Jim Goldstein Is Stepping Down as Alternate for the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), But Wait There's Good News!  Jim Goldstein joined the Government Relations Department at the IAFC in 2012.  The IAFC monitors a wide variety of issues, including hazardous materials, Federal grants for fire departments, life safety protection and education, volunteer issues, terrorism, wildland fires, emergency medical services, wireless radio communications, and numerous others.  Jim focused on public safety communications and on hazardous materials issues.  In 2016, he received the Chairman's award from the IAFC hazardous materials committee for his work supporting the committee on Capitol Hill and the Administration.

Although he is retiring, the good news is that Jim has agreed to stay with NPSTC as a volunteer to work on 4.9 GHz, T-Band, and 9-1-1 issues.  He has led these efforts for the T-Band Coalition and he will continue to represent NPSTC as these and other issues are resolved.

NPSTC Welcomes Brandon Allen, New Alternate Governing Board Representative for the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC).  Brandon Allen is the new Government Relations Manager at the IAFC.  Her portfolio is comprised of telecommunications, technology, and transportation issues.  Prior to joining the IAFC, Brandon worked for Columbia University and two high-profile intellectual property law firms.  She first interned with the IAFC in 2013, during which time she worked with her now-colleague Evan Davis on wildland, healthcare, and tax affairs.  She holds a bachelor's degree in History and English from the University of Virginia and a master's degree in European History, Politics & Society from Columbia University.

SAVE THE DATE – January 17, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. ET for a Town Hall Session on Datacasting for Public Safety.  More information to come.  Datacasting can provide increased situational awareness and data transfer between agencies.  Datacasting is the ideal method to deliver large amounts of streaming data like video to a large number of people without overloading the local cellular network.  This Town Hall presentation will focus on several new applications for datacasting technology, including earthquake early warning and sharing of encrypted files between public safety agencies.

Join the Spectrum Management Committee on Friday, November 9, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET.  The Committee will discuss current issues, including the FCC's new proposal for unlicensed device sharing in the 6 GHz microwave band used for critical fixed links by public safety, CII, and commercial carriers.

Conference Line:  510-227-1018;  Conference ID: 446 1830#
Screen Share link:  https://join.me/npstcsupport1

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Robotics Working Group Will Meet on Wednesday, November 14, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET.  Kamila Blain of Endevour Robotics will present on their new smaller robotics, including the new backpack and "throwable" robots, some as small as 5 pounds and capable of handling a variety of different sensors and payloads.

Conference Line U.S.:  510-227-1018;  Conference ID:  869 9040#
Screen Share link:  https://join.me/npstcsupport1

IWCE is Heading Back to Las Vegas!  IWCE brings together everything all under one roof, including a comprehensive 5-day conference program, an exhibit hall with over 400 exhibitors, free special events and countless networking opportunities.  To view IWCE's Show Policies, click here.  Questions?  Contact customer service at 800-927-5007 or iwce@compusystems.com.

CITIG Hosts Twelfth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop on December 2–5, in Toronto, Ontario.  Join CITIG for Canada's premiere Public Safety event from December 2 to 5, 2018 in Toronto.  The Twelfth Canadian Public Safety Interoperability Workshop, widely known as CITIG 12, will again break new ground on Broadband, NG 9-1-1, and interoperability issues facing today's public safety sector.  The focus on information exchange, topic-specific discussion, and interactive breakouts aims to support and promote the transfer of best practices and experience, and the development of a more unified approach to public safety communications across the country, between nations, and internationally.

The twelfth annual event will have a special focus on mobile broadband for responders and the evolution of the proposed Canadian public safety broadband network (PSBN), but will also have a healthy amount of content on traditional and emerging interoperability issues like land mobile radio, Next Generation 9-1-1 and cross-border challenges.  Click here to access the workshop site to register and for accommodation information.