In today’s emergency response landscape, collaboration is no longer optional—it’s a lifeline. Communities face increasingly complex threats that demand precise, coordinated efforts across multiple disciplines. From fires to medical emergencies and active shooter incidents, the ability to share information instantly and act as a unified force is critical for saving lives. Yet, many emergency response systems remain siloed, limiting their ability to meet these challenges head-on.
RapidDeploy’s Lightning mobile application is changing this space by providing a cutting-edge tool designed to empower first responders from fire, EMS, police, and other emergency services. With its real-time data sharing, seamless interoperability, and robust situational awareness capabilities, Lightning is redefining how agencies collaborate and respond to emergencies.
Let’s dive into how Lightning addresses the unique needs of cross-disciplinary teams and fosters interoperability. We’ll also explore how Kansas’ statewide adoption of Lightning is setting the gold standard for unified emergency response.
Traditional emergency response systems often operate in isolation, with police, fire, and EMS teams relying on separate communication tools and databases. These silos can result in delayed information sharing, missed opportunities for collaboration, and, ultimately, slower response times.
Lightning eliminates these barriers by enabling real-time information sharing across all disciplines. With a unified mobile app accessible to all first responders, Lightning ensures that everyone involved in an incident is working from the same set of data. Whether it’s sharing live location tracking, responding to evolving threats, or accessing critical GIS data, teams can coordinate seamlessly, regardless of their agency or role.
For example:
· Police departments can provide fire departments with immediate updates on evacuation zones during a hazardous material spill.
· EMS crews can access real-time traffic updates to navigate to incident locations faster, avoiding roadblocks or detours flagged by other first responders.
· Firefighters can share situational updates from the field, such as wind conditions or the spread of flames, to ensure everyone involved stays safe.
By replacing fragmented systems with a single interoperable platform, Lightning equips first responders with the tools they need to act as a cohesive unit.
Every second matters during an emergency, and situational awareness can enhance the ability to respond to an emergency. Lightning’s ability to provide real-time, location-based insights empowers first responders with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions in high-pressure situations.
1. Live Mapping and GPS Tracking
Lightning’s GIS-powered live maps offer a dynamic view of an incident as it unfolds. Responders can see not only their own location but also the positions of their colleagues, vehicles, and other critical assets in real time. This allows for precise coordination, whether teams are navigating through a city block or responding to a large-scale disaster.
2. Incident-Specific Data Integration
The app integrates data such as caller locations, medical history, or building blueprints, providing responders with actionable insights before they arrive on the scene. For example, EMS teams can prepare for specific medical emergencies based on information shared by telecommunicators or other responders.
3. Push Notifications and Alerts
Lightning enables instant communication through push notifications and alerts, ensuring that every team member receives the latest updates. This is particularly vital in scenarios like active shooter events or multi-vehicle accidents, where the situation evolves rapidly.
By equipping responders with a comprehensive operational view, Lightning ensures they can anticipate challenges, adapt strategies, and mitigate risks effectively.
A defining feature of Lightning is its discipline-based filtering, which allows users to tailor their experience based on their specific role in an emergency. Responders can focus exclusively on events and resources relevant to their discipline, reducing noise and enabling faster, more effective action.
For example, a firefighter can filter out non-fire-related events and focus on hydrant locations or evacuation routes, while an EMS responder can zero in on incoming medical emergencies and nearby hospitals. These filters ensure that every team member operates with precision and clarity, no matter the complexity of the incident.
In Lightning, emergencies are categorized as “events”, encompassing everything from911 calls to crash events and panic alarms. By filtering these events based on their discipline, responders can avoid distractions and prioritize incidents within their scope of responsibility.
Additionally, Lightning integrates customized mapping resources, allowing responders to access discipline-specific layers:
· Firefighters can view hydrants and areas prone to structural risks.
· EMS teams can see hospital locations and optimized routes.
· Police officers can access live traffic updates and incident scenes.
This tailored mapping ensures responders have the right tools and insights to manage their unique responsibilities effectively.
Kansas has emerged as a leader in adopting Lightning for cross-disciplinary use. Following a successful pilot program with 100 Lightning mobile applications, the state is now driving the adoption of 20,000 licenses across its emergency response agencies. This initiative exemplifies how a unified platform can transform emergency response at scale and support public safety’s commitment to saving lives.
