Blog

For many public safety agencies, the thought of upgrading or replacing a Land Mobile Radio (LMR) or NG911 emergency communications system can be overwhelming. One of the biggest hurdles? “STICKER SHOCK”. Initial vendor quotes can be staggering—often enough to stop a project before it even begins. But that’s where TUSA Consulting Services comes in. As a veteran-owned vendor-agnostic emergency communications consulting firm, TUSA specializes in helping public safety agencies see beyond the numbers and toward a clear, strategic path forward. Our proven methodologies and phased approach turn confusion into clarity and fear into feasible action. Why Sticker Shock Happens When [...]

TUSA Consulting Services had the privilege of attending this year’s Sheriffs’ Association of Texas Annual Conference in Fort Worth. It was an honor to connect with and learn from some of the finest law enforcement professionals dedicated to serving and protecting their communities across the Lone Star State. We are grateful for the conversations and insights shared throughout the event and remain committed to supporting public safety agencies with independent, mission-focused consulting services. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the families, first responders, and all those affected by the tragic flooding along the Guadalupe River. We stand in [...]

Today, on National PTSD Awareness Day, we pause to recognize and honor the invisible wounds carried by so many of our nation’s emergency services personnel. From dispatchers and paramedics to firefighters and law enforcement officers, these brave individuals answer the call—day in and day out—often bearing witness to some of the most tragic and traumatic moments imaginable. PTSD is not a weakness. It is a human response to the very real, very difficult experiences our public safety professionals face in the line of duty. The calls they take, the scenes they encounter, and the burdens they carry do not always [...]

TUSA Consulting Services extends our heartfelt congratulations to Lynn Smith, the esteemed 911/EMA Director of Habersham County, Georgia, on her much-deserved and well-earned retirement. With over 35 years of dedicated service in public safety, Lynn has been a steadfast leader, a tireless advocate, and a true champion for her community. Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment were instrumental in the successful upgrade of Habersham County’s emergency communications system to P25 Phase II—ensuring the safety and reliability of first responders and residents alike. In a fitting tribute to her remarkable career, Lynn had the honor of conducting the inaugural call and [...]

Over the weekend, the TUSA Consulting Services team proudly participated in the 2025 Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Annual Conference in the beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia! CEO Dean Hart was in attendance, engaging with municipal leaders and public safety officials from across the state to discuss the future of emergency communications, NG911, and strategic planning for cities and counties alike. We were honored to be a part of such an impactful event and thank the GMA for hosting an outstanding conference. See you next year! Dean Hart and the TUSA team are already looking forward to attending the 2026 GMA [...]

We are beyond thrilled (and maybe just a little starstruck) to announce that Julie Heimkes has officially joined the TUSA Team! With 45 YEARS of trailblazing experience in Public Safety—yes, you read that right, FORTY-FIVE—Julie has done it all (and then some): Public Safety Professional NG911 Consultant CAD/Mobile RMS Specialist 911 Operations Subject Matter Expert Oh—and did we mention she’s the 2024 Jack Daniels Distinguished Achiever Award recipient? Because she is! Julie has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and still has more energy than your local dispatch center during a Friday night shift! She’s also [...]

In today’s hyper-connected world, cyber threats are no longer limited to corporations and financial institutions. Public safety agencies — especially 9-1-1 emergency services — are increasingly becoming high-value targets for cyber criminals. As these systems grow more reliant on digital infrastructure, the risk of cyber-attacks disrupting emergency response grows exponentially. At TUSA Consulting Services, we recognize that ensuring cyber resilience is now as essential as any physical safeguard in the world of emergency communications. Why Cybersecurity Matters in 9-1-1 9-1-1 Centers/PSAP’s are critical lifelines for communities. When seconds count, any disruption to these services — whether from ransomware, phishing, or [...]

Senior Consultant Alan Talkington is packing his sunscreen, his sharpest polos, and a very detailed map of emergency communications acronyms—because he’s heading to the 2025 NENA Conference in sunny Long Beach, California! June 21–26 Location: Where palm trees, NG911 protocols, and PSAPs collide! He’ll be soaking up the latest in NG911, networking like a pro, and probably asking, “Is there a session on coffee refills?” If you happen to see Alan, say hi, and pick his brain about all things related to emergency communications (or which booth has the best swag this year). Alan’s got jokes, insights, and a fierce [...]

We should never forget why we celebrate Memorial Day because it is a solemn reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by countless men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. It is not just a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer—it is a time to honor the courage, dedication, and selflessness of those who died defending our freedoms and way of life. By remembering their sacrifice, we preserve the legacy of their bravery and ensure that future generations understand the true cost of liberty. Memorial Day calls us to reflect with gratitude and respect, [...]

In today’s rapidly evolving public safety landscape, reliable emergency communications are critical for ensuring swift response and effective coordination during crises. The convergence of traditional Land Mobile Radio (LMR) with LTE/Broadband solutions—augmented by satellite communications such as Starlink—marks a transformative shift in emergency response capabilities. At TUSA Consulting Services, we are committed to guiding public safety agencies through these emerging technologies while maintaining a vendor-agnostic approach that prioritizes customer-specific needs with a focus on communications working at all times. Bridging the Gap Between LMR and LTE/Broadband For decades, public safety agencies have relied on LMR systems for mission-critical voice communications. [...]