The Federal Communications Commission has expanded the US’s emergency alert systems by adding a new alert option dubbed Blue Alert. With Blue Alert, both local and state-level authorities can push out notifications that warn the public to “threats to law enforcement.” In explaining this, the FCC says the authorities are able to push out Blue […]
FCC Blue Alert Warns Cell Phone Users of Threats to Law Enforcement Read Post »
LTE-connected drones hold a lot of potential for FirstNet-subscribers. Exploring the capabilities of this technology in wake of Hurricane Maria’s devastation will help temporarily restore connectivity and assess how first responders can use the drone in the future. AT&T has developed a drone that can function as a flying cell phone tower and helped restore
AT&T Flying COW Deployed to Puerto Rico Read Post »
Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) board members approved an agreement that would transfer the LA-RICS public-safety LTE assets to AT&T, so they can be integrated into the FirstNet system if California Gov. Jerry Brown makes an “opt-in” decision. LA-RICS Executive Director Scott Edson tweeted today that the LA-RICS joint-powers authority board this morning voted unanimously in favor
The massive Thomas Fire in Southern California has consumed more than 230,500 acres, and the emergency has caused residents in fire-threatened areas to evacuate. Amateur Radio volunteers remain active supporting communication for American Red Cross shelters in Ventura County. More evacuations are likely, although the need for Amateur Radio assistance remains dynamic. Cal Fire said
Amateur Radio Volunteers Active in Latest Round of California Wildfires Read Post »
COATESVILLE, Pa., Dec. 13, 2017 — Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, delivered two S-70i™ Black Hawk helicopters to the County of Los Angeles at a ceremony in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. The S-70i Black Hawk helicopters will be customized to a Firehawk™ configuration to meet L.A. County Fire Department’s specifications and further protect lives and property 24/7.
Marines with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214 remove ordnance from an AV-8B Harrier II at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Nov. 29. Marines prepared several Harriers to support Winter Fury 18, which spans several locations including Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, MCAS Miramar and MCAS Yuma,
Marines Practicing Full-Scale Air, Sea and Ground Assault on Southern California Bases Read Post »
A 39-year-old man was in custody Saturday on suspicion of stealing a Los Angeles County Fire Department lifeguard pickup truck at Dockweiler Beach. The theft occurred between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Authorities recovered the red 2015 Toyota Tacoma Friday and arrested Jared Gowens on suspicion of felony grand theft
Baywatch Wannabe? Suspect Steals Lifeguard Pickup Truck at Dockweiler Beach Read Post »
The Los Angeles Fire Department deployed its drones for the first time to survey the Skirball Fire near Bel-Air on Dec. 7, 2017. Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas announced the move in a Thursday morning press conference, and by late afternoon two drones had conducted reconnaissance at the north end of Moraga Drive for about 30
LAFD Deploys Drones for First Time to Survey Damage, Patrol Hotspots in Skirball Fire Read Post »
As wildfires sweep across the state of California, Russian Federation officials have offered their aid in the form of amphibious, firefighting airplanes called Be-200s, which could be mobilized in 72 hours, according to a Santa Maria airport official. If an agreement is finalized, Russia’s Beriev Be-200s would be utilized in the firefights and would be
Russia Offers to Help Fight Wildfires by Stationing Aircraft in Santa Maria Read Post »
UCLA partnered with Los Angeles County and Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) to launch a program that delivers time-sensitive treatment to stroke victims. As part of the first phase of a pilot program, the specialized ambulance unit and highly trained personnel began responding in September to select 911 calls in Santa Monica in
UCLA Partners with LA-RICS on Ambulance for Stroke Victims Read Post »