· Faster Response Times: Real-time communication and GPS tracking can help teams navigate rural and urban areas more efficiently, ensuring faster response to emergencies.
· Improve Resource Allocation: PSAPs and first responders can now have better visibility into available resources, allowing for optimized deployment during peak demand.
· Enhance Interagency Collaboration: Police, fire, and EMS teams across Kansas can improve coordination, especially in large-scale incidents requiring multi-agency support.
By embracing Lightning, Kansas is not only improving outcomes within the state but also serving as a model for how other regions can achieve interoperable emergency response.
Lightning represents the future of emergency response: one where barriers between agencies are eliminated, and data flows freely to empower those who protect and serve. As more states and agencies follow Kansas’ lead, the potential to save lives and enhance community safety will only grow.
For first responders, Lightning is more than a tool—it’s a lifeline that connects teams, strengthens operations, and ensures that every decision is informed by real-time insights. For communities, it’s a promise that help will arrive swiftly, collaboratively, and with the full strength of every agency involved.
Interested in learning more about Lightning and how it can transform emergency response in your community? Contact us today or schedule a demo to see it in action.
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We’ve just returned from the 2024 911 Early Adopter Summit, where some of the most innovative minds in public safety came together to shape the future of emergency response. From cutting-edge technologies to game-changing strategies, the summit spotlighted the latest advancements designed to enhance responder safety, bolster school security, and integrate transportation networks with 911 systems. We’re thrilled to share our key takeaways and the breakthroughs that will shape emergency response in the years to come.
At this year’s summit, Rodger Mann, Director, GIS Strategy at RapidDeploy and Rob Clark, Sr. Director, Public Safety at NextNav, delivered a compelling session on how real-time data integration and 3D location technology are transforming emergency response capabilities in multi-story environments and improving first responder safety. They discussed how the NG911 Radius Mapping platform is significantly enhancing emergency response by incorporating map layers and data including “Height Above Terrain” (HAT) and “Height Above Ellipsoid” (HAE). This allows responders to not only pinpoint an emergency's exact location but also identify the caller’s floor level within multi-story buildings—a vital feature in urban environments.
Now armed with integrated vehicle telematics, real-time GIS data, and interagency connectivity, responders can quickly access critical data for more informed decision making as they approach a scene. For example, vehicle crash data provides real-time information about injury severity, vehicle type, and even extrication guides. This comprehensive situational awareness ensures agencies can coordinate quickly across jurisdictions and deliver life-saving support when every second counts.
School safety took center stage in a powerful session led by Patrice Coleman, Assistant Director, and Paul McCallister, Assistant Director Support Services, both from Metro Nashville’s Department of Emergency Communications. Reflecting on the tragic Covenant Church incident, they highlighted how RapidDeploy and ZeroEyes are transforming the response to school threats through the seamless integration of their technologies. ZeroEyes’ AI-driven weapons detection platform identifies visible firearms in real-time and sends alerts to human operators for rapid verification. Once a threat is confirmed, the alert integrates directly with RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping, which immediately relays precise geolocation and visual context to 911 telecommunicators. This connection ensures that first responders are notified instantly, with critical information in hand, to make informed decisions as they head to the scene.
RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping enhances the response further by providing detailed indoor mapping data, panic button functionality, and geo-fencing for campus-wide alerts. Telecommunicators can view precise campus layouts, identify the locations of students, staff, and responders, and share this information directly with field teams in real-time. By combining ZeroEyes’ rapid detection capabilities with RapidDeploy's comprehensive situational awareness, the partnership ensures a unified and efficient response. As schools increasingly implement advanced safety protocols, this collaboration sets a new benchmark for protecting students and faculty with rapid, coordinated action.
Transportation safety was a key area of focus during the summit, with Todd Komanetsky, VP of Strategic Partnerships at RapidDeploy, Jennifer Kirkland, State 911 Program Manager for the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, and Mark Peck, Director Video Platform Strategy at Skyline Technology Solutions, highlighting how collaborative innovation is bridging the gap between transportation and emergency response. A central theme of the discussion was RapidDeploy’s partnership with Skyline, which integrates advanced video management and data-sharing capabilities into RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping platform. This integration enables agencies to leverage live camera feeds from Skyline's ecosystem alongside real-time traffic updates, vehicle telematics, and incident data. The result is a unified view of road conditions and emergencies, empowering responders with actionable insights across jurisdictional boundaries.
