COVID-19: How public safety companies are assisting the frontline pandemic response

By Staff

Public safety personnel are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic response. EMTs and paramedics are assessing, treating and transporting patients. Firefighters and police officers are supporting their EMS colleagues and continuing to respond to the everyday emergencies from fire alarms and motor vehicle collisions to property and violent crimes.

While public safety personnel are on the frontline, many companies, from major multinationals to local businesses, are supporting first responders with new products, logistical and technical expertise to procure PPE or support operations, or free or deeply discounted products for departments, personnel and the families of public safety personnel.

Scroll through the full directory or jump to:

• New product launches for COVID-19 response
• Monetary and in-kind contributions to first responders and departments
• Discounts on public safety products and services for COVID-19 efforts

[Access online coronavirus-related courses and policies for law enforcement officers, fire/EMS personnel, correctional officers and city employees at no cost from the Lexipol Learning & Policy Center.]

Product launches for COVID-19 response

• GovPilot, an e-government management platform, has made available, free of charge to any government agency, 10 out-of-the-box cloud-based modules specifically designed to help local governments many their pandemic response. These modules include COVID-19 Expense Tracking for FEMA Reimbursement, Volunteer Registration, Drive-Through Testing Registration, GIS Mapping and more.
• Pulsara, a healthcare communication platform, launched a free COVID-19 management package. The platform seeks to facilitate remote communication between healthcare providers and facilities, as well as between providers and patients, to help organize responses during the pandemic and limit exposures to the disease. Pulsara also released Pulsara Patient, a new mobile application, for patient-to-provider real-time, remote communication.
• ESO, a data and software company serving EMS, fire departments and hospitals, launched a publicly accessible COVID-19 Resource Center with key data elements, including provider impression of COVID-19 infection, PPE use and patient disposition, all updated daily to help keep the industry informed.
• First Due, a pre-incident planning, mobile response, and community engagement platform, released Community Connect for COVID-19. The no-cost nationwide portal helps departments track and manage COVID-19 and high-risk occupant data. The secure, HIPAA-compliant platform allows anyone to self-report COVID-19-related information, which is instantly made available to public safety officials.
• The Merit ReadyNow program allows states to verify healthcare provider credentials instantly and mobilize those providers to areas where they are needed most. Merit is giving all states a digital licensing and verification program to help medical professionals respond to COVID-19 across state lines and at no cost.

• Bryx, a leading provider of first responder technology products, has launched a new COVID-19 Critical Warning banner within its free Bryx 911 mobile alerting application. Keywords associated with the virus are systematically pulled from the supplemental data, triggering a banner that informs first responders of possible cases in which safety protocols and equipment may be necessary.

• Levrum has created a COVID-19 effects simulator to help organizations gauge the impacts of different epidemiology parameters for the pandemic on the organization’s ability to respond, based upon disease incidence progression in the community and the rates of exposure and transmission to operations staff. The simulator has seven parameters to simulate the impact of COVID-19.

• Vitals Aware Services, developer of the Vitals App, has launched a new feature on its app allowing first responders and other care providers to identify and treat people who have, or are most susceptible to contracting, COVID-19. The safety app with the new COVID-19 feature is available to all first responders, public healthcare providers, hospitals and clinics in Minnesota free of charge.

• Fire-Dex, a global manufacturer of head-to-toe PPE for first responders, is starting production of AAMI Level 3-compliant reusable isolation gowns and coveralls. The universal gowns and coveralls exceed CDC guidance for COVID-19 related responses and are made with Stedair TX L3.

• Emergency Reporting, a cloud-based reporting and records management software for fire and EMS agencies, has implemented new components in its system to enable users to participate in the U.S. Fire Administration National Fire Data Center NFIRS National COVID-19 special study, which documents fire department responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Ultimate Training Munitions, a provider of PPE and training solutions for first responders, has modified an existing field-tested design to make immediately available its Protective Face Shield. The shield offers splash protection, blocks airborne debris and is a physical barrier to hands-to-face contact.

• The Mark43 Pandemic Preparedness Package captures critical data in the field and presents it to command staff to help them make informed decisions and keep their team members and community safe. Mark43 will donate a one-year subscription to this platform to any interested public safety agency in the U.S.

