OroraTech has launched and deployment of the Hellenic Fire System, the world’s first national wildfire satellite system in Greece. The system is a four-satellite constellation dedicated to wildfire monitoring and represents the first national satellite network designed exclusively for wildfire detection and tracking. The satellites were launched aboard a SpaceX mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The system was developed in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, the Hellenic Space Center, and the European Space Agency (ESA). It provides continuous, real-time wildfire intelligence covering 100% of Greek territory, enabling rapid detection and tracking of wildfire activity nationwide.
“Today marks a major step forward in strengthening Greece’s national resilience against wildfires,” said Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance & Artificial Intelligence. “By integrating space-based capabilities into our emergency response systems, we are equipping our fire services with the tools they need to respond faster, act more effectively, and protect lives, property, and the environment.”
“The deployment of this system demonstrates how European collaboration can deliver tangible impact for citizens,” said Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes at the European Space Agency. “By combining advanced space technologies with operational services on the ground, we are enabling faster, more informed responses to natural disasters and strengthening Europe’s leadership in Earth observation.”
“This is a defining moment not just for Greece, but also for how the world approaches wildfire management,” said Martin Langer, CEO of OroraTech. “For the first time, an entire country is protected by a dedicated satellite constellation built to detect and track wildfires in real time. This is the blueprint for how nations can use space technology to safeguard their people, ecosystems, and economies.”
Wildfire satellite system equipped with thermal infrared sensors
The Hellenic Fire System includes four satellites equipped with thermal infrared sensors, a ground station in Greece, and OroraTech’s Wildfire Solution platform integrated into national emergency response systems. Data is delivered through the Ministry of Digital Governance, enabling near real-time wildfire detection with latency measured in minutes and hotspot identification as small as 4 by 4 meters.
In 2025, Europe experienced its most severe wildfire activity in over 20 years, with significant impact in Greece and across the Mediterranean region due to rising temperatures and prolonged drought conditions. The new system is designed to address gaps in traditional monitoring by providing continuous coverage and rapid detection during peak fire conditions.
The project is being implemented under an ESA Contract within the framework of the Greek National Satellite Space Project. The Project: Small-Satellites (Measure ID 16855) is implemented by the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence with the European Space Agency (ESA) Assistance in the Management and Implementation. It is part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan ‘Greece 2.0’, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), a core programme of the European Union-NextGenerationEU.
Eccotarp has said that it will showcase its ET-Roller 7 electric fire hose winder at the INTERSCHUTZ exhibition, which takes place next month.
While many end users still manually wind fire hoses, the company said winding various types of fire hoses doesn’t always have to be hard and physically demanding work. The ET-Roller 7 electric fire hose winder enables userrs to wind fire hoses up to 6 inches in diameter.
The winder features a motor powered by Milwaukee batteries, a telescopic handle, a stable four-wheel chassis and a Quick-Release mechanism for fast exchange of adapters for winding different types of fire hoses.
It also features two types of removable carriers (DRUM or 2 FORKS) according to the size of the hose to be wound up and is suitable for various winding methods such as smooth winding of the hose by the coupling as well as hoses folded in half.
The company, based in the Czech Republic, has also confirmed that it will showcase its range of magnetic leak patches, folding spill containment berms and tanks and drain covers at the event.
Visit the Eccotarp Booth E13, Hall 17 and try the ET-Roller 7 in person.
How Lumiio’s NFC wearable devices provide first responders with a quicker route to identifying vulnerable people during public welfare incidents
A fire and rescue crew arrives to find a man sitting on a low wall beside a row of shops.
He appears calm but uncertain about where he is.
When firefighters speak with him he answers politely, though he cannot explain where he lives and the name he gives may not be correct.
A shop worker nearby says he has been walking up and down the street for some time.
The crew begins working through the usual steps.
They speak with him again, trying to confirm the name he provided and whether he remembers any landmarks nearby.
Control is asked to check the details while firefighters remain with the man and keep the conversation steady.
No one present recognises him and there is nothing to identify where he has come from.
Situations like this often hinge on one piece of information.
