices. In Andrew's words, "I believe HPUE checks off one more of the many important pieces that need to find their way into FirstNet and the public safety community's arsenal of products and services available to our first responders." read more

Illinois Fire Service State Agency Status Update
Thursday, May 14th, 4:00pm CDT

Author: Illinois Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 5/13/2020
Please join leadership from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, Illinois Fire Service Institute, Chicago Fire Department, MABAS-IL, Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts, Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, Illinois Professional Firefighters Association, Illinois Firefighters Association and the International Association of Fire Chiefs for this interactive discussion. Each agency will present a brief status update followed by an open question and answer session. read more

Your Support is Requested: Letters to Members of Congress

Author: Jeff Tucker, President, Western Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 5/01/2020
Today, as President of the Western Fire Chiefs Association, I issued letters to the Honorable Members of the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate on behalf of the WFCA Executive Board, and our members in AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, and WPI, urging Congress to provide an additional $5 billion for AFG and $5 billion for SAFER grants. read more

Guest Editorial: Intra-Operable Networks, T-Mobile Ex Parte Filing

Author: Andrew Seybold, CEO, Principal Analyst, Andrew Seybold, Inc.
Published: 4/03/2020
"Andy Sebold is one of the most credible public safety technologists in the country. It is an honor for Andy's insights to grace our editorial page. Thank you for your service to public safety Andy." --Jeff Johnson, Chief Executive, Western Fire Chiefs Association. Learn how T-Mobile, a network which fought public safety and wanted the broadband spectrum auctioned now wants to be a part of the very network they fought against. read more

Tom, Jack, and The Dog Man: The Secret to Leaving an Indelible Legacy

Author: Jeffrey D. Johnson, CEO, Western Fire Chiefs Association
Published: 3/18/2020
San Jose Police Chief (Ret.) Chris Moore called me recently, which isn't all that unusual. You see, I spent four years with Chris, former APCO President Dick Mirgon, and Assistant Chief NYPD (Ret.) Chuck Dowd in Washington, D.C., working to legislatively create what is now known as FirstNet, the world's first nationwide public safety broadband network. read more

What’s in a name? For the IAFC, EFO Section, it’s a lot!

Author: Chief Bruce Kroon
Published: 2/26/2020
Did you know? You do not have to be an EFO graduate in order to belong to the IAFC Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Section. In fact, the title “EFO” has caused enough confusion amongst the general membership that we are in the process of officially changing the title of the Section to “Executive Leadership” or “EL”. read more

IAFC CEO and Executive Director Mark Light Retires

Author: The International Association of Fire Chiefs
Published: 8/20/2019
The International Association of Fire Chiefs today announced that Mark Light has retired from his position as CEO and Executive Director. Mark Light said, “It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement. read more