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São Paulo building collapses after being engulfed in flames

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São Paulo building collapses after being engulfed in flames At least one person has been killed after a 26 storey building collapsed following a huge fire in Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo. The cause of the fire is thought to be a gas explosion and more than 150 firefighters are now battling the blaze. The high-rise had been occupied by squatters, and firefighters fear more people may have been trapped inside. Witnesses said flames spread quickly from one of the lower floors and set an adjacent building on fire. Some 50 families had moved into the building in the Largo do Paissandu area of the city after the federal police force, which had been using it, vacated it some years ago. Firefighters evacuated the high-rise but as they were taking out the last of the residents, the building collapsed, killing the man. “It was a matter of seconds but we couldn’t save him,” firefighter Max Mena said. “It felt like a tsunami when the building came down,” a 58-year-old woman who lived on the fourth floor told Folha newspaper. “I could not take anything with me.” São Paulo Governor Márcio França said the building was an accident waiting to happen but that its residents had resisted leaving. “That type of home is uninhabitable, staying there is looking for trouble,” he said speaking at the site of the blaze. Capt Marcos Palumbo of the São Paulo fire brigade said that modifications made by the residents had allowed the fire to spread more quickly. “The lifts had been taken out and those empty air shafts formed a chimney. There was also a lot of combustible material, such as wood and paper which helped fuel the fire,” he said. Firefighters have cordoned off a large area around the blaze. This latest blaze comes just over a year after a fire destroyed dozens of homes in a favela in the city which will almost certainly lead to more questions being asked about local fire safety codes.

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Oshkosh Corporation Reports Fiscal 2018 Second Quarter Results

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Oshkosh Corporation Reports Fiscal 2018 Second Quarter Results Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) reported fiscal 2018 second quarter net income of $110.8 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, compared to $44.3 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 included after-tax charges and inefficiencies of $5.8 million associated with restructuring actions in the access equipment and commercial segments. Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 included after-tax charges of $13.7 million associated with restructuring actions in the access equipment segment. Excluding these charges and inefficiencies, adjusted net income was $116.6 million, or $1.54 per diluted share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to $58.0 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Comparisons in this news release are to the corresponding period of the prior year, unless otherwise noted. Consolidated net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 were $1.89 billion, an increase of 16.6 percent compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company reported double-digit percentage sales growth in all nondefense segments. Consolidated operating income increased 93.9 percent to $155.9 million, or 8.3 percent of sales, in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to $80.4 million, or 5.0 percent of sales, in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. The increase in operating income in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 was primarily a result of the impact of higher consolidated sales volume, improved performance in the fire & emergency segment and lower costs related to restructuring actions. Excluding $7.0 million of pre-tax charges and inefficiencies related to restructuring actions in the access equipment and commercial segments, adjusted operating income in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 was $162.9 million or 8.6 percent of sales. Excluding $17.2 million of pre-tax restructuring-related charges in the access equipment segment, adjusted operating income in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 was $97.6 million, or 6.0 percent of sales. “We are pleased to report another quarter of solid results highlighted by growth in revenue, adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per share,” said Wilson R. Jones, president and chief executive officer of Oshkosh Corporation. “We continued to benefit in the quarter from a positive economic environment in the United States and strong demand globally for our products. We are also experiencing some challenges related to the positive economic environment, including a tight labor market, a more constrained supply chain and higher logistics and material costs. We are proactively addressing these headwinds, including implementing steel and aluminum surcharges in our non-defense segments. “During the quarter, our defense segment was awarded the U.S. Army’s FMTV A2 contract providing our team with another tactical wheeled vehicle program of record and solidifying our position as the United States’ premier manufacturer of world class military vehicles. This award gives us visibility to supply the United States military with these impressive medium payload vehicles well into the next decade. “As a result of our solid second quarter performance and our positive outlook for the remainder of the year, we are raising our full-year fiscal 2018 earnings per share estimate range to $5.10 to $5.55 and our adjusted earnings per share estimate range to $5.40 to $5.85,” said Jones. The rest of the company’s financial report can be found here: Oshkosh Corporation Reports Fiscal 2018 Second Quarter Results

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‘Explosions’ heard after huge fire near railway lines in Kirkdale

