In the field, every second counts. So does every decision. That’s why we built Lightning.
Whether you're Law, EMS, Fire, or part of another emergency response discipline, one thing is certain: having access to the right information at the right time can mean the difference between a successful outcome and a delayed response. At RapidDeploy, our mission has always been to equip responders with technology that helps them move faster, safer, and smarter. Today, we’re highlighting a powerful new capability in our Lightning mobile app: Disciplines.
Lightning extends the power of NG911 beyond the communications center and directly into the hands of field responders. Now, with Disciplines, Lightning becomes even more intelligent by adapting to each user’s assigned role in real time.
Disciplines is a dynamic feature that tailors Lightning’s interface, events, alerts, and map views to the responder’s discipline, whether that is Law, EMS, Law, Fire, or another service. The result is a focused, distraction-free experience that puts only the most relevant information in front of each responder.
Context matters in emergency response. Cluttered maps, cross-discipline notifications, and irrelevant data can create noise during moments when clarity is critical. This can slow down decision-making at the exact moment when time matters most.
With the Disciplines feature in Lightning, responders gain a clearer, more focused view of what’s happening around them, based specifically on their role. Responders are now able to:
For example, a paramedic responding to a medical call at a crowded event, like a concert, does not need to see alerts about thefts at a nearby store, a fire-related incident across town, or traffic enforcement activities unrelated to their role. With Disciplines active, the paramedic's map and alerts are filtered down to show only EMS-specific content. This improves focus, reduces clutter, and enables faster action in time-sensitive scenarios.
As another example, consider this same EMS responder is assigned to a large-scale Fourth of July parade. The ECC is using Radius Mapping while the EMS responder is using Lightning to manage a shared operational picture, supported by Critical Incident Boards, geofenced alerts, and real-time responder locations. Dozens of map pins may be enabled in Lightning during this event: reports of heat exhaustion, missing persons reports, and suspicious activity. Suddenly, a 911 call comes in for a woman experiencing chest pains along the parade route.
Without Disciplines, the responder must sift through the operational noise of unrelated incidents to search through the map to locate the incident around the parade route. That search can cost precious time, however with Disciplines enabled, the map is filtered to show only EMS events and resources—like AED locations, triage zones, and pre-marked incident geofences. The paramedic can quickly identify the call, navigate using map markups created by the ECC, and coordinate with nearby responders using Lightning’s live location tracking. This clarity and focus can help her respond directly to the emergencies that she is responsible for, improving response time and care.
To learn more about using Lightning to manage the complexities of emergency response during live, large events, download our Ebook.
At RapidDeploy, our customers are at the heart of everything we do and the launch of our new Disciplines feature reflects that commitment. This enhancement was driven directly by our customers’ feedback—from ECC administrators seeking more control in Radius Mapping to field responders asking for a more focused mobile experience in Lightning, we heard you, and we acted. Disciplines was built to meet these needs, empower teams in the field, and ensure that our innovation and product enhancements are prioritized and built to help our customers respond faster, smarter, and safer.
Disciplines is part of the core Lightning experience, and is available to all Lightning-enabled ECCs equipped with Radius Mapping, with no separate activation needed. ECCs simply configure their desired disciplines in Radius Admin, and their responders will benefit from a personalized, filtered view in the field.
1. ECC Configuration in Radius Admin
ECC administrators define the list of Disciplines available within their agency (such as Law, EMS, Fire, or Other). They can assign one or more disciplines to each user, manage auto-assignment settings for calls, and determine whether responders see untriaged signals or not.
2. User Experience in Lightning
Responders open the Lightning app and select which of their assigned Disciplines they want to view. Lightning updates instantly to display:
3. Flexible Use with Administrative Control
Users who are assigned multiple disciplines can toggle between them in the app depending on their current assignment. ECCs retain control over which disciplines a responder is allowed to see, ensuring the right balance of flexibility and oversight.
As public safety agencies embrace the future of mobile-first emergency response, one emerging priority is ensuring that information delivered to the field is both real-time and role-specific. In high-pressure environments, overwhelming responders with irrelevant data can delay decisions and increase risk. To operate at peak efficiency, field teams need workflows and notifications that are filtered, focused, and purpose-built for their responsibilities.
By integrating this type of role-based response into mobile workflows, field responders will now have:
Disciplines also delivers significant benefits to the command center. While responders gain clarity and focus in the field, ECC administrators gain the tools and visibility they need to manage operations more effectively with:
To learn more about the role of NG911 in mobile response, download our latest Ebook Enhancing Field Operations, where we explore the role of disciplines in field response in greater detail.
