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Title: Bridging the Communication Gap: Insights from Brian Gould on Public Safety and Technology

Introduction: In the world of public safety, effective communication is not just a necessity; it's a lifeline. In this episode of the EOC podcast, host Jeff Perkins welcomed Brian Gould, Public Safety Segment Advisor for T-Mobile for Government, to discuss the evolving landscape of communication in emergency services and the crucial role technology plays in keeping first responders connected.

Main Content:

1. The Importance of Communication in Public Safety
Communication is the backbone of public safety operations. Brian Gould emphasizes that successful emergency response hinges on the ability to build relationships before crises occur. As he states, "Your ability to build relationships prior to meeting them is absolutely critical." This proactive approach ensures that when disasters strike, responders can coordinate effectively, drawing on established trust.

2. Brian's Journey in Public Service
Brian's background is a testament to his commitment to public safety. He began his career as a 911 dispatcher and quickly rose through the ranks in law enforcement, ultimately serving as the Chief of Police in Chiquitawaga, New York. His experience in both policing and firefighting gives him a unique perspective on incident command and operational challenges. Brian recalls, "I think the number one thing...is that your ability to build relationships prior to meeting them is absolutely critical."

3. Challenges Faced in Western New York
During his tenure as chief, Brian faced significant challenges, particularly staffing shortages and interoperability issues among agencies. He notes, "We saw a lot of recruitment and retention challenges when it came to policing." Additionally, he highlights the ongoing struggle for agencies to communicate effectively during pursuits and emergencies due to outdated systems. This underscores the need for investment in modern communication technology.

4. The Role of Technology in Modernizing Communication
Technology has advanced rapidly, offering new tools for public safety. Brian discusses the importance of innovations like T-Mobile's T-Satellite, which ensures reliable communication even in the toughest environments. He stresses that "the technology is advancing faster than any of us could ever imagine," making it imperative for agencies to stay informed about available resources.

5. Real-World Impact of Effective Communication
The significance of communication becomes starkly clear in emergency situations. Brian recounts the devastating blizzard of 2022, where many lives were lost due to communication failures. He explains that during this crisis, effective communication was paramount for coordinating rescue efforts and ensuring the safety of community members.

Conclusion:
In summary, Brian Gould's insights on public safety and communication highlight the vital role that technology plays in ensuring first responders can perform their duties effectively. Building relationships and staying informed about the latest communication tools are key takeaways for anyone involved in emergency management. As Brian aptly puts it, "When everything goes wrong, you gotta know who your friends are."

Key Takeaways:
- Effective communication is crucial for successful emergency response.
- Building relationships before crises can significantly improve response efforts.
- Modern technology, like T-Satellite, is essenti

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Behind every 911 call is a story of courage, calm, and connection. Jeff Perkins explores what happens between the caller, the call taker, and the first responder — and why those invisible moments matter more than ever.

When the world feels out of control, one number connects us all: 911.

In this powerful solo episode of The EOC Podcast: Emergency Operations Conversations, Jeff Perkins takes listeners inside the hidden world of emergency communications — from the terrified caller to the calm, steady voice on the other end, and from the dispatcher’s console to the first responder racing toward the unknown.

You’ll hear how call takers translate chaos into clarity, how dispatchers bridge emotion and action, and how empathy, leadership, and trust keep communities safe.
Through vivid storytelling and real-world insight, Jeff reminds us that 911 is more than a number — it’s a national promise that no one faces their worst day alone.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
• Why communication is the heartbeat of every emergency response
• What 911 professionals experience behind the headset
• How empathy and composure can save lives in seconds
• The human stories that rarely make headlines but change lives every day

Whether you’re in public safety, emergency management, or simply want to understand what really happens when you call for help, this episode will change how you think about 911 — forever.

🎧 Listen. Reflect. Share.
Because behind every emergency, there’s a voice that chose to care.

00:00 – Introduction: The moment before the call
04:00 – The Number We All Know
12:00 – The Sound of Crisis
22:00 – The Bridge Between Worlds
29:00 – A Tale of Two Moments
39:00 – The Human Cost and Quiet Heroes
47:00 – Connection and Trust
52:00 – Humor and Humanity
57:00 – Evolution of 911
1:03:00 – Conversation with Silence
1:09:00 – Closing Reflections: Why 911 Matters

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How North Carolina’s SWIC turned lessons from Hurricanes Florence & Helene into a national playbook for connectivity, trust, and response.

When disaster strikes and communications fail, leadership and relationships make all the difference. In this episode of The EOC Podcast: Emergency Operations Conversations, host Jeff Perkins sits down with Greg Hauser, North Carolina’s Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC) and Vice Chair of the National Council of SWICs, to talk about what it truly takes to keep people connected when everything else goes dark.

Greg shares lessons learned from leading communications during hurricanes, floods, and national events, and how North Carolina’s Emergency Support Function 2 (ESF-2) continues to innovate under pressure. Together, Jeff and Greg explore the human side of interoperability — where trust, humility, and teamwork matter as much as the technology itself.

Listeners will hear first-hand stories from Hurricane Helene, reflections on how communities step up when systems go down, and a candid look at the future of emergency communications.

Whether you’re in emergency management, public safety, or just passionate about resilience, this conversation delivers insight, leadership, and heart — proving that true interoperability starts with relationships.

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