• Technimount System has launched its Techni-Shield Defender, a reusable protective screen for stretchers to reduce the spread of COVID-19 droplets in the air during patient transport. The Techni-Shield Defender is an additional barrier between the patient and EMS providers. The smooth screen is made from clear PETG FDA-approved grade plastic and impervious to biological cleaning products.

• The Henry Holsters On-demand Cleanliness Dispenser is an accessory for carrying a small container of hand sanitizer. The paracord lanyard can be worn around the wearer’s neck, tethered into a bag or onto a belt.

• Genesis PULSE announced its “Potential COVID-19” response feature, a new addition to its CAD enhancement software solution. The ability for PULSE to automatically pull pandemic response information from any CAD without adding extra steps to the dispatch workflow ensures that displayed information is timely and accurate. This “Potential COVID-19” response feature enables first responder agencies to track possible community spread in their area, making it simple for public safety agencies and government entities to have access to critical information on one map, in real-time.

• Laguna 3P is producing face shields for first responders, healthcare providers and other essential personnel and has a large capacity to serve the given need. All materials used in the one-size-fits-all face shield are FDA certified.

• FieldMed, a community health software platform, announced a new telehealth feature with in-home COVID-19 screening capabilities for paramedics. FieldMed’s screening capabilities will offer an alternative to transportation to hospitals, allowing patients to receive the care they need while limiting the risk of exposure and reducing hospital overcrowding.

• Adashi Systems LLC, a public safety technology company, is offering public safety agencies worldwide a fast and easy way to collect and track employee temperature history using SMS messaging. The free system allows employees to respond to the SMS message with their temperature reading for automated data collection and it allows supervisors to see individual and group trends as they emerge in real-time.

• DigitalBlue Software, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, has added the option for new or existing EnforceNet subscribers to make one-to-one video calls. EnforceNet is a Criminal Justice Information Service (CJIS) compliant iOS and Android native mobile app designed to improve first responder safety through highly secure location, communication and alerting features on a smartphone or tablet.

• LexisNexis Risk Solutions has combined their data and analytics together with those of other industry stakeholders to create a COVID-19 data set and interactive visualization in order to provide insights on at-risk populations and care capacity risks. The Health Care business of LexisNexis Risk Solutions also added national telehealth trending insights to its COVID-19 Data Resource Center, revealing the exponential growth of telehealth adoption spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Granite Tactical Vehicles has changed its focus to help in the fight against COVID-19 by designing and building a “no contact” portable COVID-19 testing booth. The booths, designed to limit exposure and reduce stress of healthcare providers, are available for sale or rental.

• Skydio Inc. announced the Skydio Emergency Response Program (ERP), which will donate dozens of newly released Skydio 2 drones and associated equipment to public safety agencies across the country. Skydio’s in-house experts will also provide training and support at no cost. Skydio also announced that it has facilitated the delivery of more than one million pieces of PPE that was sourced and secured by Frontline Support to healthcare workers responding to the COVID-19 crisis.

• Incident Wildland, a maker of custom-made wildland firefighter garments, is making Nomex and Kevlar face masks for firefighters and wildland firefighters. The fire-resistant masks are made with NFPA 1977 compliant materials. Incident Wildland also has cotton masks available for immediate purchase.

• LifeDoor, makers of a residential door closing system to protect occupants from heated smoke and toxic gases, has designed the LifeBox Aerosol Box, a simple yet effective barrier to protect those performing procedures that put them at a high risk of exposure such as endotracheal intubations. Open-source plans are available for download.

• Mattel has issued a #ThankYouHeroes collection for Fisher-Price that will benefit a fund for first responders on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. The Fisher-Price “Play It Forward” collection includes emergency medical technicians.

• The Hess Corporation’s toy division unveiled its first-ever ambulance toy to celebrate first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 Ambulance and Rescue set, Hess’ official Holiday Toy of the year, comes with Type I ambulance sporting 70 flashing lights and siren sound effects and includes a rescue pickup truck.

• The Essential Worker Bobbleheads, created by Kloanz Inc., feature firefighters, police officers, healthcare workers and other front-line workers. The bobbleheads have “Thank You” engraved on their platforms, depict each worker in uniform and PPE and can be sent as a gift with a personalized thank you note. Five dollars from each item sold will go toward the charity Direct Relief to purchase PPE for essential workers.

