Verizon Addresses the National Sheriffs’ Association Winter Conferences

First responders know and understand first hand that close collaboration is critical to success.

This was the central theme of remarks that Verizon delivered to attendees of the National Sheriffs’ Association winter conference in Washington, DC on Feb. 1.

These first responders face incredible challenges each and every day in getting the right tools into the hands of the right people at the right time – reliably, securely and efficiently – with a heightened degree of urgency and difficulty given that lives and security are at risk.

Technology and innovation play an increasingly crucial role in helping first responders meet their mission-critical objectives, for it is during times of crisis that the flow of actionable information is paramount and collaboration is critical to success.

Through investments made over the past decade – 4G LTE, IP networks, cloud computing and machine-to-machine – Verizon has assembled assets that are the platforms for future innovation.

What does this mean for the nation’s first responders?

• Verizon is currently trialing next-generation 911 technologies that promise to usher in a new era of public-safety communications, enabling citizens in emergency situations to alert first responders via voice, video and short message service, or SMS, text messaging.
• In December, Verizon Wireless announced text-to-911 capabilities for the company’s customers in York County, Poquoson and Williamsburg, Va. This is another step in making text-to-911 more broadly available.
• Recognizing that all first responders need to be able to communicate in times of emergency over managed, interoperable, and dedicated facilities, Verizon is working closely with its industry peers and government to support the efforts of FirstNet and the national public safety broadband network that will work with existing LTE networks.

“Verizon is making the investment today to create stronger, safer communities tomorrow, said Dominic DeMark, area vice president – public safety, Verizon Enterprise Solutions. “When budgets are tight and personnel are scarce, technology and innovation can fill the void and propel organizations to think of new ways to accomplish critical missions and objectives. Verizon firmly believes that the power of technology and innovative thinking can be harnessed to solve our society’s most pressing challenges.”