HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2020 will mark by fourth year as Director of the Office of Unified Communications. I am very proud of all that we have been able to accomplish in my time here and as we step into a new decade and I can't help but think of what's next for our agency, for our city, and for the nation.

Recently, I sat down with Janice Quintana, a featured contributor for GovLoop, to discuss the changing landscape of the customers we serve and the District as a whole, what's next for the industry, and my vision for the agency in the years to come. 

Regards,

Director Holmes

Read the entire article HERE.

HEROES IN HEADSETS: A LOOK BACK

FY19 ANNUAL REPORT - In 2019, the Office of Unified Communications took "Heroes in Headsets" to the next level.

OUC's very first annual report serves as a look back at all of the things the agency accomplished in 2019. From the UCC Call Floor "Facelift" to showcasing THOR, OUC's mobile communications command center, at APCO's 85th Annual Conference and Expo.

To view the full annual report, click here.

DIRECTOR HOLMES SWORN-IN AS FIRSTNET BOARD MEMBER

On November 14, Houston PD’s Executive Assistant Chief of Police Matt Slinkard and Director Karima Holmes were sworn in as the new First Responder Network Authority Board Members. The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) is an independent entity within the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The FirstNet Authority’s mission is to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of FirstNet, the nationwide broadband network that equips first responders to save lives and protect U.S. communities.

WHAT'S NEW WITH 311

HOLIDAY TREE COLLECTION - Residents in DPW-serviced households are asked to call 311 to make an appointment to schedule their tree and greenery collection for composting between December 27 - January 31.

Trees and Greenery should be placed in front of residents’ homes or taken to the drop off locations where they will be composted and made available to residents at no charge. Please remove all ornaments and lights and do not place trees and greenery in bags.

If residents do not wish to participate in composting their holiday trees and greenery they can also be placed where your trash is normally collected. They will be picked up along with your trash as space in our trucks permits.

WHAT'S NEW WITH 911

RAVE PANIC BUTTON APP DEPLOYMENT

RAVE FACILITY AND PANIC BUTTON APP DEPLOYMENT - The Panic Button is one of many tools and new technologies which Mayor Bowser has invested in to ensure efficient communications between residents and government services. 

Throughout 2020, the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) will continue to implement the Panic Button App across all District government agencies and facilities. This app immediately notifies on-site personnel during incidents and shares emergency information with first responders. 

The Panic Button has been deployed at the following District government agencies:

For more information on the Rave Panic Button, visit www.ravepanicbutton.com or email panicbutton@dc.gov.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

CONGRATULATIONS to Rolonda Garnett for delivering twins on her first childbirth 911 call. Although she was understandably nervous, Ms. Garnett tuned into the caller, was commanding and compassionate, took charge, and the twins were delivered perfectly. Well done, Rolonda!

GET CONNECTED

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Stay up to date with everything going on at DC911 and DC311! You won't want to miss a thing!

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