Interested in what we’re working on, or in the future of first responders? Our First Responders News page provides publications, videos, and information about First Responder technologies and resources.

For a complete listing of all First Responder news articles visit the S&T Responder News page.

Hot Topics

 DHS S&T announces new partnership to improve responder communications October 5, 2016 - DHS S&T and America’s Public Television Stations have signed an agreement that will enable them to leverage both organizations’ strengths and resources to benefit the first responder community. 

 Responder News: Smart Gun Technology Patents July 25, 2016 - In response to the President’s Memorandum on promoting Smart Gun Technology (SGT), the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and Department of Defense have outlined a requirements document for the procurement of Smart Gun Technology in the federal sector.

Recent News

 Snapshot: Video Quality in Public Safety Program: Key Achievements Spanning 7 Years & What’s On Deck October 28, 2016 - As video technology has evolved, equipment options have become increasingly complex. The Video Quality in Public Safety program (VQiPS) provides information and support to first responders so they can articulate their requirements and ultimately purchase products to support their own unique video needs.

 Snapshot: NUSTL’s NYAST forum hosts series on NGFR Technologies October 27, 2016 - Developed and managed by NUSTL, the NYAST forums are a platform used to promote and discuss advances in science and technology applications.

Snapshot: S&T's Under Secretary discusses resilience in smart cities October 21, 2016 - What is a resilient city? What do you want your resilient city to look like? Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Undersecretary for Science and Technology Dr. Reginald Brothers asked those questions at a panel discussion during Smart Cities Week in Washington, D.C. on September, 27.

 Responder News: New Report Highlights Key Lessons Learned During Cross-Border Experiment October 18, 2016 - First Responders Group (FRG) Program Manager Denis Gusty offers key takeaways from the fourth installment of the Canada-United States Enhanced (CAUSE) Resiliency Experiment.

 Responder News: New Partnership to Improve Collaboration and Information Sharing for the Nation’s First Responders October 12, 2016 - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate’s (S&T) First Responders Group (FRG) recently announced a partnership with America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) to further FRG’s mission by developing a strategy to make the datacasting technology available nationwide. 

For a complete listing of First Responder news articles visit our S&T Responder News page.

Recent Publications

  Automated Driver and Responder Alert System (ADRAS) Fact Sheet - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is developing the Automated Driver and Responder Alert System (ADRAS), a holistic system to enhance roadway safety for emergency personnel.

  Respiration Protection for Firefighters During Overhaul Operations Fact Sheet - The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate’s First Responder Group is working with TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) to develop a respirator system specifically for use during overhaul operations.

Radiological / Nuclear Response and Recovery Research & Development Fact Sheet - The RNRR R&D Program will increase preparedness and enhance responder capabilities in advance of an incident, as well as minimize the impact of a radiological or nuclear detonation.
 

 Canada-U.S. Enhanced Resiliency Experiment (CAUSE IV) Binational After Action Report - CAUSE IV was comprised of two vignettes, which evaluated the impact of technologies and applications on cross-border emergency response operations and medical operations. It was hypothesized that the use of the interoperable technologies would lead to improvements in the coordination of cross-border emergency responses.

 National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) Annual Report 2015 - In 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) First Responders Group (FRG) National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) celebrated its 69th year of service to the nation and its 12th year as the test and evaluation resource for the national first responder community as a homeland security laboratory.

For a complete listing of First Responder publications visit the Publications and Fact Sheet pages.

Recent Videos

  Future of First Response: System Summary - DHS S&T’s Next Generation First Responder program Responder Technology Alliance is working to anticipate responder needs five, 10, even 15 years from now and develop integrated solutions. This video highlights future tech and how it will all work together to make responders better protected, connected and fully aware.

  Future of First Response: Vision for Emergency Medical Services - DHS S&T shows a glimpse of some of potential future technologies, like a light breathable layer to protect from gunshots that will help the emergency medical technician of the future.