• PowerDMS, makers of a cloud-based policy, compliance and accreditation management solution, launched mobile push notifications to support organizations in their response to COVID-19. The new feature enables organizations to alert employees in a timely manner via the PowerDMS mobile application about new policies or updates requiring signatures or acknowledgment.

• Conterra, Inc., makers of EMS and rescue equipment for first responders, released instructions for a DIY fitted face mask made with at-home materials and a sewing machine. Conterra has been making and distributing masks and is making its mask pattern available on its website and shows the sewing process in this YouTube video.

• CloudHauz, a provider of disaster-resistant dwellings, has launched the company to mass-produce two types of dwellings needed for the COVID-19 crisis. The CloudHauz Mini is for homeless people currently sleeping on the streets and in unsafe encampments; and the CloudHauz Studio that comes as a trailer or can be a stand-alone dwelling or accessory dwelling unit.

• Ripclear, makers of advanced protective film for outdoor sports eyewear, announced the launch of its V2 Shield, designed to protect EMS, police and other front-line personnel battling the COVID-19 outbreak. The V2 Shield features 91% optical transparency and received medical device certification from the FDA, a certificate of compliance from the CE and a quality management system certificate from the ISO 9001.

• Protect the Line is a new collaboration of small businesses coming together to provide PPE to essential workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. The collaborative is 3D printing ventilator parts, face shields and face masks for sanitation workers, police officers and other essential personnel.

• Motorola Solutions, a global leader in mission-critical communications and analytics, has launched multiple offerings to support the pandemic response. Specifically, this includes: CommandCentral 9-1-1 Offsite Portfolio. This solution suite includes the ability for VESTA 9-1-1 or CallWorks CallStation emergency call handlers to work remotely for permanent backup positions, such as in mobile command centers, or as a backup to a primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) enabling on-scene call handling, such as for an emergency or a scheduled event. They may also be used at home or in temporary PSAP locations, allowing call takers to operate almost as if they are working in the primary PSAP. Motorola Solutions also offers VESTA CommandPOST, a unique, cost-effective mobile solution for emergency call centers in need of temporary call handling capabilities at remote locations. With the VESTA CommandPOST solution, telecommunicators simply move to a prearranged backup site—or any appropriate location—plug into power and network lines and begin answering calls as they would normally.

• NoSweat, producers of helmet, hat, and visor liners, has launched a liner for face shields worn by EMS providers. NoSweat face shield liners stick to the forehead band of any shield to wick away sweat, dirt and oil to prevent it from running down the worker’s face, also keeping the shield cleaner for a longer period of time. The thin liners also provide more padding for the forehead to prevent it from becoming sore or raw.

• ZVerse is introducing a new generation of protective face shields. ZShield Flex shields, made in the U.S., utilize an adjustable neck-mount instead of mounting to the head. The thin, clear visor can ratchet into a multitude of positions so the user can quickly adjust the angle.

• Armor Express, a manufacturer and distributor of high-performance protective solutions for law enforcement and first responders, announced it has allocated space in both its manufacturing facilities to produce PPE for those in need. Most recently, Armor Express has been supplying protective masks to many of its domestic law enforcement customers, first responders and some local businesses, upon request. If any member of the law enforcement or medical community is in need, please contact a local Armor Express representative.

• BriefCam, a provider of video content analytics solutions, announced new capabilities to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support the safe and responsible re-opening across the globe. New features available in v5.6.1 include Proximity Identification, for effective contact tracing and enforcing social distancing, Face Mask Detection, which provides the ability to search for people with or without a face mask as well as detect and alert on face mask violations in real-time, and Occupancy Controller which enables users to maintain building occupancy requirements by setting rules to count people as they enter and exit a premises across multiple cameras and entry and exit points.

• HMMC, the Healthcare Manufacturers Management Council, announced the launch of a COVID-19 Product Exchange site. Members of HMMC and non-member healthcare manufacturers can list their company contact info and the products they have to offer to address COVID-19 needs. Healthcare providers, government emergency management agencies and first responder organizations can then search for manufacturers who can supply them the products they may be looking for. Alternatively, healthcare providers, government agencies and first responder organizations can post their contact info and list the COVID-19 needs they have, in an effort to match supply and demand opportunities outside of established relationships.

