From the Chief’s Corner: Christmas, Teamwork & the ERCES...

Chief Perdue Christmas

Posted on December 21, 2020

As we near Christmas Day, I started reflecting on several traditions of the season and how they might relate to some of the work we are doing at the Coalition. As I thought more and more about what to write about, the concept of teamwork continued to prevail. So, what does teamwork have to do with Christmas, or for that matter an Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES)?

Well, let me explain. When children think about Christmas, the first image that pops into many minds is that of Santa Claus. In fact, much of the marketing material associated with Christmas includes images of Santa. He is the star of the ad, image, discussion etc. But one must really look behind Santa in order to really understand what important business principle is taking place. 

In the modern tale of Santa Claus, there is a team up at the North Pole working year-round to make Santa’s job possible. You know, Santa’s helpers – those tiny green-clad elves with pointy hats and ears who work feverishly to make toys and other gifts for Santa to deliver.

Another important part of completing Santa’s mission is the team of nine reindeer that pulls his sleigh, as highlighted in Robert L. May’s classic song Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  

So that’s three teams: Santa, the elves, and the reindeer. They each have individual strengths and limitations. Everyone brings something unique and valuable to the table, and by working together great things get done. 

The SBC team has been addressing a rising issue dealing with noise for a while. Because of the importance of this issue and its impact on multiple stakeholder groups, we, like Santa, need some help to make sure our team has the right people with unique and valuable insights to make sure the mission is successful.

Therefore, the SBC is releasing a position paper titled “No Noise! Safer Buildings Coalition Affirms FCC Rules for Signal Boosters” and is issuing a call to action. The SBC is calling for the immediate convening of a task force to address increasing public safety radio interference caused by improperly deployed Signal Boosters. Be on the lookout for a public notice including the position paper whereby we will be soliciting interested parties no later than January 1, 2021. 

"The SBC is calling for the immediate convening of a task force to address increasing public safety radio interference caused by improperly deployed Signal Boosters."

Why is it important to have a taskforce? In the spirit of the season, I am going to use the Christmas sugar cookie to illustrate my point. First, I must admit, sugar cookies are my all-time favorite. But before you have that great-tasting sugar cookie you start with a lot of ingredients that on their own are not very tasty. Think about eating each of these individually:   

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

But rather than just dumping each of these into a bowl and calling them a Christmas sugar cookie, they must go through a deliberate three-step process:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
  • In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheet.
  • Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks then decorate.

Just like making a great sugar cookie requires the right ingredients and a defined process, so, too, does solving the noise issues associated with an ERCES. John Maxwell said: “Teamwork makes the dream work but a vision becomes a nightmare when the leader has a big dream and a bad team.” That is why it is so critical that all the stakeholders come together to help. 

"Just like making a great sugar cookie requires the right ingredients and a defined process, so, too, does solving the noise issues associated with an ERCES."

In order for us to assemble a great team, the taskforce must include representation from the following: 

  • Frequency License Holders / Radio System Administrators
  • Codes and Standards Bodies
  • Fire and Building Code Officials
  • Public Safety Agencies
  • Industry members involved in manufacturing, engineering, furnishing, and installing Signal Boosters
  • Federal Agencies and Authorities: FCC, FirstNet Authority, NIST, DHS
  • Wireless Broadband Carriers
  • Related Industry Associations 
  • Property Owners and Managers

In my years working in public safety, I learned that the team is not a group of random people just working together; it is a group of people who truly trust and care about each other. Each team member looks out for their teammates and makes sure no one is left out or left behind. 

That is what we must do here as well. Henry Ford said: “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” I look forward to seeing the work of the taskforce completed so that we can move forward in our mission to save lives while First, Doing No Harm. 

In every aspect of life, it is hard to accomplish a big job all by ourselves. So, I want to sincerely thank everyone who is involved in making our Coalition the best it can be day in and day out. You are true blessings and valued teammates to me, and I am honored to have the opportunity to be a part of such a great organization.  During this truly special season, I want to wish each of you and your families a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!