Redmond, WA – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and Microsoft Corp. have announced a joint effort to define and implement the vision for the 21st century fire department – a community where emergency responders have the tools they need to facilitate information sharing, collaboration and interoperability for greater response and coordination. In many ways, collaborative technologies can increase situational awareness and improve the safety and survivability of the fire service community and the citizens they serve.
“IAFC is proud to be working with Microsoft to demonstrate to the fire and emergency services community the technologies available today that can help firefighters rise to the challenges of the 21st century,” said Chief William “Bill” Killen, IAFC President. “Our mission to develop prepared communities is more important than ever – we’re confronted with new and more significant challenges as we face terrorism and natural disasters.”
“Microsoft recognizes that firefighters and emergency medical personnel are on the frontline of our safety and security,” said Michael Byrne, executive director of Justice and Public Safety at Microsoft and a veteran New York City firefighter and Homeland Security executive. “We, along with our industry partners, are committed to making sure the fire and emergency services community has the information they need, when and where they need it.”
IAFC and Microsoft will jointly presented the 1st Annual Fire Service Technology Symposium to promote the vision of the 21st century fire department on December 6 and 7 in Redmond, WA. The event focused on key issues the fire service community faces today and in the future and allowed firefighters and emergency medical personnel to interact with Microsoft and industry partners to learn first-hand, how technology is enabling communities around the country to become more prepared.
The symposium agenda concentrated on three parallel tracks – 21st Century Fire and EMS Departments, Technology for Fire Safety, and Fire Service Role in Homeland Security.