If your ECC is already using Lightning, Disciplines is available now. Administrators can begin setting up and assigning disciplines in Radius Admin today.
Disciplines is purpose-built for the complex demands of modern emergency response, and your teams can work faster, smarter, and safer than ever before. Now is the perfect time to equip your field responders with Lightning.
Every responder deserves a mobile experience built around their role. Now they have it.
Discover what role-based intelligence can do for your agency.
Need a walkthrough or demo?
Reach out to your RapidDeploy Customer Success Manager or contact us today to learn more.
🔗 Visit rapiddeploy.com/lightning for more information.
On September 23, 2025, RapidDeploy had the honor of surprising four courageous telecommunicators from Sherman County Communications—Darcy Holmes, Nicole Holub, Crissy Livengood-Ridnour, and Michelle Roe—with the Q3 2025 RapidDeploy Superstar Award. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and significant life-saving actions when utilizing RapidDeploy technologies in their crisis response.
On March 15, 2025, a sudden dust storm swept across Northern Kansas, creating zero-visibility conditions along I-70. In an instant, thick dust reduced visibility to zero, leading to multi-site crashes involving more than 70 vehicles. Sherman County Communications was quickly inundated with calls of injuries, accidents, and panicked drivers.
The harrowing conditions, paired with frantic and disoriented callers, made an already difficult job even more complicated. Without hesitation, Sherman County telecommunicators launched RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping platform to help bring clarity to the chaos.
Three key features within RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping platform played a vital role in helping telecommunicators during this incident:
• Precision location tools gave call-takers real-time visibility into the exact positions of multiple crash sites—all within a single screen.
• RapidLocate allowed telecommunicators to pinpoint callers who couldn’t describe their surroundings by sending a secure SMS link to return exact GPS coordinates.
• AI language translation helped break down communication barriers, enabling telecommunicators to assist non-English-speaking callers without delay.
Together, these tools gave Sherman County Communications the clarity, coordination, and confidence needed to manage one of the region’s most complex multi-vehicle incidents.
“RapidDeploy was incredibly helpful during the I-70 pileup. We had nonstop 911 calls - in multiple languages - and every call mapped to the same area. RapidDeploy’s maps helped us stay organized, track call order, and stay focused through the chaos,” said Nicole Holub, Telecommunicator, Sherman County Communications.
To learn more about this story and Sherman County Communications’ efforts, access our I-70 case study, blog, or video.
On September 23, 2025, during the Kansas APCO Conference in Wichita, public safety leaders from across the state gathered alongside RapidDeploy and Sherman County Communications to celebrate our most recent RapidDeploy Superstar Award winners. This award recognizes exceptional responders who go above and beyond the call of duty, bringing skill, calm, and innovation to critical moments when seconds truly matter.
The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the human impact behind the headset—and the difference smart technology, combined with sharp instincts, can make when lives are on the line.
“The team at Sherman County Communications turned a chaotic, overwhelming event into a managed response. Their incredible work saved time, and without a doubt, it saved lives,” said Ryan Chandler, Vice-President of Customer Experience, RapidDeploy, who presented the team with their award. “Their actions are a powerful example of what is possible when human expertise, teamwork, and compassion is paired with NextGen 911 technology.”
The awards ceremony was held in Wichita as a part of Kansas APCO 2025, where we joined public safety leaders from across the Midwest for four days of connection, innovation, and celebration. From NFL watch parties and exclusive vendor events to Lightning demo sessions and the RapidDeploy Superstar Award Ceremony, the conference offered a packed agenda and conversations, connections, and ideas that will carry forward long after the final session.
This year, we were excited to demo our Lightning mobile app for the state of Kansas. Located at booth #23, our demos gave attendees a chance to see how Lightning helps bridge the gap between telecommunicators and the field with speed, simplicity, and easy-to-use tech. We showcased Lightning’s ability to create and visualize incidents, share locations, track units in real-time by discipline, and update status on the go all from the palm of your hand.
To learn more about Lightning, watch our latest video.
We also attended a well-rounded lineup of speaking sessions focused on the most pressing topics in emergency communications—from cybersecurity and NG911 to leadership, training, and responder wellness. The programming struck a balance between forward-thinking innovation and practical, in-field insight, all designed to equip 911 professionals with real-world tools they could bring back to their emergency centers.
