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From the Chief’s Corner: Fostering Connectivity and Collaboration: Uniting Safer Buildings Coalition and the Community of Practice

Chief Alan PerdueBy Chief Alan Perdue (ret.), SBC Executive Director

Posted on March 22, 2024

In the realm of public safety, connectivity is not just a convenience; it's a matter of life and death. Imagine a scenario where a call for help is made from within a building during an emergency, only to be met with silence due to poor wireless reception. Such situations underscore the critical importance of the Safer Buildings Coalition’s (SBC) work and our mission to eliminate in-building wireless dead zones.

The SBC stands at the forefront of ensuring seamless wireless communication within buildings for both the public and our invaluable public safety responders. By fostering a community of practice that unites stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including building owners, wireless carriers, technology vendors, frequency license holders and public safety agencies, the SBC endeavors to create safer environments where communication failures during emergencies are a thing of the past.


"By fostering a community of practice that unites stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including building owners, wireless carriers, technology vendors, frequency license holders and public safety agencies, the SBC endeavors to create safer environments where communication failures during emergencies are a thing of the past."

Community

As stakeholders in this vital mission, it is imperative that we remain engaged and involved in our shared endeavor to eliminate wireless dead spots and bolster emergency response capabilities. Central to our collective success is the active participation of each stakeholder within the community. Whether you are a building manager seeking to improve in-building wireless coverage or a public safety professional committed to ensuring seamless communication during emergencies, your engagement is indispensable. By joining forces through the SBC, we amplify our impact and accelerate progress toward our collective goals. As Helen Keller once said; “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”


"Central to our collective success is the active participation of each stakeholder within the community … A community of practice thrives on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective problem-solving."

Attending regional and national events such as the International Wireless Conference Expo (IWCE), SBC Events, Personnel Certification Training and others provides invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration. These platforms offer insights into the latest technologies, best practices, and regulatory developments shaping the in-building collective. Moreover, they foster connections with fellow stakeholders, paving the way for synergistic partnerships that drive innovation and efficacy through our collective efforts.

A community of practice thrives on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective problem-solving. Communities within this dynamic ecosystem serve as the lifeblood that fuels creativity, fosters learning, and nurtures growth. Whether it's through online forums, meetups, or industry conferences, these communities provide a platform for stakeholders to connect, engage, and collaborate.

One of the most significant values of community lies in its role as a catalyst for innovation. By bringing together diverse perspectives, experiences, and skill sets, tech communities create fertile ground for the cross-pollination of ideas. Through spirited discussions, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative projects, members of these communities’ spark creativity, challenge conventions, and push the boundaries of what's possible.

Communities of practice serve as invaluable learning hubs, offering resources ranging from tutorials and documentation to mentorship programs and peer-to-peer support networks. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the field, these communities provide a nurturing environment where knowledge is freely shared, and skills are honed through hands-on experience.

In essence, the Safer Buildings Coalition and our community of practice share a common ethos of collaboration, innovation, and advocacy. By bridging these two spheres, we can leverage our collective strengths to drive positive change within the industry in support of our mission to eliminate wireless dead spots while at the same time reducing noise and interference on the critical systems, we seek to have access to in an emergency.

I am reminded of a quote from Jim Rohn; “Don’t join an easy crowd; you won’t grow. Go where the expectations and the demands to perform are high.” Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and advocate for safer buildings through our collective efforts, build a stronger community of practice, and ensure a connected future for all. #feelsafeinside

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