The seamless combination of Radius Mapping and Skyline’s video technology creates a collaborative emergency response network for agencies like state patrol, EMS, and fire departments. By integrating CAD and AVL data with Skyline's visual intelligence, responders can quickly assess situations and make informed decisions in dynamic environments like Colorado, where weather and road conditions can change rapidly. This collaborative approach breaks down traditional silos between transportation and emergency response systems, fostering faster, more coordinated actions that ultimately enhance public safety. The session demonstrated how these partnerships are setting a new standard for using technology to ensure safer, more efficient responses to high-stakes incidents.
The 911 Early Adopter Summit highlighted the public safety industry’s unwavering commitment to advancing innovation, enhancing safety, and strengthening community resilience. By integrating real-time data, nextgen mapping, and AI-powered firearm detection, RapidDeploy and its partners are leading the way in transforming how public safety operates––creating a more agile, responsive, and secure environment for communities.
We are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, collaborating with first responders, agencies, and innovation partners to deliver solutions that make every second count. Together, we’re shaping a future where communities are safer, more confident, and better prepared to face any challenge that comes their way.
As the holiday season approaches, it brings an influx of activities and travel, increasing the demands on emergency response systems. During this critical time, public safety answering points (PSAPs) face heightened risks from unexpected outages, severe weather events, and increased call volumes. Ensuring uninterrupted 911 reliability isn't just a goal—it's a necessity.
RapidDeploy provides innovative tools like Radius Mapping and Lightning to prepare 911 agencies for even the most challenging scenarios. This blog explores how RapidDeploy helps agencies maintain situational awareness and continuity during system interruptions, drawing insights from agencies across Kansas, Florida, and a case study from Cherokee County, South Carolina.
911 outages can occur unexpectedly, disrupting the lifeline between citizens and emergency responders. These interruptions may result from natural disasters, technical malfunctions, or infrastructure failures. During peak holiday seasons, the stakes are even higher, as emergency call volumes surge while responders contend with adverse weather or increased travel-related incidents.
For PSAPs, traditional legacy systems often fall short during large-scale interruptions. This is where cloud-based solutions like RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping shine, providing real-time visibility into emergencies even when voice calls cannot connect.
Across Kansas, agencies preparing for holiday season challenges have turned to RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping and Lightning applications to enhance their response capabilities. The integration of these tools provides:
By leveraging these tools, Kansas agencies ensure they can respond swiftly and effectively, offering peace of mind to residents during one of the busiest times of the year.
In the face of a system outage, RapidDeploy’s Lightning application plays a pivotal role in maintaining emergency response capabilities. Designed as a mobile-first platform, Lightning extends the reach of PSAPs beyond traditional call centers, ensuring continuity of operations even in the most challenging scenarios.
Here’s how Lightning proves indispensable during outages:
Together, these tools create a robust safety net so that emergency response services have the best chance of mitigating uninterrupted service.
An outage in Cherokee County, South Carolina, tested the vital role of RapidDeploy’s technology in ensuring operational continuity. During a peak call time, the Cherokee County 911 center experienced a critical outage, rendering their primary call-routing system inoperable. However, with Radius Mapping in place, telecommunicators maintained visibility of 911 calls as they plotted on the map, despite the absence of live voice connections.
Using mobile signal data displayed in Radius Mapping, Cherokee County’s telecommunicators identified the exact locations of individuals trying to reach 911. This enabled them to initiate voice calls and text-from-911 communications directly from the Radius Mapping platform. Over 30 emergency calls were successfully managed during the outage, thanks to RapidDeploy's seamless technology integration.
Brandon Peeler, Deputy Director of Cherokee County 911, highlighted the system’s impact:
"This happened during our peak time, and we are very grateful for this product for our employees and our citizens."