We wrapped up our time at Kansas APCO by surprising the four RapidDeploy Superstar Award winners from Sherman County Communications with this honor. The ceremony was the perfect way to close out Kansas APCO—by recognizing the hardworking and fearless individuals who are changing the world of public safety one step at a time. Watch the award ceremony video to see these telecommunicators recognized for their efforts.
At RapidDeploy, we believe every moment matters—and the heroes behind the headset deserve to be recognized for the calm, skill, and quick thinking they bring every day. The Sherman County Communications team’s response during the I-70 dust storm is exactly the kind of dedication the RapidDeploy Superstar Award was designed to recognize.
Know a telecommunicator who went above and beyond? Share your save stories with us and help shine a spotlight on the professionals who make an extraordinary impact in life’s most critical moments. And join us in congratulating Darcy, Nicole, Crissy, and Michelle for their exceptional work during an unforgettable emergency response.
The RapidDeploy team is headed for Texas, and we’d love for you to join us! We’re attending the Interop Institute 2025 Conference, taking place Monday, November 17-21, 2025 at the Texas A&M Conference Center and Bush Combat Development Complex in College Station, Texas.
The event brings together public safety leaders, technology experts, and innovators to explore the future of interoperability and mission-critical communications. It’s a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts, participate in hands-on sessions, and connect with those shaping the next generation of emergency response.
Earlier this year, we proudly expanded our NG911 footprint and strengthened our innovation in 911 technology when we were acquired by Motorola Solutions. We invite you to join Motorola Solutions’ Head of Partnerships for RapidDeploy, Todd Komanetsky at Interop, for a panel discussion on the future of NG911 services and applications. Along with fellow industry experts, Todd will examine the latest developments shaping the evolution of emergency response systems, and explore the impact of NG911 technology on interoperability.
The event is ideal for emergency management professionals, 911 administrators, public safety officials, technology developers, or simply anyone interested in NG911 advancements. It takes place Monday, November 17, 2025, 11:00-11:55 AM CT at the Texas A&M University Hotel and Conference Center. The session will be followed with a workshop on Wednesday, November 19, 8:00 AM - 11:45 AM that breaks down the various tools and techniques highlighted in the discussion.
The theme for Interop this year is “FIFA World Cup 2026: Planning for Emergency Communication and Interoperability”. We’ll explore the demanding and high-stakes environment of managing the safety of thousands of attendees during an international event. Then we’ll take it a step further, envisioning the impact of a train derailment near the stadium.
The sheer volume of emergency calls, the complexity of coordinating multiple agencies, and the urgency to continuously have the most accurate and up-to-date situational awareness places enormous pressure on first responders and public safety officials. Any delays in cross-agency communication during major incidents at large events can quickly take the situation from disorderly to deadly.
Together, we’ll walk through the derailment scenario step by step, demonstrating how telecommunicators, dispatchers, emergency managers, and field responders can harness NG911 tools to achieve interoperability, agency collaboration, and enhanced visualization of emergency data. We'll explore the importance of a multi-jurisdictional and multi-agency response, and attendees can experience in person how NG911 technologies facilitate emergency response in moments of crisis like this.
The scenario takes place on Wednesday, November 19 - Thursday November 20th 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
For a preview of what you’ll see live during our mock scenario, download our scenario guide.
As an attendee, you’ll be privy to our cutting-edge RapidDeploy and Motorola Solutions technologies in action during the scenario, which will include Radius Mapping, our next generation cloud-native platform. Here’s how it works alongside other RapidDeploy and Motorola Solutions technologies to enhance emergency communication and interoperability.
From experiencing first-hand how technology is unifying emergency response to seeing the latest in frontline solutions, we hope you’ll join the RapidDeploy team at Interop 2025. Space is limited, reserve your place now to ensure you don’t miss out.
If APCO 2024 was RapidDeploy’s coming-out party, then APCO 2025 was our fully-fledged debut in the Motorola Solutions ecosystem—and what a difference a year makes.
Last year, we focused on showcasing our standalone impact on the 911 workflow. This year, we stepped onto the floor and into the Motorola Solutions booth, and our team was busy! From game-changing integrations to AI-driven demos that stopped attendees in their tracks, APCO 2025 was a glimpse into the future of public safety.
Let’s dig into our key takeaways from this year’s show, and what they mean for the 911 professionals we serve.
This year at APCO, Motorola Solutions shared the official integration plan for Radius Mapping into VESTA NXT, which represents a new way for telecommunicators to visualize and respond to emergencies, as Radius Mapping is now the new mapping solution for VESTA NXT.
