ECN Connection Point

Minnesota Department of Public Safety sent this bulletin at 12/03/2025 08:32 AM CST

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Connection Point

December Update

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

Welcome to our monthly update, where we highlight the latest developments, initiatives and exciting changes from ECN. This update is designed to keep you informed and engaged with what's happening within our team.

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GIS

2025 Year-End Highlights

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re proud to celebrate a year of collaboration, progress and strategic investment in Minnesota’s emergency communication networks.

Statewide GIS advancement

  • GIS data submissions increased significantly in 2025.
  • Ninety percent of the state has now uploaded GIS data, positioning Minnesota for full completion in early 2026.

Statewide indoor mapping process 

  • ECN awarded two grants totaling $7 Million to SECB regions to support a statewide indoor school mapping initiative focused on improving emergency response accuracy.

Strengthening regional governance 

  • The Northwest and Northeast regions successfully established 911 PSAP committees with support from ECN.
  • ECN also helped regions across the state develop regional and local COOP plans to ensure operational continuity during emergencies.

Statewide outreach and engagement

  • Director Palmer met her 2025 goal of visiting every region through meetings and joint engagements.
  • Feedback from partners has been overwhelmingly positive, and this initiative will continue into 2026 to strengthen relationships and reinforce ECN’s support.

Support for new and remodeled PSAPs

  • ECN, MNIT and DPS provided technical and operational support to counties opening or renovating PSAPs.
  • Requests for assistance increased throughout the year — and each was met with timely support.

Leadership in ARMER system upgrade agreement negotiations 

  • ECN played a critical role in the ARMER Radio System SUA project.
  • Staff dedicated significant time supporting the SECB and MnDOT through a highly complex negotiation process.

Governance support & strategic planning

  • ECN continued to assist the SECB in its statewide communications interoperability plan (SCIP), helping governance bodies plan for the future of interoperable public safety communications.

Interoperability & training

  • Interoperability events remained a key focus for ECN throughout the year, assisting with four large-scale communications exercises. 
  • ECN hosted a COML course in January at the University of Minnesota Police Department with 39 attendees.
  • Twelve participants have achieved state COML recognition, and additional candidates are progressing toward certification. This recognition strengthens Minnesota’s ability to deploy qualified communications personnel to public safety events nationwide.
  • ECN coordinated ARMER training sessions supported by SHSP grants through HSEM.

FirstNet program engagement

  • In April, the Wireless Broadband Committee (WBB) hosted the FirstNet Authority in New Brighton for a program update.
  • Network coverage remains a top priority for FirstNet.
  • The final two Minnesota sites identified in the FirstNet plan — Marine on St. Croix and southern Lake County — became operational in 2025.

COMMEX – NorthStar III

  • ECN held the fifth annual Camp Ripley COMMEX – NorthStar III in August.
  • More than 100 participants attended the four-day statewide communications exercise.
  • Multiple public safety agencies and vendors participated, demonstrating products, services and operational support capabilities.
  • AT&T/FirstNet, Verizon, and T-Mobile presented their approaches to supporting public safety communications.
  • The FirstNet Authority provided guidance on standardized naming conventions for push-to-talk interoperability.
  • The interoperability planning team offered additional hands-on training to help COML students transition from classroom instruction to field operations.

Thank you

This year’s success underscores the strength of Minnesota’s governance model and the dedication of partners across the state. ECN looks forward to continuing this momentum in 2026.
its your calling

Start the New Year with Purpose! Help Us Build the “It’s Your Calling” Job Board

As we head into a new year, many people are reflecting on what’s next and wondering how they can make a difference in 2026. For those seeking a meaningful career that serves their community, public safety telecommunicators play one of the most important roles in Minnesota’s emergency response system.

To support recruitment and raise awareness statewide, ECN is asking for help to populate the “It’s Your Calling” webpage with job postings from PSAPs across Minnesota. The page will serve as a centralized hub where job seekers can explore openings in their area and learn more about this rewarding profession.

Let’s work together to highlight the critical role of telecommunicators and give Minnesotans a chance to start the new year with a career they can be proud of.
Make the right call

Make the Right Call This Holiday Season: 911 vs. 988

The holidays are a time of celebration, reflection and connection but they can also be a time of stress, loneliness and crisis for many Minnesotans. As families gather and schedules get busy, emergencies can happen in different forms. Knowing where to turn for help can save lives.

Help spread the word about the 911/988 campaign.

Just like 911 connects people to police, fire and medical help in an emergency, 988 provides immediate access to mental health crisis support. If you need immediate emotional or mental health support, or are worried about someone else, call or text 988 or visit the 988 Lifeline at https://988lifeline.org.

Did You Know?

  • ECN will have a booth at the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association conference Dec. 8-9 in Brainerd. 

  • Our team will also be at the Association of Minnesota Counties on Dec. 8. If you're attending either event, stop by and say hello!

  • Reminder: If your email has changed, you need to resubscribe to all your GovDelivery topics to keep receiving updates.

Claire Thomas 2

Get to Know Your ECN Staff

Claire Thomas

Program Director of Administration

Since joining ECN in February 2020, Claire has served as the division’s purchasing and contracts coordinator, business manager and now program director of administration.

In her current role, she oversees much of ECN’s behind-the-scenes work. Program areas include strategic fiscal and budget oversight, procurement management, network core services, 911 fee collection, originating service provider contracts, NG911 migration and grants.

Claire holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Hamline University. Her professional background includes management roles at nonprofits and in the private sector.

A lifelong Minnesotan, she lives in Minneapolis and enjoys getting outdoors, whether hunting mushrooms, kayaking or walking in the woods.