Similarly, when the CAD system in Titusville, Florida, went down for nearly five days, RapidDeploy’s tools ensured continuous emergency operations. Gregory C. Morrison, Communications Manager at Titusville Police Department, emphasized:
"When our CAD System went down for nearly 5 days, we relied exclusively on RapidDeploy to be able to locate our cellular 911 callers, which make up 87% of our calls, at an average of 250 calls per day. The availability of RapidDeploy to plot and locate these callers was essential to maintaining efficiency in dispatch."
To ensure reliability during interruptions, PSAPs can adopt the following best practices:
As we embrace the holidays, let us also recognize the dedication of 911 professionals who work tirelessly to ensure public safety. Through innovative technology like RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping and Lightning mobile app, agencies can stay prepared, respond effectively, and safeguard their communities during this bustling season and beyond.
For more insights into how RapidDeploy is transforming 911 reliability, explore the Cherokee County case study.
This holiday season, RapidDeploy stands as a partner in preparedness, empowering PSAPs to deliver reliable, uninterrupted service when it matters most. Together, we can ensure a safer, more secure holiday season for all.
We’re excited to introduce Mike Kyle, Senior Software Engineer, as our November Employee Spotlight. Mike’s drive to solve complex challenges and his expertise in cloud-native technologies have been a major asset to RapidDeploy. His contributions mirror the passion we read about in last month’s series spotlight with Alida Fanfoni, who brought her problem-solving mindset to the product team. Just like Alida’s work has pushed our product innovations forward, Mike’s engineering efforts have been critical in delivering cutting-edge solutions for our clients. Here’s more about Mike’s journey and the impact he’s made at RapidDeploy!
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
The challenge. Working with cloud-native technology is like a playground for innovation and creativity. It allows the engineering team to approach things differently, and that’s really exciting. Plus, the energy of a great team radiates through the entire organization, which makes it even more enjoyable.
Q: Can you share a key project you’ve worked on that had a significant impact?
One of the most impactful projects I’ve worked on was the deployment of Radius Mapping for the state of California. At the time, RapidDeploy was still in startup mode, and tackling such a massive state felt like a “David and Goliath” situation. It was our first major state deployment, and its success was critical to the success of the business. We worked hard as a team to make it happen, and I’m proud of what we accomplished.
Q: What’s one of your most memorable moments at RapidDeploy?
I was on a call with a customer and a competing vendor to address inaccuracies in the data being displayed on the system. The other vendor said it would take weeks to update their system to handle the change, but with RapidDeploy, it took about two minutes. It was a fun moment, and it really highlighted how agile we are as a company.
Q: How has your career progressed since you started at RapidDeploy?
Not many people know this, but I started at RapidDeploy as a network engineer hired to help build an IoT device. After many early morning study sessions, I transitioned to a software engineer role. The company supported me through the process, and I’ve been flourishing ever since. It’s been a rewarding journey.
Q: How would you describe the company culture at RapidDeploy?
I’d say it’s a mix of seriousness when it’s needed and humor when it’s appropriate. We focus on maintaining healthy, respectful teams. Disrespect and negativity might feel powerful in the moment, but they’re ultimately harmful. Patience, understanding, and thoughtfulness are the values we try to embody, and that’s the culture I want to help build..
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at RapidDeploy?
The purpose. I want to work for something greater than myself. As a former military member, that sense of purpose is important to me. RapidDeploy gives me the opportunity to contribute to something meaningful—helping save lives by improving emergency response.
Q: Can you share a time when teamwork was essential to your success?
For major statewide deployments, like the one we did in California, teamwork is absolutely essential. You need input and collaboration from engineering, product, project management, and many other teams to make it successful. Everyone plays a part, and it’s that cooperative effort that ensures we deliver.
Q: How does RapidDeploy support work-life balance for its employees?
I’ve always felt supported when it comes to balancing work and life. There was a time when I had a herniated disc, and it was painful just to sit at my desk. My team was understanding and gave me the flexibility I needed to step away and heal. That kind of support makes a big difference.
Q: What excites you about the future of RapidDeploy?
I want to see RapidDeploy continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in public safety. The company has already made huge strides in disrupting the industry, but there’s still more to do. We’ve faced challenges, but looking back, you realize those are the moments that helped us grow and become stronger. I’m excited to see where we go from here.
Thank you, Mike, for your dedication and innovation in helping us achieve our mission! Stay tuned for our next Agent on a Mission in December!
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.