• Guardia Medical has released its PPE Pack, which combines its most popular products in one box. One of the PPE Packs contains 3-layer masks, sanitizer and disposable gloves.

[Public safety agencies and local governments can select, assign and track coronavirus-related course completion progress at no cost with the Lexipol Learning & Policy Center’s full-service LMS.]

In-kind and monetary donations

• Bridger Aerospace, a Montana-based aerial firefighting company, has volunteered its aircraft, resources and services to help public health authorities and emergency services with the COVID-19 outbreak. Bridger Aerospace employees have assisted in adding 60 beds to a Bozeman hospital and are available to deliver blood drive services throughout Montana. Bridger Aerospace is also supporting its workforce by ensuring all employees’ wages, both salary and hourly, are paid in full.
• The GE Appliances GEA4HEROES program announced that a significant portion of the products it makes over the next two weeks at its nine manufacturing sites in the United States will be donated to those working on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.
• Gamber-Johnson, a leading supplier of rugged mounting systems for fleet and public safety vehicles and other mobility applications, has partnered with CREATE Portage County, a central Wisconsin not-for-profit, to create components for PPE, specifically face shields, that will be donated to area medical staff.
• Dinges Fire Company, a fire, EMS and rescue equipment business, is delivering 60+ hospital beds to an Illinois hospital and delivering bulk hand sanitizers made by Kennay Farms Distilling to fire departments, hospitals and nursing homes.
• Hilton Hotels and American Express are partnering with the NAEMT and other medical associations to provide one million free room nights for association members, including EMTs, paramedics, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
• Little Caesars will donate and deliver one million free pizzas to first responders and hospital workers nationwide, and give customers the option on the Little Caesars app to send a pizza to public safety and healthcare personnel in their local areas.

• Pocketalk is donating 600 units of its pocket translator device to qualifying medical facilities, first responders, testing sites and those in need of translation services. Units will be dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of three units per organization.

• Axon is sourcing and distributing hand sanitizer, blue surgical masks and powder-free latex gloves to all public safety agencies. An agency does do not need to be an Axon customer to receive the supplies. Axon will provide as many supplies to agencies as possible but may be constrained depending upon demand. In addition, Axon is partnering with the National Police Foundation to raise funds from the community to purchase masks, gloves and hand sanitizer. Axon will match up to $500,000 in community donations and 100% of funds will go directly towards helping reduce first responder exposure to COVID-19.

• Fusion Health, a provider of correctional healthcare IT solutions, has announced it will be donating 25,000 face shields to support healthcare professionals and other front-line correctional staff amid the COVID-19 global pandemic. Fusion Health is partnering with Hatteras, a family-owned commercial printing, manufacturing and fulfillment company, to produce and distribute the face shields to correctional facilities throughout the United States.

• BEDGEAR, a performance bedding company that has a focus on health and well-being, is donating 19% of all the brand’s Performance Pillow sales from to the BEDGEAR Foundation to support the foundation’s COVID-19 relief efforts. The foundation is distributing KN95 respirator masks to first responders based on Long Island, N.Y., and in South Carolina.

• ToughBuilt Industries, Inc., a company that designs, manufactures and distributes tools and accessories for the home improvement building and construction industries, donated 800 pairs of its ToughBuilt work gloves to Rescuing Families, Inc., which will distribute the gloves to New York City metro area first responders.

• Team Wendy, makers of tactical equipment for law enforcement, is making and donating 10,000 cloth masks to four Cleveland-area hospitals. Team Wendy’s professional sewing and production team are working with 1,100 yards of plain weave white cotton and 800 yards of twill weave green cotton, plus 93 rolls of shoelace material to make the masks.

