FirstNet: Providing Mobility and Flexibility for Michigan Law Enforcement

Posted on March 4, 2022March 4, 2022 by info

Technology is critical to the work of today’s police force. Decades ago, we were celebrating the development of centralized databases and the advent of computer-aided dispatch systems. Now, agencies can use drones, thermal imaging, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices to enhance police operations and make officers more efficient and safer on the job.

Mobile broadband technology is a key component of these advances. 4G LTE – and soon 5G – connections enable officers to access the same resources in the field as they would sitting at a computer in a police station. Gone are the days of having to return to the station to complete reports or upload video footage. And FirstNet – the only nationwide broad-band network dedicated to public safety – provides officers the reliable broadband connection they need to operate on a daily basis or during any incident or emergency.

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FOP

Posted on February 27, 2022February 27, 2022 by info

The Fraternal Order of Police is the world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, with more than 364,000 members in more than 2,100 lodges. We are the voice of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities. We are committed to improving the working conditions of law enforcement officers and the safety of those we serve through education, legislation, information, community involvement and employee representation.

No one knows the dangers and the difficulties faced by today’s police officers better than another officer, and no one knows police officers better than the FOP.

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POAM

Posted on February 27, 2022February 27, 2022 by info

POAM is a full-service labor organization formed to provide every labor-related service from negotiations, grievance processing, legal and legislative representation to Act 312 arbitrations.

The number one issue that POAM representatives address when speaking with groups interested in switching union affiliation is the quality of our business agents and the service they provide to their local units. Calls are returned promptly. Many questions are answered on the spot, more difficult inquiries are responded to immediately after the issue is investigated.

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COPLINE

Posted on February 27, 2022February 27, 2022 by info

“Cops understand Cops. We’ve been exposed to similar situations in our careers. Whether you’re active duty or retired and feel like no one understands what you’re going through, we want to answer your CALL.”

CopLine has earned the trust of the Law Enforcement community by providing peer listening through a hotline by maintaining complete confidentiality as well as anonymity if the caller chooses. We train competent, confident, committed, and compassionate retired officers to engage with callers on the daily stressors officers and their family members experience.

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Firefighters are first responders

Posted on February 27, 2022February 27, 2022 by info

While the number of fire-related calls to U.S. fire departments has steadily declined in recent decades, the volume of calls to fire departments has continued to grow. As fire departments have become increasingly relied upon to provide emergency response to an ever-growing range of incidents, so have firefighters’ roles and responsibilities.
NFPA continually works to support fire departments by developing standards, trainings, resources and initiatives that help them perform their work as effectively and safely as possible, wherever they’re required to go. Similarly, NFPA has proactively addressed emerging issues in which fire departments have become actively involved.

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Behavioral Health and Wellness in the Fire Service

Posted on February 25, 2022February 25, 2022 by info

There is growing concern about behavioral health issues and the significant impact on wellness. The stresses faced by fire fighters, paramedics and EMTs throughout the course of their careers – incidents involving children, violence, inherent dangers of firefighting and other potentially traumatic events – can have a cumulative impact on mental health and well-being.

The IAFF continues to develop resources that educate and support members on behavioral health concerns. Check back often for updated information on behavioral health programs and resources.

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International Association of Firefighters

Posted on February 25, 2022April 28, 2022 by info

IAFF Recovery Center

Posted on February 17, 2022February 27, 2022 by info

A Rehab Center Designed Specifically for IAFF Members We want you to feel at home at the IAFF Center for Excellence. That’s why we designed it with the firehouse in mind, to make treatment as comfortable as possible. You’ll find familiar touches throughout the common areas and residences.

Our 15-acre facility, located just outside Washington, DC, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland is furnished with comfortable residential accommodations and more than 60 beds. It offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor amenities to encourage physical activity and mental clarity to heal the mind, body and spirit.

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Behavioral Health for Firefighters

Posted on February 11, 2022February 27, 2022 by fst5editor

Firefighters and EMS personnel routinely witness horrific events that ordinary people don’t. These experiences can lead to mental health issues, including PTSD and depression—even suicide. Here you can view the latest findings, policies and procedures that can help first responders and their leaders recognize behavioral health problems and take action before they put themselves and those around them at risk.

Recognizing emerging or existing mental health issues is critical to keeping first responders safe.

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Why Mental Health Resources Are Critical for Firefighters

Posted on February 11, 2022February 27, 2022 by fst5editor

Like most emergency responders, firefighters are expected to be calm, level-headed and able to face even the most challenging situations with courage. They have long been expected to contain their emotions and approach their jobs with logic and reason, with the understanding that only those who have the ability to successfully manage the stress and emotional aspects of the job are cut out for success.

As a result, many firefighters have suppressed their feelings, with devastating consequences to their mental health. Research indicates that a large number have experienced mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. For example, one study of 7,000 firefighters found that 65% of the respondents struggle with memories of difficult calls, while 59% have had family or relationship problems as a result of their jobs. Substance abuse issues were experienced by 27%, while 19% have had thoughts of suicide.

In this article, we explore why mental health is critical for firefighters and what resources are available to help departments raise awareness within their teams.

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