In honor of National First Responders Day (NFRD) this year, we teamed up with NCT 911 to host Texas’s first-ever NFRD Art Contest, inviting elementary students to capture the bravery and dedication of our first responders through art. This statewide contest saw over 100 students submit heartfelt and imaginative depictions of first responders in action, celebrating the 911 heroes who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
We are thrilled to announce that the winning piece was created by Landrie Reeves, a talented sixth grader from Stafford Elementary. Landry’s artwork beautifully highlights emergency vehicles and first responders working together, capturing the essential role of each team that contributes to community safety. This stunning piece will soon become a mural in North Texas, standing as a permanent tribute to the dedication of first responders who serve us every day.
A huge thank you to every young artist who participated in the contest. Your creativity and thoughtfulness shine through each piece, demonstrating an inspiring appreciation for the heroes among us. Below, you can enjoy Landries' winning artwork along with a selection of other beautiful submissions that honor our first responders with color, creativity, and gratitude.
This National First Responder’s Day, we are proud to celebrate three exceptional 911 telecommunicators from Anderson County, South Carolina––Derek Kennedy, Zachary McMillion, and Kacey Rogers. Today, we announced that these heroic individuals have been awarded RapidDeploy’s prestigious Superstar Award in recognition of their skillful responses to high-stakes incidents and strategic use of our advanced NG911 tools.
For 911 telecommunicators, every call is a pivotal moment where decisions made can potentially save a life. In the face of intense pressure, Derek, Zachary, and Kacey rose to the challenge, showcasing the profound impact of quick, decisive action. Utilizing RapidDeploy’s technology and their expertise, they effectively coordinated life-saving responses during unpredictable incidents. We are honored to recognize their extraordinary efforts on this important day. Read on to learn more about their heroic actions!
In a volatile situation involving an armed suspect evading law enforcement across multiple jurisdictions, Derek Kennedy and Zachary McMillion showed teamwork and resourcefulness. Working together, Zachary used RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping communication tools to locate and contact the suspect’s ex-spouse, securing important contact information for the suspect. From there, Zachary leveraged RapidDeploy’s RapidLocate to determine the suspect’s location, and initiated contact through both text messages and a voice call. Derek’s coordination of law enforcement resources was pivotal in bringing the standoff to a peaceful outcome.
In another intense emergency, Derek and Zachary used non-voice communication to guide students barricaded in a classroom through a high-stakes ordeal. UsingRapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping, they connected with students via text, receiving real-time updates and even photos from the scene. They guided students through the ordeal, helping to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Their resourceful response earned them the 2024 Crime Stoppers award in addition to the Superstar recognition.
Kacey Rogers, Anderson County’s Assistant Supervisor, displayed composure and creative thinking during a medical emergency on Lake Hartwell. When Kacey received a transferred call reporting a boating accident, she swiftly jumped into action. Despite missing location data from the transferred call, Kacey tried alternative resources and then quickly pivoted to RapidDeploy’s tools, which helped her to successfully pinpoint the boat’s location. Her efforts ensured a coordinated response with Hart County 911, ultimately enabling the safe rescue and medical care of two patients.
The Superstar Award honors telecommunicators who have gone above and beyond in using RapidDeploy technology to protect their communities. Since its creation, the award has recognized 911 heroes from across the country. Derek, Zachary, and Kacey join a distinguished group, each one exemplifying the highest standards of public safety service.
RapidDeploy’s CEO Steve Raucher reflected, “The dedication shown by our Superstar Award recipients reminds us why we developed these tools in the first place—to give first responders the resources they need to make critical decisions that save lives. We are immensely proud to honor Derek, Zachary, and Kacey on this important day.”
If you or a team member have been part of a heroic 911 call and leveraged RapidDeploy’s technology, we’d love to hear about it! You can submit a save story here.
Watch The Superstar Award Ceremony!
In recognition of these heroic individuals from Anderson County, Steve Raucher and the RapidDeploy team recently presented their Superstar Award during a live ceremony. We invite you to watch the video below to hear firsthand accounts of their life-saving actions and witness the inspiring moments that showcase their commitment to public safety!
To read more, please visit our press release here.
We’re excited to introduce Alida Fanfoni, RapidDeploy’s Product Owner, in this month’s Employee Spotlight. Alida’s passion for problem-solving and her unique background in data science and software engineering make her an incredible asset to our team. Since joining RapidDeploy in 2022, Alida has been at the forefront of driving impactful projects that support our mission to save lives, much like Chris Guerrero, our featured employee from last month. Just as Chris brought innovation and dedication to the customer success team, Alida has been instrumental in delivering cutting-edge solutions for our product team. We couldn’t be prouder to showcase her work and story. Get to know Alida as she shares more about her experience working at RapidDeploy.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
Without a doubt, the aspect I enjoy most is the problem-solving. I love tackling issues that truly matter, and at RapidDeploy, those problems often involve solutions that directly save lives. What makes it even better is working alongside a passionate, dedicated team who shares the same commitment.