• Motorola Solutions Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation have funded coffee and gloves for 450 Blue H.E.L.P. care packages. Each package contains a bag of Thin Blue Line coffee and two boxes of disposable exam gloves. Apply here for a Blue H.E.L.P. coffee run. Additionally, as part of its commitment to public safety and COVID-19 first responders, Motorola Solutions Foundation is supporting community partners who have implemented initiatives to expand their support for first responders and healthcare workers, including the following:

  • 9/11 Day partnered with Frontline Foods to provide meals to firefighters in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles in observance of International Firefighters Day.
  • American Cancer Society is using Hope Lodge Center’s across the United States to provide alternative housing for healthcare workers.
  • First Responders Children’s Foundation’s emergency response fund to provide support to the families of first responders in the U.S. who are currently enduring financial hardship.
  • YMCA of the USA which is offering child care for the children of first responders and healthcare workers.

• The North Carolina State Employees’ Credit Union announced that it has donated approximately 60,000 nitrile disposable gloves to North Carolina Emergency Management for distribution to front-line medical and other essential service providers.

• Red Roof has launched “Room in Your Heart: Opening Doors to First Responders,” as part of the brand’s giving program. Through May 31, Red Roof is donating a limited number of available rooms to first responders on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19. The program offers a place to sleep and stay in between shifts at participating properties across the country.

• Lenco Armored Vehicles, manufacturer of tactical armored security vehicles for law enforcement, fire and rescue and government entities, announced a donation of nearly $300,000 worth of personal protective equipment and other supplies to first responders, including sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and spray, respirators, masks, eyewear, gloves, protective clothing and power air respirator supplies. The donations were made to police and fire departments in and near Pittsfield, Mass.

• Master Lock has committed to donating another 1,000 Bluetooth Lock Boxes to its initial donation of up to 1,000 to help police forces, fire departments or ambulance service providers safeguard their critical personal protective equipment and important supplies and assets amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Request a free Portable Lock Box (5440ENT) or Wall Mounted Lock Box (5441ENT) by completing the designated submission form.

• Keter North America Inc. announced it has begun production of high-quality, reusable face shields for frontline healthcare workers. The shields will be donated to hundreds of long-term care facilities, hospitals and fire stations across the United States and Ontario to help address the urgent need for PPE. Keter’s medical product division, AP Medical, led a company-wide effort to develop a durable face shield.

• PatrolWitness, a designer-manufacturer of video and GPS-based solutions for law enforcement, is using its engineering and manufacturing capabilities to make and donate face shields to law enforcement, first responders and other healthcare providers. 247 Security, parent company of PatrolWitness, is also making available the design plans for other manufacturers to use.

• NYC Healthcare Heroes, a philanthropic program to support NYC healthcare professionals on the front lines, is expanding its program to deliver thousands of bags of food and supplies to over 5,000 EMS and disaster services workers. Since its launch, NYC Healthcare Heroes has delivered nearly 125,000 packages of shelf-stable food, household cleaning and personal care products. Delivery of these bags of food and household goods alleviates the burden of having to shop and gives thanks to these critical care providers.

• Better Place Forests, the company that built America’s first conservation memorial forests, announced support of the nation’s fallen frontline heroes in the COVID-19 pandemic by offering up to $1 million worth of protected memorial trees. The company is giving memorial trees at no charge to frontline workers who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice in the battle against COVID-19 this year.

• The National Sheriffs’ Association has partnered with the Motorola Solutions Foundation, SwabTek and UPS to provide 200,000 protective face masks to sheriffs’ offices across the nation at no cost. This contribution is fully funded by a donation to the NSA Educational Foundation from the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions. The face mask has been designed by the innovation team at Under Armour for use by healthcare and community organizations and offers a lightweight, breathable shield. SwabTek, a nationwide provider of protective gear for law enforcement and first responders, is handling orders from the sheriffs and managing distribution.

• AirBoss of America Corp. donated five negative-pressure individual patient isolation and transportation systems, known as ISO-PODs, to the Toronto Paramedic Services. “If required, these ISO-POD units can be utilized to transport patients infected with any highly contagious disease, including COVID-19, in total isolation while ensuring the safety of our paramedics and other frontline healthcare workers,” Toronto Paramedic Services Chief Gord McEachen said.

• 5.11, Inc., announced it has expanded its Everyday Hero program to recognize individuals who go above and beyond within their communities by adding a charitable component in light of the events surrounding the global COVID-19 pandemic. 5.11 has produced a limited-edition Everyday Hero T-shirt that will be sold with 100% net proceeds being donated to charities within the first responder community. Additionally, for each Everyday Hero T-shirt purchased, 5.11 will donate a KN-95 mask to a New York City first responder.