A confirmed name or a contact number can change the pace of the incident immediately because it connects responders with someone who knows the individual.
Without that connection the process becomes slower, relying on control room checks and local enquiries while the person waits with responders.
Lumiio, a UK company, has developed wearable safeguarding devices designed to make that first step easier.
The company produces wristbands and tags that contain near field communication technology.
When an NFC-enabled smartphone touches the device it opens a secure webpage containing personal information stored in advance.
The page can display the wearer’s name together with up to two emergency contact numbers for a relative or carer, and an ‘About Me’ section containing vital information like diagnoses or medication details.
A responder who notices the device can access that information within seconds using a standard smartphone.
When a person cannot explain who they are or where they should be, that small piece of data may help responders reach someone connected to the individual.
When identity cannot be confirmed at scene
For crews attending public welfare calls, the hardest part can be establishing the basics.
A person may appear settled enough to talk, but the information they provide can shift from one sentence to the next.
An address may sound plausible at first and then prove incorrect once checks begin.
A family name may be remembered, though the person cannot say where that relative lives or how to reach them.
Memory loss adds another layer to these encounters because it affects how information is given as well as what is remembered.
Someone may answer with confidence and still be mistaken.
Firefighters then have to judge what can be relied on while keeping the person reassured and engaged.
The work is patient and practical, and it depends on details that can be confirmed.
A device linked to stored information may help during this stage.
If a name can be matched quickly to a relative or carer, the situation develops differently.
Responders gain a direct contact who understands the person’s circumstances and can provide guidance about what should happen next.
How the device works in practice
Lumiio’s products are intended to be worn throughout the day as wristbands or tags.
The technology uses NFC, the same short-range function that allows contactless interaction on many phones.
When a smartphone is held against the device, it opens a secure page without the need for a separate application.
This detail matters because any extra step can slow use at scene.
A product that depends on special equipment is less likely to fit naturally into a live incident.
In this case the interaction is simple.
A responder notices the wearable, checks it with a phone and sees whether useful information is available.
The page can hold the wearer’s name, key personal information, and emergency contact details for the person responsible for their care.
It is not presented as a full record and it does not replace safeguarding procedures already used by emergency services.
Its purpose is narrower.
It provides a quick route to identification so responders can begin contacting the right person while giving individually tailored support.
A fit with day-to-day operational work
Fire and rescue crews encounter situations where a member of the public appears confused or unable to explain where they should be.
This may happen during a missing person search or after a passer-by raises concern about someone sitting alone in a public area.
In other cases firefighters notice a vulnerable person while responding to an unrelated incident.
The response usually begins with conversation and reassurance while control rooms check available information.
Crews remain with the individual and try to confirm details that might lead to identification.
If a wearable device provides a reliable name or a number to call, responders have a clearer starting point for resolving the situation.
Many services already work closely with vulnerable residents through prevention visits and safe and well activity.
Firefighters often become familiar with people whose needs extend beyond fire safety alone.
A wearable identification device sits naturally alongside those safeguarding efforts because it focuses on helping responders recognise who someone is and who should be contacted.
Existing use through public schemes
Lumiio’s products have already been used by public bodies and support organisations in the UK.
Devon and Cornwall Police have deployed the devices within local programmes focused on vulnerable residents.
Recently, Lumiio has gone live with South Yorkshire Police on an initiative using the devices to support people living with dementia.
Sefton Council has distributed the wristbands as part of community safety initiatives aimed at residents who may become lost.
Charities involved in dementia support have also taken part in awareness programmes connected to the technology.
These initiatives place emphasis on recognition.
A device that contains useful information must still be noticed by responders before it can assist.
Awareness among front-line personnel therefore plays an important role in whether the technology proves helpful during an incident.
Identification during vulnerable person incidents
During incidents involving vulnerable individuals, establishing identity often determines the next stage of the response.
Confirmed information allows responders to contact someone who knows the person and can explain their circumstances.
That contact may be a relative, a carer or an organisation already supporting the individual.
A wearable device that stores basic identification details can provide that connection more quickly.
Instead of relying solely on wider enquiries, responders may be able to confirm who the person is and who should be informed.