Q: What attracted you to this position at RapidDeploy?
It was the perfect opportunity to transition officially into a product role. In my previous positions, I was more focused on engineering and operations. Here, I get to leverage both my technical and product knowledge to really make an impact. Also, the chance to work on something that’s more than just a job—something that helps improve public safety—is incredibly appealing.
Q: Can you share a key project you’ve worked on that had a significant impact?
One of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on is bringing ECC Messaging to our customers. This feature allows neighboring Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs) to communicate seamlessly, and it’s a real game-changer for public safety. It distinguishes RapidDeploy’s product offering from other competitors in the field. ECC Messaging has the potential to dramatically improve the efficiency of emergency response, which is something I’m particularly proud to have been part of.
Q: How would you describe the company culture at RapidDeploy?
The culture here is truly caring, inclusive, and uplifting. We’re honest with each other, always striving to improve, and the environment is one where people feel empowered to bring their best selves to work. There’s a strong sense of collaboration, and it’s incredibly supportive, both personally and professionally.
Q: How do you collaborate with other teams within RapidDeploy?
Collaboration is at the heart of what I do. As a product owner, I’m in the middle of the implementation and delivery pipeline. I work closely with our engineering and product teams, but I also collaborate with project management, support, and implementation teams to ensure that we’re delivering features and enhancements on time. It's a team effort, and I'm fortunate to work with such experienced and dedicated colleagues to tackle any challenge together, turning our successes into shared triumphs.
Q: How does RapidDeploy support work-life balance for its employees?
RapidDeploy offers flexible work hours and the ability to work from home, which is key to maintaining a healthy balance, especially when working with teams across the U.S. and South Africa. They’ve created an environment where it’s okay for life to pop into your workday—whether it’s a child appearing on a Teams call or adjusting your schedule around personal commitments. It’s these small things that make a big difference in keeping the workplace enjoyable and stress-free. And despite—or maybe because of —the flexibility, we’re still able to come together as a team and deliver amazing results to the people we serve. The passion and dedication across the company ensures that even with flexible schedules, the work gets done and we continue to make an impact in the public safety space.
Q: What excites you about the future of RapidDeploy?
I’m really excited about the continued innovation in our products and the difference they’re making in public safety. Every new project brings us closer to saving more lives and improving emergency response systems. I believe the future is bright for RapidDeploy, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.
Thank you, Alida, for being an incredible part of the RapidDeploy team and for your dedication to making a real difference. Stay tuned for our next Agent on a Mission in November!
RapidDeploy wants you to meet the incredible team members who make our mission matter. Last month we featured Lemanja Mears, our talented technical writer on our product team. We encourage you to go back and check it out if you missed it.
This month we are putting the spotlight on Chris Guerrero, our customer success manager who is the ultimate team player. Chris recently joined guest presenter Karen Sutherland from the Scottsdale Police Department on our webinar on ECC Messaging and Interoperability and you can find him traveling up and down the west coast visiting customers and PSAPS across California and Arizona. Chris recently joined the dedicated community of professionals at CalNENA this past Friday in Palm Springs, and had the opportunity to share updates on behalf of RapidDeploy while making new connections. Chris is always on the go!
Get to know Chris as he shares more about his experience working at RapidDeploy over the last two years on the customer experience team.
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role at RapidDeploy?
Hey, I’m Chris! I’ve been with RapidDeploy for just over two years as a Customer Success Manager as a part of the Customer Experience team. Coming from a PSAP background, I’ve always been passionate about the 911 community. My role gives me the ability to share tools and resources that truly make a difference in the day-to-day work of telecommunicators and PSAPs. That’s what I love most—knowing we’re making their jobs a little easier.
Q: What have been some of your most memorable projects at RapidDeploy?
Working with the Arizona 911 team has definitely been a highlight. Over 18 months, I visited every comm center in the state, training teams and helping them adopt our tools. Not only did I get to work alongside the Arizona community, but I also got to experience the beauty of the state. Looking back, I’m proud of everything we accomplished together and am excited about the future of collaborating with the state.
Q: Can you share more about your work in California?
I’ve been working on the Data Information Sharing (DIS) project with Cal OES and it’s been an absolute pleasure. I’ve been fortunate to meet some amazing people across California while working on this project. We’ve partnered with Rave Mobile Safety to help 911 centers share critical information more seamlessly. It’s been incredible to see firsthand how DIS is improving collaboration between agencies and it’s inspiring to see how committed everyone is to improving public safety.
Q: What has your experience been like working with stakeholders across the country?