• The All Clear Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to first responders, has received more than $815,000 in cash donations from Founder Sport Group, a manufacturer of performance sports uniforms and fanwear. Founder Sport Group partnered with All Clear Foundation to direct net proceeds from its Badger Sportswear Performance Activity Masks to first responders. The early donations enabled All Clear Foundation to make its peer-to-peer chat app, ResponderRel8, subscription-free and expand outreach for its free personal health and wellness tool, YOU:ResponderStrong.

• The Frontline Impact Project matches first responders with donated products and services. The platform aims to meet the most pressing needs by centralizing supply and demand and matching corporate donors with qualified frontline communities. To date, FIP has generated 425 matches across 40 states and, together with its inaugural partner KIND, donated more than 2.5 million products.

• The Burgess Brothers and Breathe Medical Manufacturing (BMM) are joining forces to increase and provide quality PPE mask production to further accelerate their COVID-19 response. The Burgess Brothers, twin brothers who are a firefighter and a police officer, are a Black-owned business and passionate diversity mentors, and Breathe Medical specializes in producing surgical masks and N95 respirators for medical use, manufacturing facilities, food processing plants, chemical factories and everyday use for the general population. The Burgess Brothers and BMM are donating 6,000 masks to seven schools in Johannesburg, South Africa through the Committee for South African Solidarity.

Discounts for departments, personnel and their families

• Axon, in the interest of public health, it is providing global access to the full feature set of Axon Citizen, at no cost this year, to every agency that is not currently using the digital evidence platform. Police officers can gather digital evidence from the community by sending a personalized link via text message or email from Axon’s digital evidence management platform, Axon Evidence, or the Axon Capture mobile app. This eliminates the need for in-person interaction and helps to minimize officer exposure to COVID-19.
• DJI, to support public safety operations in combatting COVID-19, activated its Disaster Relief Program. The program mobilizes the resources of DJI and its network to equip qualified police, fire and rescue services across the United States with equipment and support through product donations, extended loan programs, priority service and expedited repairs and product training.
• MODULO, a FirstNet-certified push-to-talk smartphone app is currently available for free use to assist medical and other in-field staff serving in temporary hospitals for COVID-19 patients. The MODULO app can be installed on a smartphone and can be used on the FirstNet LTE network, eliminating the need to purchase handheld radios.

• Beekeeper, a communications app for frontline workers, helps managers reach their employees with consistent and accurate information fast. Beekeeper now offers a free Crisis-Ready Kit that gives organizations 30 days of no-cost access to the Beekeeper platform in order to help them to communicate with their employees and navigate the current COVID-19 crisis.

• The Redivus Code Blue app, which provides clinical guidance and documentation for cardiac arrest patient care, is available for no charge through July 1, 2020, to any individual or organization in the healthcare profession. Use the code SAVELIVES to start using Code Blue.

• Taylor and Francis, an academic publisher, is offering free access to all relevant COVID-19 research articles, book chapters and information in support of the global efforts in diagnosis, treatment, prevention and future research.

• Starbucks is offering free coffee for all frontline workers during the pandemic, and has also donated $500,000 to two charity organizations supporting first responders and healthcare workers.

• TextBehind, an inmate mail management company, is offering mail management software and services to correctional facilities nationwide in response to the COVID-19 crisis at no cost.

• National University is offering support to public safety professionals, their colleagues and their dependents with three months of free online classes to any California college student impacted by COVID-19.

• CrimeCenter Software, a provider of cloud-based, CJIS-compliant, police case management tools, is making its Citizen Portal reporting platform free to help law enforcement agencies improve officer safety and work remotely to combat the spread of COVID-19. Citizens can report on an expanded list of crimes and other incidents through the online platform, minimizing in-person interactions while maximizing information sharing.

• Anyline, a provider of smartphone-based scanning technology, will offer its solutions for free to emergency, security and logistics services to combat the spread of COVID-19. The technology enables healthcare providers to record patient information in seconds by scanning identification details and gives security forces the ability to check passports, IDs, driver’s licenses and vehicle license plates.

