Emergency Reporting (ER), the leader in cloud-based Fire and EMS records management and prevention software, has launched a new series of demo webinars and released a comparison checklist resource to assist fire departments and EMS agencies in their search for a better records management system (RMS).

The software comparison “cheat sheet” gives firefighting and EMS agencies a fast, easy way to compare their existing software to other RMS providers and determine if it’s still the best fit for their changing needs.

Emergency Reporting’s cloud-based software has been deemed “the most stable, secure, and trustworthy” by its 114,000 authorized users in part because it has been led and managed by the same owners – with actual Fire/EMS field experience – since its founding in 2003.

“Stability, security and ease of use are all-important in this industry,” says Ed O’Neill, Executive Director of Emergency Reporting.

“We know that when it’s time to switch to a better reporting and records management system it can be a daunting, time-consuming task,” says O’Neill. “Most Fire/EMS agencies are required to review multiple software providers before making a selection. Offering this new comparison checklist gives fire chiefs, IT managers, EMS decision makers, and administrators an easy, at-a-glance tool to quickly identify key differences in features and benefits.”

The live demo webinars are free, hour-long demonstrations offered once a month to prospective customers looking for an overview of what ER has to offer.

O’Neill says the webinars and comparison checklist are especially helpful at a time when there is a lot of uncertainty with other companies in the industry, and many agencies are considering a switch to a more stable, trustworthy RMS provider. "This type of constant change can cause disruption for customers and delays in long-promised improvements. We’re hoping to make it as easy as possible for agencies to make the right choice when upgrading their records management software.”

To download Emergency Reporting’s Software Comparison Checklist, visit: http://bit.ly/ER-Comparison-Checklist. To sign up for an upcoming webinar, visit https://explore.emergencyreporting.com/webinar-schedule/. To request more information or schedule a customized 1:1 online demo with your station or agency, visit: https://explore.emergencyreporting.com/information-request-form

EMMITSBURG, Maryland – Thousands gathered in the small town of Emmitsburg, Maryland on the first weekend of October to honor the nation’s fallen firefighters and their survivors.

The U.S. fire service paid tribute to 95 firefighters during ceremonies over three days culminating in a memorial service held on Sunday.  75 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2016 and 20 firefighters from previous years were officially recognized in the 36th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

2016 plaque (NFFF photo)

Families of the fallen arrived in Maryland on Friday and participated in various activities presented by the event organizers, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). Prior to the weekend, leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus helped the NFFF start the service with a Congressional Flag Ceremony held in Washington, D.C.  Members of the fire service also participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

9/11 Rescue and Recovery Effort plaque (NFFF photo)

On Saturday evening a Candlelight Service was held on the grounds of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. The threat of rain and thunderstorms led event organizers to move Sunday’s outdoor service inside at the Knox Athletic Recreation Convocation Complex on the grounds of Mount Saint Mary’s University.

Saturday Candlelight Service

Amid the pomp and circumstance of the pipes and drums, color guards, and honor guards, the names of the 95 fallen firefighters were read aloud.  Firefighter tributes read by various speakers called attention to the unique characteristics  and dedication of some of the fallen.

Representative Steny Hoyer (D -  Maryland) and co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus highlighted the calling, service, and dedication of the nation’s firefighters and those memorialized during the service.

“There is inherent dignity and priceless value in what a firefighter does,” Hoyer told the audience.

Sunday Memorial Service

Chief Dennis Compton, Chairman of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Board of Directors said “The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial is a testament to the ultimate sacrifice made by these brave men and women. All who visit the memorial throughout the year pause to honor these firefighters and reflect on the courage, sacrifice and strength of their survivors.”

Firefighters are known for their strength and endurance, but there is a lot of knowledge that goes with being a first responder. Nest has teamed up for the second time with The Leary Firefighters Foundation to award two fire departments with $25,000 grants for new technology and equipment.

Nest, maker of the Nest Protect Smoke + CO Alarm, and The Leary Firefighters Foundation (LFF) asked communities to support outstanding public safety personnel, asking them to nominate their local department with a simple vote by providing their zip code. An extra vote was added for those entries that included a personal “thank you” comment or story. The five departments with the most votes were the finalists for LFF’s grant application process. Ultimately, the Indianapolis (IN) and Gainesville (FL) fire departments were chosen by LFF. 

The Indianapolis Fire Department has received new technology to establish a working media department that allows the department to educate, train, and inform using high-quality video and imagery production. The Gainesville Fire Department has received new technology, including MacBook Air laptops, training software, and administrative equipment.

For more, go to https://nest.com/blog/2017/10/10/helping-local-heroes/