It’s been an amazing journey. I’ve had the opportunity to work in Arizona, California, and beyond, building lasting relationships with so many talented people. It’s especially rewarding to help connect stakeholders and see the positive impact of our collaborations on the 911 community.
Q: What’s the culture like at RapidDeploy?
The culture at RapidDeploy is one of its greatest strengths. As an openly gay man, I feel fully supported, and there’s a strong sense of belonging. It’s a place where everyone’s ideas are valued, and you feel empowered to be creative and innovative. Despite being a remote company, with work and projects sometimes spanning across different countries, we maintain strong connections with our team.
Q: What’s one of your favorite memories working at RapidDeploy?
One of my favorite moments was visiting Austin, Texas, and meeting the team in person. I got to visit the Selena Museum with a colleague, which was a dream come true as a huge Selena fan! It’s these personal connections that make working at RapidDeploy feel like being part of something bigger than just a job.
Q: How do you stay engaged with the team and company activities?
I’m really involved in our employee engagement activities. This includes helping organize our Halloween costume contest and collaborating with our HR team in the United States and South Africa on virtual games. These events keep our remote culture lively and connected and I love being part of it!
Virtual Halloween Costume Contest: Top Gun and Honey Bun
Thanks Chris for being a part of our Agents on a Mission! Stay tuned for our next mission-seeker coming in October.
National Situational Awareness Day, observed annually on September 26th, serves as a reminder of the critical importance of staying aware of our surroundings, particularly in emergency situations. First recognized in 2016, this day highlights the concept of situational awareness—a skill that involves perceiving, understanding, and predicting events in one’s environment to ensure safety. For first responders, emergency personnel, and everyday citizens, situational awareness is essential for preventing harm and making quick, informed decisions in times of crisis. As technology continues to advance, enhancing situational awareness through innovative tools has become vital to improving public safety and emergency response efforts worldwide.
For first responders and Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs), situational awareness is not just a concept—it’s a critical factor that can mean the difference between life and death. In emergency situations, having a clear, real-time understanding of the environment enables responders to make rapid, accurate decisions. Whether it’s tracking the precise location of a 911 caller, coordinating multiple agencies during a large-scale event, or assessing potential threats in a rapidly changing situation, situational awareness allows teams to anticipate risks, allocate resources effectively, and ultimately save lives. Without it, response times can lag, critical details can be missed, and the safety of both responders and the public is put at risk.
At RapidDeploy, our mission is to save lives by reducing response times, and we understand that empowering first responders with enhanced situational awareness is key to achieving that goal. In honor of National Situational Awareness Day, we want to celebrate and showcase the incredible work of our customers who have used RapidDeploy's NG911 technology to improve situational awareness during emergencies and, in turn, help save more lives.
Earlier this year, Tennessee’s Carter County 911 faced a tense situation when they received a series of dropped 911 calls from a phone with no caller ID, threatening a school shooting. Using RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping technology, telecommunicators were able to pinpoint the location of the caller in real-time, leading them to Happy Valley High School. This rapid identification enabled a coordinated lockdown of multiple schools within the district and the quick apprehension of the suspects within 24 hours. The precise location tracking through RapidDeploy was credited as being instrumental in preventing a potential tragedy.
When it comes to school safety, it is vital to have the right tools at your fingertips when every second counts. With RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping technology, telecommunicators weren’t just reacting—they were taking proactive steps to track and pinpoint multiple dropped calls, and those actions ultimately kept their community safe. This is a great example of how having accurate, real-time information and situational awareness can completely change the outcome of an emergency.
Download the full case study to dive deeper into how RapidDeploy's tools played a critical role in this emergency response.
Cherokee County 911 in South Carolina encountered a critical challenge when their call system experienced an outage during peak hours. Despite the system failure, RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping allowed telecommunicators to see 911 calls as they came in and were plotted on the map, even when live calls couldn’t be received. By using mobile signal data, telecommunicators were able to initiate calls and texts, ensuring that emergency response efforts continued without disruption. Over 30 emergency situations were successfully managed during this outage, demonstrating how technology can maintain situational awareness under extreme conditions.
Outages are every 911 center’s worst nightmare, but the team in Cherokee County showed how staying calm and having the right tools can keep things running smoothly, even in a worst-case scenario when a 911 system is down. RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping platform turned a potentially chaotic situation into one where telecommunicators could still manage emergencies effectively. It’s a powerful reminder that situational awareness isn’t just about what you can see—it’s about what you can do with the information you have.
Download the full case study to learn more about how RapidDeploy helped manage this emergency during the system outage.
Large-scale events like the Super Bowl require flawless coordination between multiple public safety agencies. During Super Bowl LVII in 2023, RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping technology was utilized to provide a unified map that plotted 911 calls with detailed stadium floor plans. This solution enabled various emergency teams to access the exact locations of incidents inside, and in the immediate surrounding area, of the stadium and to quickly coordinate responses, even when dealing with high call volumes. The ability to provide instant situational awareness across different agencies working together to keep the public safe during this huge event ensured a safe experience for thousands of attendees.