For crews dealing with a confused individual in an unfamiliar location, access to those details can help bring the situation towards a safe resolution.
A final rule from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) implementing the Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2017 (PPAEMA) was published on February 5, 2026 and takes effect on March 9, 2026.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) said the rule aligns federal controlled-substance requirements with operational models that use distributed stations, mobile units and protocol-driven care.
The rule establishes an EMS agency registration framework for handling controlled substances, with multi-state operations generally requiring separate registrations in each state where the agency operates.
DEA also confirmed that government-operated agencies, including most municipal fire departments providing EMS, are exempt from DEA application fees.
Registration and stationhouse delivery
The IAFC set out a “hub-and-spoke” delivery approach, allowing controlled substances to be moved from a registered location to an unregistered location when that site is designated as a stationhouse and DEA is notified at least 30 days before the first delivery.
DEA also clarified that distributors cannot deliver directly to those unregistered locations under this framework.
Related information included by the IAFC from the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) described a new “Emergency Medical Services Agency” registration category, with a three year fee equal to other dispenser registrations at $888.
NAEMSP said an EMS agency may choose a single DEA registration per state instead of separate registrations for each station, so long as it is authorised under that state’s law.
NAEMSP also said hospital based EMS agencies may continue to operate under the hospital’s existing practitioner registration and are not required to obtain a separate EMS agency registration.
Standing orders, storage and records
The IAFC said EMS clinicians may administer Schedule II to V medications outside the medical director’s physical presence when authorised by state law and carried out under valid standing orders or verbal orders.
It said standing-order records are expected to be maintained at the registered location.
It also said controlled substances may be carried on-person or in a jump bag during active emergency response, with an expectation that medications return to secure storage when not actively responding.
The IAFC also described limited pathways for hospitals and EMS agencies to transfer controlled substances during shortages, public health emergencies or mass casualty incident situations, with written DEA approval required.
It said recordkeeping expectations cover controlled substances received, administered, transferred and destroyed, with specified information recorded for each dose administered or disposed of.
It also described a hospital restocking pathway for vehicles after an emergency response, with records maintained by the EMS agency and the hospital and additional notification steps when a vehicle is primarily based at a designated location.
US Fire departments transition to cloud-based NERIS platform
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has fully launched the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) to provide fire departments with a comprehensive data platform for resource allocation and risk assessment.
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) affiliates were central to the development and rollout of this modernised, nationwide collection system.
As of 1 January 2026, NERIS serves as the primary and only fire and all-hazards data system in the United States.
Modernising data through the NERIS platform
The cloud-based system documents workload and operational risk across all-hazards responses using standardised data to inform safety policies and staffing models.
It replaces the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), which was built on outdated code and lacked compatibility with modern tools such as GIS mapping.
USFA developed the new platform in partnership with the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, and the wider fire service.
Assistant to the General President for Health & Safety Sean DeCrane said: “Accurate, comprehensive data strengthens the IAFF’s ability to protect staffing, improve safety, and secure the resources members need.
“It is critical that our members fill out the entire NERIS report.
“Inaccurate or missing data will potentially negatively impact our staffing and funding because decision makers would be acting on incomplete or false information.”
Implementation and departmental feedback on NERIS
A prototype version was tested in March 2024 by six departments, including Fairfax County Fire and Rescue and West Metro Fire Rescue, to capture information on structure fires and medical calls.
Following this pilot, NERIS Version 1 launched to 100 departments in November 2024, operating alongside NFIRS for one year before the legacy system was decommissioned.
This transition period allowed the UL Research Institute to verify the system’s capacity for high user volumes and emerging threats like lithium-ion battery incidents.
Steve Aseltine, a division chief with West Metro Fire Rescue and member of West Metro Local 1309, was instrumental in onboarding the system for his department.
Aseltine said: “The interface is designed to make it user-friendly.
“Data entry is more efficient, and the data is easier to access once it’s in the system.
“With this data, you can see trends and determine what and where the real safety risks are, and whether a deployment structure is or isn’t working.”