Here’s why it matters:
The integration of Radius Mapping into VESTA NXT is a game-changer for 911 centers. By combining real-time location data, cloud-native accessibility, and a single, unified view, telecommunicators can make faster, more informed decisions without switching between systems. It’s a meaningful leap in simplifying workflows and getting help to those who need it, with speed and clarity.
We’ve heard the term “AI” tossed around a lot in public safety lately, and APCO 2025 was the year it became real.
Motorola Solutions’ Assist AI was the star of multiple demos and breakout sessions, and for good reason. This isn’t theoretical tech. It’s practical, stress-reducing AI tailored specifically for the unique demands of public safety.
Some of the biggest eye-openers included:
Assist AI represents a significant step forward in public safety technology, delivering smarter, more collaborative solutions that support emergency responders in critical moments. By streamlining workflows and reducing cognitive load, Assist empowers public safety teams to stay focused on what matters most: helping save lives. We left Baltimore convinced: the AI Assist era of 911 is here.
While the event had no shortage of fun (more on that later), the real conversations happening in sessions and on the show floor were focused on key trends shaping the next generation of emergency response:
Bottom line? Innovation that improves outcomes and reduces friction matters.
Networking is always a part of APCO, and this year had its share of unforgettable moments. RapidDeploy was proud to sponsor Nights Out events for ECC professionals from Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina, which gives these states a chance to come together to share ideas and network during APCO.
We also joined in the spirit of APCO’s night at the ballpark, where networking thrived under stadium lights. Attendees cheered as the Orioles hit multiple home runs over the walls at Camden Yards, capping the night with a historic 18-0 win.
Magic shows, boat rides, and baseball were great backdrops for deeper conversations with some of the most dedicated professionals in the country.
Motorola was proud to sponsor and host ECC tours to Baltimore City and Baltimore County 911. Getting to see a day in the life of telecommunicators at these local agencies was truly an honor.
What made this year different is how much those “casual” conversations turned into strategic discussions about implementation timelines, AI pilots, and cloud migration plans, all while enjoying Baltimore at night.
We captured some highlights - check out live footage from our live demos, product unveilings, and the incredible energy in the expo hall.
APCO 2025 confirmed what we’ve been hearing from ECCs across the country: the future of public safety is real-time, AI-assisted, and cloud-connected.
At RapidDeploy, we’re proud to be building that future as part of the Motorola Solutions family, combining innovative spirit with unmatched scale.
Want to see what’s next? Stay tuned for upcoming webinars and pilot opportunities featuring VESTA NXT + Radius Mapping and Assist AI in action.
Let us know what stood out to you at APCO 2025. We’d love to hear how your agency is preparing for the next wave of innovation in emergency response.
On March 15, 2025, an unexpected dust storm swept across Sherman County, Kansas, creating zero-visibility conditions on I-70, a major highway extending just over 424 miles from the Colorado border to the Missouri border. In an instant, the highway was thrown into chaos. Completely blinded by the dust, the drivers on I-70 collided with one another, resulting in a fatal 70+ vehicle pileup and leaving drivers stranded, disoriented, and in immediate danger as cars continued to collide into each other.
The Sherman County Communications team was immediately flooded with incoming emergency calls. The calls that came in needed to be managed efficiently and with care, however, many of the callers couldn’t describe their location, and several spoke different languages. To add onto the confusion and complexity, the dust storm had caused multiple crash sites, requiring responders to have very specific and exact location details in order to respond to the correct crash location.
To coordinate a timely and effective response, the telecommunicators from Sherman County turned to RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping platform.
As calls poured in, three features within the Radius Mapping platform became critical:
Together, these features provided real-time visibility, location accuracy, and the communication clarity needed to navigate this complex, large-scale emergency. Telecommunicators were able to organize incoming calls, track the order of incidents, and coordinate response teams quickly and confidently.
For a closer look at how Sherman County Communications used Radius Mapping during this crisis, check out the full story.
For a behind-the-scenes look, watch our exclusive video featuring Sherman County telecommunicators Crissy Livengood-Ridnour and Darcy Holmes as they share what it took to respond in the face of chaos.
The accident on I-70 isn’t the only proof of Radius Mapping’s capabilities. In Kentucky, a 911 call was received from a 15-year-old girl who was trapped on the roof of her burning home. She was confused and panicked, causing her to be unable to provide a clear address. To make matters more challenging, the call was incorrectly routed to Greenup County Public Safety.
