Search Result: First Responders

In "The First Responders: The Untold Story of the New York City Police Department and September 11, 2001," Anthea Appel weaves together the stories of members of the NYPD's Emergency Service Unit (ESU) who first arrived at Ground Zero. Appel, who was on patrol on 9/11 and has since retired after a 20-year NYPD career, recounts the ESU members who searched for terrorist "sleepers" and survivors. Appel also tells the story of the mysterious man who was arrested in the North Tower in the moments before it fell.

Columbine is a vivid example of what happens during a tactical operation when communications break down. It and 9/11 are also strong examples of why first responders need radios that can talk to personnel from other agencies.

Although digital cameras are certainly high-tech and have a lot more power and control than their film predecessors, they are still only as good as the officer holding them.

The actions you take as a first responder can determine the value of crime scene evidence for investigators and prosecutors.

There are many respirators out there for police officers to choose from. Here are some of the best units available that meet the special needs of the police officer.

Less than two years ago, weapons of mass destruction (WMD) such as gas, viruses, and nukes were mostly the stuff of Tom Clancy novels, not the everyday concern of the nation’s law enforcement. But that was before 9/11.

Most cities and counties have increased police and fire funding since 9-11, but in many cases, budget bumps can barely meet newly established needs.

From Honolulu to New York City, prisoner incidents and uprisings have become all too common. Luckily, corrections officers are equipped better than ever to deal with such incidents.

Then you see them, casualties. Many of them, grotesquely motionless, obscured by the low hanging mist.

On the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, shortly after eight in the morning, I transmitted a tone and announced a third alarm for the borough of Manhattan, N.Y. The call was initially reported as a high-rise fire in the World Trade Center tower 1.

Disasters can happen anywhere and, as so poignantly demonstrated in New York, it's our job to manage and mitigate them.

Having trained thousands of law enforcement officers in the proper response to and resolution of critical incidents, we watched the Columbine tragedy as courageous tactical officers executed a hurried but effective plan to safely "clear the school."

Our profession as police officers places us in that special category of first respon­ders. We often respond to accident scenes where community members have, through stupidity or misfortune, tangled with trains or trolley systems. In all cases, the train wins.

With improved communications systems, alarm systems and faster response times, first responders now have the advantage of arriving in the early stages — before things get out of control.