 Future of First Response: Vision for Police - DHS S&T shows a glimpse of some of potential future technologies, like sensors that monitor health status and location, and augmented reality glasses that will help the law enforcement officer of the future.

 Future of First Response: Vision for Firefighting - DHS S&T shows a glimpse of some of potential future technologies, like lighter turnout gear that protects from toxins as well as heat, and integrated communications and safety devices that will help the firefighter of the future be better protected, connected and fully aware.

Go to First Responders Videos for a complete video listing.

Responder Spotlights

Responder Spotlight: Jill Ramaker - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate’s (S&T) First Responders Group (FRG) relies on experienced emergency response and preparedness professionals to guide its research and development efforts. The First Responder Resource Group (FRRG) fills that role. Our latest FRRG member spotlight focuses on Jill Ramaker, director of the Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (NIPSTA).

Responder Spotlight: Dan Dooley - New York City Police Department Captain Dan Dooley discusses his work on the Narcotics, VICE, and Gang Squad in South Manhattan along with his take on becoming a member of the First Responder Resource Group.

Responder Spotlight: Robert McLafferty - There is never a “typical day” for Fire Chief Robert McLafferty, fire chief of the Herman Volunteer Fire Company (VFC) and 911 Coordinator for Butler County, Pennsylvania. In his view, every day presents different challenges and new opportunities.

Responder Spotlight: Jack Hanagriff - At eight-years old, Jack Hanagriff already knew exactly what he wanted to do when he grew up: he wanted to serve the public. “Public service is in my blood,” he said. “I just knew I wanted to do something that allowed me to help people, and this is one of the best ways to be able to do that."

Responder Spotlight: Shannon Buhl - First responders, such as the Cherokee Nation’s Marshal Shannon Buhl, in tribal jurisdictions face many challenges on a daily basis. Marshal Buhl explained what it’s like being a tribal responder in a remote area.

Responder Spotlight: Patricia J. Dukes - Meet Patricia J. Dukes, Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates and a longtime member of the FRRG.

Responder Spotlight: Paul D. Laney - The Sheriff of Cass County, North Dakota is a member of the DHS S&T First Responder Resource Group.

Responder Spotlight: Jason Smith - Jason Smith had planned on a life in the military. But one of life’s unexpected turns left him with a severed Achilles tendon and an end to his ROTC scholarship. Suddenly looking for other options, Smith knew he wanted to take on a career that would allow him to serve his community and have a positive impact on other people’s lives.

Responder Spotlight: Soheila Ajabshir - Meet Soheila Ajabshir, GIS Systems analyst and programmer with the Miami-Dade County Information Technology Department and member of the DHS S&T First Responder Resource Group.

Responder Spotlight: Dave Saitta - Meet Lt. Dave Saitta, Calumet City, Illinois, firefighter and paramedic. Like many in the field of public safety, his personal story influenced the path of his career — which, believe it or not, initially began in the construction field.

Responder Spotlight: Josh Dennis - Meet Joshua Dennis, Chicago Fire Department District Chief and member of the DHS S&T First Responder Resource Group.

Responder Spotlight: Dr. Carol A. Cunningham - Dr. Carol Cunningham has taken every opportunity to teach, learn and further her education, and has received a multitude of degrees, licensures and certifications throughout her medical career.

Responder Spotlight: Andrew Wordin - Meet Battalion Chief Andrew Wordin of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). An FRRG member for five years, Wordin has advised FRG on the development of several technologies, most recently the EDGE Virtual Training project.

Responder Spotlight: Anne Jensen - Meet Anne M. Jensen, a paramedic and Resource Access Program (RAP) Coordinator for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Responder Spotlight: Steve Vandewalle - Meet Steve Vandewalle, paramedic and firefighter for the San Diego Fire Department (SDFD). Vandewalle’s participation in recent field tests for FRG’s Improved Structure Firefighting Glove was instrumental to the project’s progress, and we were curious about how this protective equipment might enhance his daily performance.