Despite the call coming in from outside of their jurisdiction, Greenup County quickly launched the Radius Mapping platform, which provided them:
With the help of Radius Mapping and quick thinking telecommunicators, the caller was located and safely rescued without sustaining any injuries.
To read more about how Greenup County utilized Radius Mapping during this emergency response, download the case study.
Morgan County 911 was the first PSAP in the state of Indiana to upgrade their emergency response technology with Radius Mapping. Within the first eight hours of implementing our technology, they successfully apprehended a suspect in under 10 minutes.
Watch the video to see how Radius Mapping reshaped emergency response for Morgan County 911 and why it’s earned their full approval.
From a massive dust storm on I-70 to a harrowing house fire in Kentucky, and even in the daily operations of teams like Morgan County 911, these stories are a powerful reminder that emergencies unfold fast—and responders need tools that move even faster.
Next generational 911 platforms like Radius Mapping help to locate callers who can’t describe where they are, overcome language barriers, and enable seamless coordination across agencies. This type of technology empowers telecommunicators to act with clarity, precision, and speed that helps turn uncertainty into direction and hesitation into decisive action. With the right support behind the screen, telecommunicators are better equipped to navigate the unexpected and protect their communities with confidence.
Radius Mapping has become a valuable tool in everyday emergency response. With support from RapidDeploy’s platform, telecommunicators can respond faster and with clearer information—helping them do what they do best: keep people safe.
Download the case studies to dive deeper into how agencies across the country are using Radius Mapping in the field.
Watch the video recaps to hear directly from the telecommunicators behind these life-saving responses.
Do you know a colleague or friend who has shown bravery on the frontlines? We welcome you to submit a Save Story to celebrate and honor your colleagues!
For more stories like this one and to learn about how RapidDeploy makes a difference in public safety, check out our save stories in action.
Imagine you're attending the FIFA World Cup in the U.S.—a celebration of cultures, languages, and nations coming together. But amid the cheers, chants, and cultural fusion, you witness someone collapse, and instinctively you call 911. But your phone number is an international phone number. What happens next might surprise you.
This is not a theoretical scenario. For emergency communication centers (ECCs), handling calls from international numbers during large-scale events has become a critical blind spot in our current 911 infrastructure. And as cities gear up to host massive global events like the FIFA World Cup, parades, or international festivals, it’s a challenge we can’t afford to ignore.
During a recent conversation between RapidDeploy’s VP of Marketing and the Chief Innovation Officer at North Central Texas 9-1-1, an interesting discussion emerged: international numbers present systemic problems for U.S. emergency response infrastructure.
Here’s why:
This technical disconnect becomes a public safety hazard when you scale it to the size and diversity of global events. The FIFA World Cup is projected to bring millions of international visitors to the U.S. The majority will rely on their foreign mobile carriers and phone numbers.
In emergency scenarios:
The result? Potentially thousands of emergency calls that can’t be properly identified, located, or followed up on—putting lives at risk.
Interested in learning more about managing the complexities of emergency response during live events? Download RapidDeploy's Ebook.
Thankfully, this isn't a problem without a solution. Next Generation 911 (NG911) technologies, like RapidDeploy's Radius Mapping, can help address this issue.
Radius Mapping operates as an over-the-top (OTT) solution, independent of the limitations of the legacy 911 core infrastructure. Here’s how it solves the problem:
In essence, Radius Mapping acts as a translator and amplifier for outdated 911 systems, ensuring ECCs can see, hear, and respond to every caller, regardless of their cell phone’s origin.
With major global events on the horizon, addressing this challenge is not only an operational upgrade, but also a critical matter of public safety and international accountability. Cities within the U.S., and especially those that host live, large events with complex emergency response challenges, must be able to serve all people within its borders who dial 911 for help, not just those with domestic phone numbers.
Without addressing these challenges, public safety agencies may face operational gaps during critical incidents. More importantly, it can impact the reliability and inclusivity of our emergency response system, especially in situations involving international visitors.
Want to dive deeper into the topic of how to keep callers safe? Download our 2-page guide to learn more.
If you are a leader in public safety, now is the time to audit your systems:
As emergency response continues to evolve, it’s important to build systems that are both flexible and inclusive. With large international events on the horizon, ensuring that 911 systems can support a wide range of callers, regardless of their phone number or location, will help responders serve communities more effectively and equitably.