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‘Explosions’ heard after huge fire near railway lines in Kirkdale Train services have been suspended and roads remain closed after a ‘huge’ fire at a storage building in Kirkdale, Merseyside. Witnesses reported hearing ‘loud bangs’ after the blaze broke out near Bank Hall station in Kirkdale at around 11pm on Monday. The A5056 Bankhall Street remains closed in both directions closed due to the factory fire between A565 Derby Road and A567 Stanley Road. A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed six fire engines were responding to the incident after it was reported to them at 10:51pm. Nobody is thought to have been injured in the fire, and a spokesperson for the fire service also said there have been no requests for ambulances. Trains on the Southport and Northern Line services were disrupted. A Merseyrail spokesperson said last night: “Due to a line side fire in the Sandhills/Bank Hall area, all services on the Southport Line are currently suspended. “All Northern Line services are affected. More information will be released once available.” A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Fire crews are dealing with a fire this evening (Monday) involving a factory unit in Redfern Street, off Stanley Road, Bootle. “Six fire engines are in attendance at the scene. “Crews were alerted at 22.49pm on and were on scene at 22.54pm. “Firefighters arrived to find a fire at the rear of factory units at the site. “Crews have been using two main branch jets to tackle the fire. “Police are also in attendance at the scene. “There is some disruption to local train services near to the site.”

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Lexipol introduces new policy and training solution for Oklahoma fire departments

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Lexipol introduces new policy and training solution for Oklahoma fire departments Lexipol, the leading provider of state-specific policies and training for public safety agencies, recently announced the introduction of its Fire Policies and Training solution for Oklahoma fire departments. The new service includes policy and procedural content, management and related training delivered via an online platform and mobile app. Lexipol helps public safety agencies reduce risk, liability and costs associated with out-of-date or incomplete policies. Developed by fire service professionals and public safety attorneys, the Lexipol Oklahoma Fire Policy Manual includes more than 165 policies and 25 procedures for high-risk operations that are continuously updated to meet changes in laws and best practices. The subscription-based service also includes short, scenario-based training bulletins to reinforce policy content and accountability reporting. “We are pleased to introduce our policy and training solution to Oklahoma fire departments,” said Lexipol CEO Michael Davis. “The addition of our fire policies will complement our current law enforcement and corrections offerings for complete public safety coverage in Oklahoma.” The Oklahoma Fire Policies and Training solution is available to the more than 695 fire departments in the state. Lexipol currently offers state-specific fire policies and training in 24 states. To learn more about Lexipol’s Fire Policies and Training solutions, visit www.lexipol.com/fire. About Lexipol Lexipol is America’s leading source of state-specific policy and training solutions that reduce risk, lower litigation costs and improve personnel safety in law enforcement and probation agencies, fire departments and corrections facilities. Delivered via an online platform and mobile app, Lexipol’s content is continuously updated to address legislative changes and evolving best practices. Using accountability tools and integrated training, Lexipol provides a cost-effective way for agencies to enhance policy compliance and understanding, allowing leaders to focus more resources on serving their communities. With principal offices in Dallas, Texas and Irvine, California, Lexipol offers policy management solutions to more than 3,000 agencies in 35 states. For additional information, visit www.lexipol.com.

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Annual NAVIGATOR conference highlights achievements of two outstanding emergency telecommunicators

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Annual NAVIGATOR conference highlights achievements of two outstanding emergency telecommunicators The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch® (IAED™) has recognized the outstanding accomplishments of emergency dispatchers and the contributions of dedicated professionals at its annual NAVIGATOR conference, held April 24–26 at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. At the event, IAED officials presented awards to exemplary individuals, each of whom epitomized the effectiveness of the Priority Dispatch Protocols™ in emergency response. Margaret Dohrman, from Pinellas County Safety Emergency Services Regional 911 in Largo, Florida, and Kelly Cayer, from Calgary 911 in Alberta, Canada, shared the 2018 Dispatcher of the Year Award. “Kelly has consistently achieved top-five QI scores on her team each year, with close to flawless attendance,” said Emergency Communications Manager Eva Horvath, of Calgary 911, who nominated Cayer for the award. “With over 300 employees, this is a great accomplishment.” Dohrman had glowing reviews from her colleagues in the communication center. “Margaret has been here since the beginning of time, and she is always helpful,” said Karen Cousins, public safety telecommunicator 2. “Margaret is a bloodhound when trying to fish out information on lost or hard-to-find people, such as cellphones that need to be pinged or addresses that don’t go into the system. She is always friendly and helpful. There have been numerous times that citizens and fire and police department employees have called or written in to praise her.” The Instructor of the Year Award was given to Christine Waegli. She works for 144 Ticino Soccorso in Breganzona, Switzerland. Waegli began her career in 1995 and has been heavily involved with the IAED. She speaks Italian, French, German, and English. “Christine is an incredible instructor,” said IAED Associate Director of Instructor Services Bonni Stockman. “Her fluency in these four languages helps significantly in her responsibilities.” Jeff Pierce, a Registered Nurse from REMSA in Reno, Nevada, is the 2018 recipient of the Bill Boehly ECN of the Year award. REMSA is one of two agencies that have achieved ACE status for excellence in their use of the IAED’s Fourth Pillar, the Emergency Communication Nurse System™ (ECNS®). The ECNS is designed as a second-tier medical telephonic triage system that uses clinical decision software to manage low-acuity 911 calls. “I am thrilled that a REMSA Nurse Health Line nurse is being honored again,” said Elaine Messerli, BSN, RN, director of community health programs at REMSA. “This award exemplifies our goals, and I am very proud of Jeff.  Jeff uses his years of clinical experience and blends it with the ECNS process, embracing each caller over the phone. He is focused and professional, and maintains a positive attitude, which is contagious.” On the final day of NAVIGATOR, Nancy Lockhart was presented the Jeff Clawson Leadership Award. Lockhart works for Public Safety Communications Consortium of St. Joseph County in Mishawaka, Indiana. “Nancy has dedicated her career and has given incredible effort to the emergency dispatch profession,” said Dr. Jeff Clawson, inventor of the Priority Dispatch Protocols. “She is an inspiration and example to everyone she works with. She is well-deserving of this recognition.” More than 1,500 emergency dispatch professionals attended the three-day conference. Along with taking part in celebratory events, attendees participated in educational workshops and networking.

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Pierce Introduces CZConnect™ Featuring Vehicle Readiness Reports

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Pierce Introduces CZConnect™ Featuring Vehicle Readiness Reports Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, introduced the expansion of its Command Zone™ advanced electronics architecture with the unveiling of CZConnect™, a fully-integrated telematics system on display at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Ind. CZConnect joins the existing CZControl and CZDiagnostics branches of the Command Zone system as the first fully integrated WiFi-based telematics solution available in the fire industry. With CZConnect integration, a free customized vehicle readiness report containing vehicle performance data and maintenance interval information is emailed to up to five addresses chosen by the customer. “CZConnect provides the opportunity to give fire departments access to data that can improve their performance, while at the same time, allowing Pierce to build-out long-term value propositions such as predictive maintenance and total cost of ownership,” said Jason Anibas, senior chief engineer, Pierce Manufacturing. “We’re proud to be the first in the fire industry to offer a fully-integrated telematics solution and look forward to incorporating customer feedback in the expansion of the system’s analytic capability.” The on-board telematics control unit (TCU) continually monitors the engine, transmission, brake systems, fluid levels, system voltage, operating hours, vehicle location, and status of Command Zone I/O while the apparatus is performing its daily activities. Apparatus and GPS data is pushed from the vehicle each time it auto connects to a known WiFi network. Data analytics is performed, and a customized report is generated and designed to be viewed on mobile devices. A vehicle readiness report can also be requested at any time from the vehicle display. Activating the customized vehicle readiness report is as simple as navigating to the Report Menu on the vehicle display, entering up to five e-mail addresses, and connecting to a minimum of one of a possible ten WiFi networks. The customer can modify e-mail addresses and WiFi networks at anytime. “Our goal was to make the vehicle readiness report simple and intuitive, while still adding value,” said Anibas. “Each of the report category headers provide a visual indication if there is an action item contained within. Each category can be expanded or compressed to reveal the amount of information desired by the customer.” The CZConnect fully-integrated telematics system and vehicle readiness report is available on any Pierce fire truck equipped with the Command Zone Advanced Electronics System. For a comprehensive review of CZConnect, visit www.piercemfg.com for system highlights, video and images.

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IDEX Fire & Safety introduces Captium: The first ever connected vehicle platform for Fire and EMS

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IDEX Fire & Safety introduces Captium: The first ever connected vehicle platform for Fire and EMS IDEX Fire & Safety introduces Captium™, the first-ever connected vehicle platform built specifically to meet the unique needs of Fire and EMS. Designed for first responders, Captium goes beyond the typical fleet management system by harnessing the technical complexities of today’s apparatus. The platform allows for secure, over-the-air updates to vehicle component electronics and provides actionable insight to not only responders operating the vehicles but also their support channels responsible for keeping vehicles healthy and operational. Captium connects equipment, electronics and vehicle networks so responders can easily share key data and mission-critical information via an intuitive web and mobile-friendly dashboard. This new smart vehicle platform allows for safer, more efficient operations and supports increased on-demand service to drive maximum vehicle uptime. Sean Tillinghast, IDEX Fire & Safety Group Vice President, explains “We have centuries of experience equipping fire and rescue teams, so we know the demands of the fire service and the expectations of the communities they serve. The Captium-connected equipment of our legacy brands of Akron Brass, Class 1, Hale and V-MUX, enables them to monitor the health of their vehicles and make proactive decisions to avoid costly repairs.” Several industry-leading fire truck manufacturers in collaboration with IDEX Fire & Safety will be the first to adopt Captium as a standard offering on their fire trucks and ambulances. Jeff Zook, Marketing Manager for Connected Solutions at IDEX Fire & Safety, states, “We are pleased to share a similar vision of creating equipment that brings new levels of support based on intelligence inside the vehicles. Real-time access to the health of networked electrical controllers, multi-plexing systems and water flow components can help save valuable time.” IDEX Fire & Safety has partnered with Microsoft for its secure cloud platform. IDEX Fire & Safety has built the Captium platform on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform for two fundamental reasons: scalability and security. Richard Zak, Director – Justice & Public Safety Solutions at Microsoft and also a member of the fire service, states, “Responding to citizens in need requires highly trained people with the right vehicles and equipment. IDEX Fire & Safety is leading the way by leveraging Microsoft Azure to make fire vehicles smarter and better able to support the fire service mission.” Jim MacLennan, Chief Information Officer at IDEX shares, “IDEX makes things—lots of things—that solve critical challenges and improve people’s lives. So, it just makes sense to add our products to the Internet of Things. Incorporating connectivity and capturing data will allow IDEX businesses to add information and insights as impactful new capabilities for our products. Captium is a leading-edge example for us. We are excited about the positive impact that Captium will have for our customers and the people they serve.” Learn more about Captium at captiumconnect.com. About IDEX Fire & Safety: IDEX Fire & Safety represents a collaboration of global brands that deliver trusted solutions to help emergency responders save lives. For centuries, customers have relied on the brands of IDEX Fire & Safety to provide quality equipment and service. Our brands include Akron Brass, AWG, Class 1, Dinglee, Hale, Hurst Jaws of Life®, Godiva, Lukas, Vetter and Weldon. The IDEX Fire & Safety brands represent business units of IDEX Corporation [NYSE: IEX], an applied solutions company specializing in fluid and metering technologies, health and science technologies and fire, safety and other diversified products. For more information on IDEX Fire & Safety, visit idexfiresafety.com.

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Jones® Triton® Fire Hydrant Adds Auxiliary Port for Additional Uses

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Jones® Triton® Fire Hydrant Adds Auxiliary Port for Additional Uses Mueller Water Products recently announced the new Jones Triton J-4048 Dome Top Wet Barrel Fire Hydrant.  The new dome feature gives access to an auxiliary port at the top of the hydrant that allows it to be used for other purposes, such as construction water access, installation of pressure sensors, etc. In the event of an emergency, the horizontal hydrant nozzles remain fully accessible to the fire department or utility, even if the dome port is being used.  This new dome top feature is also available as an option with the J-4065 model. For more information visit www.joneswaterproducts.com or call 800-523-8618.   About Mueller Water Products Mueller Water Products Inc. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of products and services used in the transmission, distribution and measurement of water. Our broad product and service portfolio includes engineered valves, fire hydrants, metering products and systems, leak detection and pipe condition assessment. We help municipalities increase operational efficiencies, improve customer service and prioritize capital spending, demonstrating why Mueller Water Products is Where Intelligence Meets Infrastructure®. Visit www.muellerwaterproducts.com.

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Best-in-Class Ascendant 100’ Aerial Tower Unveiled at Fire Department Instructors Conference

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Best-in-Class Ascendant 100’ Aerial Tower Unveiled at Fire Department Instructors Conference Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, today introduced a new, uncompromising addition to the PierceÒ AscendantÒ Class of Aerials at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Ind. The all-new Ascendant 100’ Aerial Tower includes best in class features including superior maneuverability, drivability, operator functionality, and serviceability. Answering the demand for the innovative Ascendant ladder to be available on additional configurations, the 100’ Aerial Tower offers heavy-duty capabilities and the highest level of dependability. Reaching heights of 100′ vertically and 93′ horizontally, the Ascendant 100′ Aerial Tower packages a 5-section heavy-duty steel tower onto a vehicle with a low overall ride height of only 10’8″ and length of only 41’ 3”. Its 160″ rear overhang minimizes tail-swing offering superior maneuverability and even greater visibility than that of a rear-mounted tower. “We listened to our customers’ feedback and incorporated elements that exceed expectations with the innovative features of the new Ascendant 100’ Aerial Tower,” said Lisa Barwick, director of business development, Pierce Manufacturing. “Exceptional horizontal and vertical reach capabilities, combined with superior maneuverability, drivability, operability, and serviceability functions, address firefighters’ essential aerial apparatus needs.” This new aerial tower outperforms with a 1,000 lb tip load capacity, up to a 20-degree below grade operation, and a below grade 50-degree scrub area. All of this is accomplished with the truck at a mere 20′ set-back from the building. Its integrated ground pads eliminate time spent throwing ground pads, so setup is streamlined and faster than any other aerial on the market.   The apparatus will be ready for aerial operations in under 30 seconds. “Last year we introduced a class of aerials that set a new benchmark for performance in the industry, and we didn’t stop at taking the platform options and apparatus features a step further,” said Barwick. “The all-new Ascendant 100’ Aerial Tower is ideal for customers in the market for a mid- or rear-mounted platform and is unlike any other aerial apparatus available.” The Ascendant 100′ Aerial Tower is available on a variety of custom chassis and body styles to meet fire departments’ needs. Additionally, the apparatus can be configured with a rear axle rating as low as 48,000 lbs. providing all of the benefits of a lighter weight vehicle such as shorter stopping distances and better performance from the chassis drivetrain. For a comprehensive review of the Pierce Ascendant Class of aerials, visit www.piercemfg.com/AscendantClass for complete specs, video and images.

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RapidDeploy becomes first Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) System to receive ProQA Titanium Certification

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RapidDeploy becomes first Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) System to receive ProQA Titanium Certification RapidDeploy a leader in cloud-based Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) technology, has been awarded Titanium Certification by Priority Dispatch, the highest level of integration between a CAD and Priority Dispatch’s ProQA Paramount dispatch software. RapidDeploy is the first CAD system to achieve this level of integration. “The commitment RapidDeploy has made to deliver the features and functions in this interface virtually guarantees that our mutual clients will have one of the most dynamic and customizable interfaces that we have ever certified,” said Brett Williams, CAD Liaison with Priority Dispatch. ProQA Paramount software allows emergency communications centers to integrate the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) protocols with the RapidDeploy CAD to quickly and effectively answer emergency calls, manage resources and provide accurate information to responders. The Titanium Certification recognizes that RapidDeploy’s interface is able to support the following: The ability to display unique information between the Dispatch and Mobile Data Computer (MDC) environments Send and receive SMS messages originating from ProQA’s Paramount dispatch system Information displayed in rich text format makes reading and processing information seamless for users in all environments “Partnering with Priority Dispatch is a win for our customers and the people they serve,” said Steven Raucher, co-founder and CEO of RapidDeploy. “With this powerful integration, emergency telecommunicators will have a powerful tool to more effectively help responders in the field save lives and protect communities.” The joint announcement is being made the same week of Navigator 2018, April 23-27, 2018, held in Las Vegas and produced by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. RapidDeploy is a supporting exhibitor, and will be meeting with public safety and emergency communications leaders and partners on implementation of the technology and integration. About RapidDeploy RapidDeploy is an innovative cloud-based call-taking and Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) platform serving public safety and other markets. Designed by first responders, RapidDeploy uses leading technology to solve the key challenges faced by emergency services providers. RapidDeploy simplifies the complexity of emergency dispatch through precise address location, allocation of appropriate resources and complete incident management tools. RapidDeploy’s mobile platform enables full audit trail for quality assurance and effective coordination of all active resources. Founded in 2014, RapidDeploy has built a loyal following of clients and is now launching its solution internationally. RapidDeploy is setting the standard for Mission Critical Dispatch. Learn more at rapiddeploy.com. About Priority Dispatch Priority Dispatch is the world’s leading provider of emergency dispatch call-taking software for police, fire and medical. Our flagship software product, ProQA, is used by thousands of PSAPs worldwide. Priority Dispatch incorporates the protocol standards developed by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) to deliver a structured call-taking system that guides a dispatcher through a predictable, repeatable and verifiable process. Priority Dispatch is the only dispatch system whose protocols are validated by scientific research and approved by industry experts and standards councils. Learn more about Priority Dispatch at www.prioritydispatch.net.

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