Dave Thorson, a battalion chief and Local 385 member with the Omaha Fire Department, added: “NERIS gathers data, not just from the incident commander, but also from individual fire companies.
“This way, there is a clear picture of what occurred with each incident.
“Departments like ours can use this data to make informed decisions.”
Regular updates are being issued based on feedback from participating departments as development continues towards a second version of the system.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has claimed that the London Fire Brigade (LFB) is facing £6 million in budget cuts, with a further £12 million in what it described as “unidentified savings.”
In a statement released on its website, the union criticised the LFB for borrowing heavily for a new headquarters redevelopment while threatening these cuts to the already overstretched frontline.
It said that the LFB 2026-2027 budget submission also removes key operational budgets such as for uniform and communications upgrades.
David Shek, Fire Brigades Union Executive Council Member for London said that “senior leaders of the London Fire Brigade are sitting on reserves and borrowing millions for property projects while fire engines sit idle, without enough firefighters to crew them.”
The FBU has alleged that between 1 January and 8 November 2025, the full fleet of fire engines was only available for 33 shifts as a result of cuts to crewing, amounting to 1 in 20 shifts.
It said the last time that every LFB fire engine was available was 30 September.
Gusi Peace Prize recognises US fire advocate in Manila
Gusi Peace Prize International has recognised former US Congressman Curt Weldon for his advocacy on behalf of firefighters and emergency medical services at its 40th annual awards ceremony in Manila, Philippines.
He accepted the 2025 Gusi Peace Prize on behalf of 2 million domestic responders in the US and more than 25 million firefighters and EMS personnel worldwide.
The award is presented annually by a Philippine foundation to individuals and organisations for contributions to global peace, human rights and progress in fields such as the arts and sciences.
The 2025 celebration, described by Weldon as the 40th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL GUSI PEACE PRIZE, took place in late November and early December in Manila.
The Gusi Peace Prize is sometimes referred to as the “Asian Nobel Peace Prize” and the event is recognised by the Philippine government.
Weldon attended the ceremony wearing an FDNY jacket that he said was given to him by New York City Fire Department Rescue Chief Ray Downey one year before Downey’s death following the 9/11 attacks.
Curt Weldon, former US Congressman and volunteer firefighter, said: “Thank you. 50 years ago this year, I was a 28-year-old volunteer firefighter, fire chief, and I faced the largest fire in America when two ships collided in my hometown.
“Hundreds of volunteers from all over three states rushed to our town, as they do all over America and all over the world to help us defeat the terror.”
Weldon stated that he dedicated the award to firefighters and EMS personnel in the Philippines, the US and across the world.
He described paid and volunteer firefighters and paramedics as “the root soul of the world and mankind” who are motivated by a desire to help others rather than by money or power.
Fire tradition and global role of first responders
In his remarks, Weldon linked the Manila ceremony to a wider historical and international perspective on fire and emergency services.
He noted that Benjamin Franklin established the Union Hose Volunteer Fire Company in Philadelphia in 1736, four decades before the US was founded as a nation.
Weldon said that around 33,000 fire and EMS departments have since developed in US cities, towns and villages, with approximately 85% of departments staffed by volunteers.
He wrote that firefighters and EMS personnel respond to emergencies regardless of race, income level or religion.
He contrasted the public standing of emergency responders with that of other public institutions, stating that political parties divide public support and that polling for the police and military is far below support for firefighters and EMS.
According to Weldon, surveys in the US show that roughly 98% of respondents support firefighters and EMS personnel.
He emphasised that in US communities many firefighters, including himself earlier in his career, serve on a voluntary basis without pay.
Weldon noted that he has led Congressional Delegations to 104 nations and has been on scene at major disasters including events in Banda Acha, L’Aquila and Beslan.
He wrote that firefighters and EMS personnel in different countries speak different languages but share a common commitment to assist others in crisis.
Global fire and EMS initiatives outlined
Weldon used the Gusi Peace Prize platform to promote several initiatives focused on global fire and emergency response.
In his LinkedIn post, he wrote that he challenged Philippine, national and United Nations leaders to understand the FIRE/EMS 290 Initiative and the One World for Life non-governmental organisation.
He stated that these initiatives are intended to identify, organise and empower firefighters and EMS personnel while changing the disaster paradigm by adding prediction and prevention to existing response models.
Weldon referenced his previous role as Chair of all US Department of Defense Research, Development, Test and Evaluation funding, which he described as a 150 billion dollar annual portfolio.
He said he held meetings and briefings in Manila with the Speaker and Parliament, reporting what he described as intense interest and strong support for the initiatives.
According to Weldon, 2026 will be designated the YEAR OF THE FIREFIGHTER/EMS.
He wrote that eight task forces led by fire and EMS stakeholder groups will be implemented using funds committed from private trusts.
Weldon argued that the strength and resilience of the US over 290 years has come from local emergency responders rather than from politicians, entertainers or sports figures.
He stated that these local emergency response personnel form the backbone of communities as they respond to everyday incidents and major disasters.
Weldon said: “2026 will be the YEAR OF THE FIREFIGHTER/EMS as we implement 8 Task Forces led by FIRE/EMS Stakeholder Groups using funds committed from private Trusts.”
Technology to predict and prevent fires and disasters
In a related speech, Weldon outlined a plan to build a global network that brings together first responders and integrates predictive technology into disaster management.
He described an earlier meeting at the United Nations with Margareta Wahlström, then Assistant Secretary General for disaster risk reduction.
Weldon said he asked for a list of all the people who respond to fires and disasters worldwide and was told that no such list existed.
He reported that UN officials could identify organisations such as the Red Cross but did not hold a registry of firefighters and other first responders who work during active disasters.
He stated that this gap helped to inspire the One World for Life initiative.
According to Weldon, One World for Life was announced at the World Economic Forum in Atyrau, Kazakhstan.
He said the initiative aims to unify around 25 million firefighters and EMS personnel worldwide and to provide them with improved support and technology.
The programme is intended to add prediction and prevention to existing disaster management models that currently focus on response, mitigation and recovery.
Weldon outlined plans to use satellite technology originally designed to detect rocket launches to identify small fires anywhere in the world.
He reported being told that satellites can already detect a fire less than one hectare in size.
He added that an algorithm has been developed to warn countries when the moisture content of farmland is approaching a level where an incendiary spark could ignite fires.
Weldon also described a planned device to be worn by firefighters and EMS responders that would show their vertical and horizontal location and track breathing and physical condition in real time.
He said this information would allow incident commanders to monitor personnel during operations and adjust tactics based on their status.
Curt Weldon, former US Congressman, said: “Our goal right now is simple, and it is the reason I am here.
“We are organising all the first responders in the world.
“We are going to give them technology that changes the entire approach.
“We are going to change the world.”
Political engagement and call to prioritise fire and EMS voices
Weldon used his speeches to urge fire and EMS leaders to assert their position more directly in political and policy discussions.
He recalled giving a keynote speech to the California Fire Chiefs in which he advised them to stop focusing their efforts on influencing politicians.
He contrasted the divided public opinion on policing and the military with high levels of support for fire and EMS services.
He argued that attempts to defund emergency medical responders do not attract support because communities rely on them for medical emergencies and disaster response.
Weldon characterised firefighters and EMS personnel as people who disregard race and religion in favour of assisting neighbours and citizens in need.
He linked these remarks back to his own experience as a volunteer firefighter who did not receive payment for service.
He concluded by thanking the host foundation and its ambassador for the invitation to Manila and for their support in advancing his global initiatives.
Weldon said he believes this backing will help him and his partners to change the way disasters are managed worldwide.
Practical implications for emergency and fire service leaders
Senior fire and rescue chiefs can use Weldon’s plans to assess how global initiatives such as One World for Life may influence future approaches to organising firefighters and EMS personnel.
Emergency and disaster response managers can track developments in the FIRE/EMS 290 Initiative and the proposed eight task forces as potential models for coordinating stakeholders across jurisdictions.
Government departments responsible for civil protection may review Weldon’s description of satellite-based early warning, farmland moisture monitoring and algorithmic alerts when considering investment in predictive tools for wildfire and drought-related risk.
Training officers and instructors can examine how wearable tracking devices and real-time monitoring could shape doctrine on crew safety, accountability and command decision-making during complex incidents.
Fire engineering consultants and risk assessors may find Weldon’s focus on shifting from response, mitigation and recovery to prediction and prevention relevant when advising on long-term resilience strategies.
Detroit invests $10.7 million in new emergency vehicles
The City of Detroit has announced the delivery of new fire and emergency medical service (EMS) vehicles worth $10.7 million to enhance public safety and emergency response.
According to the city, the investment covers ten fire engines, thirteen ambulances, three Battalion Chief vehicles and three EMS Supervisor vehicles.
Each unit is equipped with connected safety technology designed to improve firefighter protection and reduce collision risks.
The new vehicles were officially presented at the Detroit Fire Department (DFD) Apparatus Division, where city and departmental leaders highlighted the continuing progress of the city’s fleet modernisation programme.
Leadership emphasises commitment to firefighter and community safety
Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms said: “Today is about showing our community the results of a major investment in public safety – $10.7 million dedicated to keeping Detroiters safe.”
“It ensures our firefighters and medics have the reliable equipment they need to respond quickly when Detroiters call for help.”
Simms credited Mayor Mike Duggan and the City Council for ongoing support in maintaining a young, modern fleet and reducing maintenance issues.
Fire Chief David Nelson said: “When our firefighters see brand-new front-line equipment rolling into their engine houses, it reinforces that their safety is a top priority.”
“These new units mean faster responses and better safety for the residents we serve every day.”
Deputy Mayor Melia Howard, Group Executive of Construction and Building Operations LaJuan Counts and Deputy Budget Director Donnie Johnson attended the showcase event.
Data-driven vehicle placement enhances reliability and efficiency
The Detroit Fire Department confirmed that the placement of the new apparatus was determined through a data-driven process based on unit age, mileage and utilisation rates.
This method ensured resources were assigned to neighbourhoods with the highest operational demand or where reliability improvements would have the greatest effect.
Fleet spending included $8.62 million for ten fire engines, $1.76 million for thirteen ambulance remounts and $276,226 for the six administrative vehicles.
All new vehicles are fitted with HAAS Alert Safety Cloud, a digital safety platform that sends real-time alerts to nearby drivers when emergency vehicles are approaching or stationary.
According to the city, this technology helps prevent collisions and protects both first responders and the public.
Detroit maintains national leadership in fleet modernisation
Over the past decade, Detroit has transitioned from an ageing, breakdown-prone fleet to one of the youngest and most technologically advanced in the US.
Once the new vehicles enter service, all but five of the city’s front-line engines will be five years old or newer.
Commissioner Simms said: “These investments ensure that when Detroiters call for help, we can respond quickly, safely and effectively.”
“For our first responders, this means reliable equipment so they can focus on saving lives – not worrying about whether the engine will make it to the scene, like we did 15 years ago.”
The city stated that the upgrades have supported average Code 1 medical response times under seven minutes and thirty seconds, remaining well below national standards.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
For municipal fire service leaders and emergency fleet managers, Detroit’s $10.7 million investment demonstrates the operational benefits of systematic fleet renewal.
The decision to allocate vehicles using utilisation and age data provides a measurable model for improving equipment reliability and equitable service coverage.
The adoption of HAAS Alert Safety Cloud technology highlights the growing role of connected safety systems in collision prevention and responder protection.
Procurement teams and public safety planners can use Detroit’s approach to assess how investment timing, asset tracking and vehicle lifespan targets contribute to sustained performance and community safety outcomes.
eServices partners with Public Safety Marketing for fire fundraising solutions
Partnership to support fire and EMS organisations
eServices Payment Technology has announced a partnership with Public Safety Marketing to deliver tailored fundraising and membership solutions for Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Air Medical organisations across the United States.
The collaboration combines eServices’ data-driven software platform with Public Safety Marketing’s expertise in direct mail campaigns to improve the efficiency of membership programmes and donation management.
According to the company, the joint approach is designed to help first responder agencies raise funds more effectively while maintaining operational performance.
Company leaders highlight benefits of collaboration
Jesse Siefert, Chief Executive Officer of eServices Payment Technology, said: “Our community heroes deserve the very best and most efficient solutions we can provide them to raise funds and maintain operational excellence.”
He added: “We are excited to bring the direct mail expertise of Public Safety Marketing into our team.”
Michael Henry, Vice President of Public Safety Marketing, said: “Public Safety Marketing is thrilled to become part of the eServices Payment Technology family.
“The combination of eServices’ software platform and Public Safety Marketing’s direct mail fundraising background will create a product offering that is unmatched.
“I look forward to continued relationships with Public Safety Marketing clients as well as new relationships with eServices’ clients.”
Background on eServices and its growth
Founded in 2013, eServices Payment Technology was established by Jesse Siefert and Chuck, who combined experience in emergency medical services and technology development to create an online payment platform for EMS and fire departments.
The company’s platform has since expanded into a broader e-commerce solution with applications across multiple sectors.
eServices now partners with over 1,600 organisations in the United States, providing integrated modules for donations, events, invoicing, medical billing, membership management and payment processing.
According to the company, its mission is to be a trusted partner and industry leader in creating e-commerce solutions that help organisations achieve their full potential.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The partnership between eServices Payment Technology and Public Safety Marketing is directly relevant for fire chiefs, EMS directors and administrative officers responsible for managing funding and membership operations.
The integration of digital payment tools with targeted direct mail marketing could streamline donation management and reduce administrative workload for volunteer and combination departments.
For finance and procurement officers, the development indicates an expanding market for modular e-commerce systems tailored to first responder needs, offering new options for secure and automated payment handling.
Strengthening disaster preparedness in Nigerian local councils
The Director General of Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has urged the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to establish Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in their council areas.
Speaking in Abuja during a visit by ALGON’s National President, Hon Bello Lawal, and his delegation, Mrs Umar outlined the purpose of these committees.
She stated that LEMCs should be led by the Local Government Council Chairman or their representative.
Their role includes enhancing early warning systems, mobilising local resources, and ensuring timely interventions during emergencies.
Mrs Umar emphasised the importance of collaboration, saying: “At NEMA, we recognise the critical role local governments play in ensuring the success of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.”
Promoting partnership for grassroots disaster response
Mrs Umar also highlighted the importance of partnerships with ALGON to create inclusive and effective disaster management strategies tailored to local needs.
She stated: “We remain committed to fostering a strong partnership with ALGON to ensure our strategies are inclusive, effective, and tailored to meet the unique needs of every community.”
This collaboration is expected to strengthen grassroots emergency response mechanisms by leveraging local government resources and expertise.
ALGON’s commitment to disaster management
Hon Bello Lawal, ALGON’s National President, described the visit as a step towards enhanced cooperation.
He noted that ALGON’s new leadership intends to collaborate with NEMA on disaster management strategies at the grassroots level.
He also pointed out the opportunities arising from the financial autonomy granted to local government councils, which now require consultation and guidance from NEMA to optimise disaster management resources.
As the umbrella body for Nigeria’s 774 local governments, ALGON seeks to build capacity for disaster preparedness and response by working closely with NEMA.
Building a framework for local emergency committees
Both organisations view the establishment of LEMCs as a practical solution to improve disaster management at the local level.
The committees are expected to provide a structured approach to handling emergencies, leveraging local knowledge and resources to mitigate risks.
This partnership aims to prioritise community needs, ensuring that response efforts are efficient and timely in addressing potential emergencies.
NEMA urges Nigerian local councils to set up emergency committees: Summary
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on local councils in Nigeria to establish Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to enhance grassroots disaster preparedness and response.
During a visit by ALGON’s National President, Hon Bello Lawal, NEMA’s Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, outlined the committees’ roles in early warning, resource mobilisation, and emergency interventions.
ALGON expressed its commitment to collaborating with NEMA to strengthen disaster management initiatives, particularly in light of financial autonomy for local governments.
This partnership aims to improve community-level disaster response by integrating local expertise and resources into a structured framework.