• Zello, a push-to-talk voice messaging service, announced that its enterprise-grade solution is now available at no cost to first responders. The Zello for First Responder program includes location history, facilitated by Google Maps, a searchable centralized archive of all communication, a dispatch communication solution and the ability to send photos and messages to groups of up to 8,000 users.

• Apex Mobile, is giving all public safety agencies a free Apex Mobile COVID-19 app dashboard that is designed to help public safety officials inform their communities informed on COVID-19. The dashboard features links to up-to-date information, the ability to send COVID-19 alerts and local closing notifications.

• Nearmap is making its high-resolution aerial imaging available free of charge to state, local and county health officials and government agencies for COVID-19 relief effort planning. The detailed images can be used to plan emergency response mobilization centers, determine proximity to medical clinics and hospitals, and provide visibility of the site for planning parking, line logistics and more.

• MP Cloud Technologies is offering its EMS billing software, AdvanceDispatch and AdvanceClaim, as a work remote solution for continuing to process EMS ePCR claims. During the pandemic, MP Cloud CARE program will waive implementation fees and offer flexible payment terms.

• CrewCare, a free mobile app originally designed for first responders, is now available for additional healthcare workers, such as physicians and nurses. The free download from the Apple App Store and Google Play is from ImageTrend, Inc., and has been enhanced with COVID-19-related questions to capture the stressors that healthcare workers and first responders have been dealing with since the outbreak.

• Owner Insite is offering its construction and asset management platforms for free to any organization on the front lines of fighting COVID-19. These platforms can be used to helps organizations manage construction projects and manage all aspects of an asset, including receiving, disseminating and tracking product requests and various status updates.

• Cigna and Humana are waiving costs for testing, deploying data and technology to coordinate care with doctors and hospitals, speeding the move of non-COVID-19 hospital patients to alternative care locations, and utilizing our own doctors, nurses and care managers to open new pathways to care.

• Rajant Corporation has made its private wireless network for mobile field hospitals and pop-up, health treatment shelters immediately available. Rajant is sharing six Emergency Response Rapid Deployment Kits with the U.S. government so Washington D.C. leadership can send Rajant’s technology and support teams to where it deems most necessary.

• CRIMEWATCH, a two-way communication platform between police and residents, is free for police departments and citizens submitting a report. Several communities have recently implemented CRIMEWATCH in response to the COVID-19 outbreak to reduce face-to-face non-emergency interactions for reporting non-emergency/not in-progress crimes.

• Securus Technologies is working with corrections facilities to support incarcerated individuals with low-cost and free communications services during the COVID-19 outbreak. As correctional facilities adjust protocols to keep facility staff and the incarcerated safe, Securus will support their effort by providing nearly 2 million free phone calls, 2 million free video connections and 2.5 million free JPay Stamps.

• ECCO is waiving all drop-ship and handling fees for its distributors during April. ECCO develops, engineers and manufactures a complete line of commercial vehicle lighting and safety solutions designed to enhance worker and public safety.

• Costco is temporarily allowing priority access to its warehouses during all open hours for Costco members who are first responders, such as police officers, EMTs and firefighters. First responders who present a Costco membership card and official identification of their role will be allowed to move to the front of any line to enter the warehouse.

• HxGN Content Program is making its aerial imagery library of the United States and Europe freely available to government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The orthorectified high-resolution aerial imagery can be used to make maps, spatial data products and geo-information to assess the spread of the virus, visualize the scope of affected areas, plan coordination efforts and improve responses.

• Leica Geosystems Public Safety Group is offering emergency work-from-home software licenses, free virtual support sessions and free access to online training on laser scanning software and scanners to help public safety professionals maximize efficiency, productivity and safety during the pandemic.

• Cool Audrey, a consulting company that helps incorporate mindfulness into company culture, has introduced a free meditation series for healthcare workers and first responders. Cole Baker-Bagwell, founder and kindness director, put together two meditations, one to be done before a shift, and one after. The meditations are short and easily streamed from a phone or computer.

• The North Face is giving a 50% discount to first responders in the United States as a show of gratitude for their work in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The discount, available from April 14, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2020, can be used for the purchase of non-sale items on thenorthface.com and at The North Face-owned retail stores in the United States.

• MassMutual announced up to $25,000 in free life insurance at no cost to hospital workers, those in urgent-care clinics and paramedics who work or live in Massachusetts or Connecticut and are at risk of exposure to coronavirus infection.

