FirstNet, the dedicated public safety communications network built by AT&T through a public-private partnership, is getting more than $200 million for enhancements to its portable assets and core network for 5G. The First Responder Network Authority Board at its quarterly meeting yesterday signed off on $218 million for strategic investments targeting two areas: initial core network upgrades as the first phase of moving to 5G, and expanding FirstNet’s fleet of deployable assets.
- PUB DATE: 6/18/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Fierce Wireless

More than 30,000 gallons of toxic fluorochemical foam has been collected from municipal fire departments and commercial airports in Michigan in an effort that state officials believe is the nation’s largest collection and disposal program of its type. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and the state fire marshal’s office announced the milestone for their per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, foam disposal program on Wednesday, June 16.
- PUB DATE: 6/18/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: MLive

When a call came in for volunteer firefighters of the Federal Way Fire Department in the 1970s, you could count on Bill Brand to arrive within minutes, quickly pulling up outside of the fire station in his little yellow truck. William “Bill” Brand, a longtime Federal Way resident, died May 12 from health complications with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- PUB DATE: 6/18/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Federal Way Mirror - Metered Site

A man is facing arson charges for starting a fire inside the historic hotel he manages in Camas, police said. A hotel guest called 911 on Wednesday morning after hearing a smoke alarm inside a guest room on the 3rd floor of the Camas Hotel & Suites on NE 4th Avenue. The guest extinguished the small fire inside the room with a fire extinguisher, the Camas Police Department said.
- PUB DATE: 6/18/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOIN-TV CBS 6 Portland

The COVID-19 isolation and quarantine site at the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett will be relocated to the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe, said Scott North, manager of Snohomish County’s Joint Information Center. The facility has only provided shelter to fewer than 30 people since it opened in April, but it is able to house up to 150 people.
- PUB DATE: 6/18/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle