In the rolling hills of northeastern Pennsylvania, Valley Regional Fire and Rescue continues to play a critical role in safeguarding its community, delivering essential emergency services through a combination of paid EMS paramedics and volunteer firefighters. The department supports residents, travelers, and key infrastructure across a high-traffic and strategically significant region.

Its jurisdiction spans major transportation corridors, including extensive coverage of Interstates 81 and 80—arteries that drive regional commerce and interstate connectivity. “One of the key pieces for Valley Regional Fire is our protection of vital infrastructure. We maintain a large portion of Interstate 81 and Interstate 80 every day. Sometimes it’s 100,000 vehicles on a busy holiday weekend,” said Fire Chief Brice Dalrymple.

Beyond highway response, the department also covers a diverse risk profile that includes a municipal airport, local schools, and proximity to the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station. These operational demands underscore the need for resilient, high-performance communications systems.

Enhancing Resiliency and Situational Awareness

To address these challenges, Valley Regional Fire and Rescue has deployed FirstNet, enabling secure, reliable connectivity both in the field and at headquarters.

At its main facility, integrated FirstNet backup services ensure uninterrupted communications, even during outages. “If there is an interruption in key services in the area, like internet access, we’re still able to maintain communication with the 9-1-1 center, and MDTs stay up,” Dalrymple explained.

In operational environments, FirstNet is significantly enhancing situational awareness. Real-time data access and live video feeds allow supervisors to monitor incidents as they unfold and provide immediate guidance to crews on the ground. This improved visibility is proving critical during complex emergency responses.

“We may be able to provide updates or information to the crew—something that they may not be seeing—to help them out on a major incident,” said EMS Deputy Chief Michael J. McMahon.

Network Expansion Boosts Regional Coverage

Further strengthening communications capabilities, the department joined Bob Bresnahan, the FirstNet Authority, and AT&T in 2025 to mark the deployment of three new cell sites in Drums, Hazleton, and Larksville.

For Valley Regional Fire and Rescue, this network expansion represents a major step forward in ensuring reliable coverage across its service area. “Now that we have an additional tower in the valley, communications will be a hundred times faster,” said EMS Chief Joe Lomino. “I’d like to thank AT&T and FirstNet for coming out here and investing in our communities.”

Supporting Mission-Critical Operations

In a region defined by high traffic volumes and critical infrastructure, dependable communication systems are essential to effective emergency response. Through its adoption of FirstNet and ongoing infrastructure enhancements, Valley Regional Fire and Rescue is reinforcing its operational resilience and commitment to public safety.

“For emergency services, the FirstNet program is something that we absolutely need,” McMahon concluded.