• The All Clear Foundation’s ResponderRel8, a peer-to-peer app for first responders, is currently available subscription-free. ResponderRel8 enables first responders to connect, commiserate and celebrate anonymously (if they choose) – without fear, stigma or politics getting in the way.

• CentralSquare Technologies is rolling out complimentary use of select software solutions to its 5,000+ public safety customers across the United States in support of national emergency response around the COVID-19 pandemic. The complimentary key software applications – Citizen Reporting, Field Ops and Freedom and Digital Evidence Management System – help reduce person-to-person interactions, enable agencies to share resources more easily and allow personnel to work from remote and offsite locations.

• McDonald’s is offering free daily “Thank You Meals” for first responders and healthcare personnel from April 22 to May 5. Eligible workers can show their badge and choose from three meal options that include a drink and side. Meal options differ between breakfast and lunch or dinner.

• Melissa, a provider of global address, name, email, phone and identity verification solutions, announced its offer of data enhancement solutions free of charge to qualifying emergency first response providers. The Melissa address verification tools enable emergency services to pinpoint the location for the delivery of services. This limited-time offer is valid for six months (up to 100,000 records per month) to qualifying organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Relias is offering free, unlimited access to COVID-19-relevant resources and online training courses to help healthcare professionals and individuals prepare, control and prevent the spread of infection.

• Silynx Communications, Inc. is offering five pairs of foam tips at no charge to their existing law enforcement headset customers during the COVID-19 crisis. Customers can contact their sales representative or call 571-748-7152 then press option 3 to provide their size and shipping information.

• H&R Block is thanking emergency responders with free tax preparation through the month of June. H&R Block is offering Tax Pro Go – an expert-prepared virtual tax service – free to all police, firefighters and EMS providers. Visit www.hrblock.com/frontline and click the banner or any price to get started.

• uBreakiFix has teamed up with Google to offer free Pixel smartphone repairs to first responders in the United States, including police officers, EMTs and firefighters. An emergency responder or healthcare professional with a Google Pixel smartphone can present their ID badge at any of uBreakiFix’s more than 500 participating U.S. locations to receive one free repair, regardless of the device model or type of damage. Common repairs include screen damage, charging port issues, battery replacements, camera issues, speaker issues and even liquid damage in some cases.

• The Illinois Lottery is thanking first responders who are protecting Illinoisans during the global health pandemic. From May 5 to May 31, EMS providers, firefighters and police officers will receive a free coffee or $1 off a pastry at participating Illinois Lottery retailers when they show their badge or ID.

• Academy Sports + Outdoors is offering 10% off to first responders serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic from May 4 through May 25, in-store and online.

• Motorola Solutions is offering agencies a free, 6-month trial of CommandCentral’s digital evidence capture and management software to help law enforcement officers to streamline investigations while minimizing physical contact whenever possible. Digital evidence collection reduces contact with the public and provides a secure, simple case-specific method of transferring digital media from public sources to their agency.

• Talk to Me Post Tour (TTMPT.org), a mental health network for police officers, announced that its Post Tour Processing program is expanding its services to include all first responders with a focus on those combatting COVID-19. The non-profit was formed by veterans of the NYPD to address the need for an anonymous, peer-facilitated mental health forum allowing police officers the ability to seek support and education as well as issue identification and, when appropriate, referrals.

• Cloudbakers, a certified Google Cloud Premier Partner of cloud migration and adoption solutions, is offering Google Meet for free thru September 30, 2020. After the free period, users have the choice to enable a regular subscription or simply cancel it with no incurred charges. Google Meet includes video conferencing, chat, file storage and collaboration with Google Drive for up to 250 meeting participants or 100,000 livestream viewers. Meetings can be recorded to Drive, along with the access to Docs, Sheets and Slides.

• T-Mobile has announced the “Connecting Heroes” program which will provide free 5G access to public and nonprofit first responder agencies for 10 years. Public and nonprofit state and local fire, EMS and police departments are eligible.

If your company is supporting the frontline public safety response to COVID-19, you are welcome to contact the Lexipol digital media team to share how you are assisting and supporting EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, police officers and corrections officers.