When you think about an event as massive as the Super Bowl, the stakes for emergency response are incredibly high. With Arizona hosting this event, having all agencies on the same page with RapidDeploy’s unified map made a huge difference in coordinating response. Public safety during a large-scale event is not just about responding to calls—it’s about having the situational awareness to see the big picture, anticipate needs, and make sure that everyone from the call center to the field is in sync. That’s what keeps everyone safe, from the fans to the first responders.
Download the full case study to discover how RapidDeploy’s solutions ensured safety at Super Bowl LVII.
In August 2024, the Scottsdale Police Department received a flood of calls about a potential active shooter situation at a grocery store. With multiple agencies involved, traditional communication channels between responding agencies could have caused delays and slowed response. However, using RapidDeploy’s Interagency Chat tool within the Radius Mapping platform, critical information was instantly shared across agencies using Radius Mapping. This real-time coordination allowed law enforcement to exchange information quickly and use that information to stabilize the situation, effectively preventing further escalation.
In high-stress situations like an active shooter threat, every moment matters. The Interagency Chat tool within Radius Mapping was invaluable during this incident because it helped to cut through the noise and provide vital information to responders—immediately. This is what situational awareness looks like in action: seamless communication that leads to quick, decisive action. It’s about making sure everyone has what they need to keep their communities safe.
Download the full case study to see how RapidDeploy’s Interagency Chat tool made a difference in this critical emergency.
These case studies highlight how NG911 technology is transforming emergency response by enhancing situational awareness. Whether it's locating a hidden threat, managing communication during large events, or overcoming technical challenges, the right tools enable emergency teams to act swiftly and effectively.
On National Situational Awareness Day, let’s celebrate and recognize the vital role that first responders and technology plays in keeping our communities safe.
Managing emergency response for live events—be it a concert, parade, or a large-scale stadium event like the Superbowl—comes with unique challenges that test the limits of both emergency response teams and the technology they use. The stakes are high, requiring careful coordination, proactive planning, and quick decision-making, all while managing the safety of thousands––if not millions––of attendees.
With the emergence of Next Generation 911 (NG911) technology, these challenges can be tackled more effectively than ever before. From integrating Geographic Information System (GIS) data to facilitating real-time communication across multiple agencies, NG911 is transforming how emergency response teams operate during high-stakes live events. This blog post will discuss common challenges and strategies for building effective emergency response plans, drawing from real-world examples like the Superbowl LVII and the Waste Management Phoenix Open in 2023.
Large-scale events are notorious for posing complex and varied emergency response challenges, from managing large crowds to ensuring that communication systems are in sync.
Some of the primary challenges emergency responders face include:
NG911 technology can change emergency response for live events by providing new tools and platforms that facilitate better communication, situational awareness, and resource management.
Here’s how NG911 technology empowers emergency response teams to overcome the most pressing challenges:
A prime example of overcoming common challenges faced during live events was the successful deployment of NG911 during two major events in Arizona in 2023; the Superbowl LVII and the Waste Management Open..To prepare for these events, The State of Arizona partnered with RapidDeploy to create an emergency response system that brought together multiple agencies and integrated various sources of data into one platform. This system provided emergency teams with real-time situational awareness and allowed them to visualize incoming 911 calls plotted on detailed stadium floor plans.
What made this response unique was the use of critical GIS and indoor floor plans for the Superbowl, which were prepared in less than two weeks. The maps were used to monitor 911 activity and to support tactical call takers and real-time crime centers. By leveraging advanced mapping and communication technologies, the response teams managed large crowds effectively and ensured the safety of all participants.
For the Waste Management Open, where over 500,000 attendees spread out across the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Golf Course, NG911 tools enabled the deployment of more than 200 additional officers, many of whom were not familiar with the location. By ensuring all responders had access to real-time maps and data, emergency teams were able to coordinate their response effectively.
Building an effective emergency response plan for live events is not only about technology; it also involves proactive planning, interagency coordination, and ongoing training.
Here are a few best practices learned from recent events:
The challenges of managing emergency response for live events are immense, but with the right technology and preparation, they can be mitigated. NG911 tools, like those used at the Superbowl LVII and the Waste Management Open, are reshaping how public safety agencies approach these high-stakes scenarios. By integrating real-time data, facilitating unified communication, and ensuring seamless coordination across agencies, emergency response teams are better equipped to handle any situation that arises.
During a recent session at the APCO 2024 Conference, RapidDeploy and Arizona’s emergency management teams discussed how they prepared for a week of massive events across Scottsdale and Glendale. Watch the full session here to hear about the innovative solutions that helped manage these massive events and learn how to apply these best practices to your own emergency response plans.
